Blood Rites
Page 54

 Quinn Loftis

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"What are you talking about, Sally?" Jen asked and there was actually worry etched across her face.
"Sally, maybe this isn't the best time," Decebel started but was quickly cut off by Jen.
"This doesn't concern you, Cujo," she snapped.
Decebel growled.
"Actually, it kind of does concern him since he was the object of your affection during your little performance."
Jen's face was beginning to turn a shade of red that Sally swore she'd never seen on her best friend, ever. She decided maybe Decebel was right and that she needed to save this ammunition for another time. "Jen, let's just call a truce, okay?"
"Fine, I'll let it go. For now," Jen relented.
Sally let out a deep breath, thankful to dodge that bullet.
Several hours later, they were all walking into Lilly Pierce's house, each looking thoroughly defeated.
"I can't believe how long it takes to get discharged from the hospital. I was beginning to think that at any moment they were going to tell each of you that you had to cough up a kidney before they would let me leave. I mean, seriously," Jen complained.
Everyone automatically made their way to the living room, all taking seats wherever they landed. Lilly looked at Vasile. "What now? I just feel like we should be doing something."
Vasile acknowledged Lilly's comment with a nod and then turned to the Denver pack Alpha. "Dillon, at this point is it safe to say that there is a possibility that your Beta is involved?"
"As much as I don't want that to be the case, the fact that he disappeared at the same time as Jacque and won't answer my calls is not boding well for his innocence," Dillon admitted.
"What about Dr. Steele?" Fane's voice was no longer his own as his wolf pushed for dominance.
"I think it's time to pay the Coldspring pack a visit and see if they know anything." Vasile looked at Fane, understanding filled his eyes. "Dillon, Decebel, and Fane will go with me to meet with them. I'll call the Alpha and arrange it. Skender, Boain and Sorin, you will stay here."
Fane watched his father step out of the room to make the call to the Coldspring Alpha. For what felt like the thousandth time he reached out to Jacquelyn and still there was nothing. He felt like his skin was too tight, and that at any moment his wolf was going to take over. He knew he could keep his wolf under control if he could just do something, take some sort of action to find their mate. This sitting and waiting the wolf didn't understand. He wanted to hunt the one who would dare to take what belonged to them. Vasile came back into the room, bringing Fane back to the present.
"We will meet them in twenty minutes at their pack head quarters," Vasile announced.
Alina met Vasile at the door as the wolves began to file out. "Please be careful."
"I will, Mina. I will also do whatever I need to get any information that will help us find Jacque."
"I would expect nothing less,Alpha." She leaned into his embrace and found comfort in his strength.
Jen and Sally stood at the door, watching as the men piled into Vasile's SUV. Jen was startled when Decebel appeared at her side, she didn't realize he hadn't left the house yet. As he passed her he paused briefly and leaned close to her ear, "We have much to discuss about your little escapade, Jennifer."
Jen's jaw dropped open but she quickly caught herself and shouted after him, "A lady never kisses and tells, Decebel."
That earned her a glare from him and a high five from Sally. "Nice one, Jen."
"I know, right?" Jen winked at Decebel as he continued to glare at her while getting into the vehicle.
"Sally, please tell me I didn't say the things I'm beginning to remember saying to him when I was tipsy."
"Okay, you didn't say those things," Sally obliged.
"I said them and I walked out of the bathroom naked in front of him, didn't I?" Jen's face was full of the mortification that she knew would be even worse when she had to face Decebel again.
"Butt freaking naked," Sally confirmed.
"Shit."
"I would say you're in deep," Sally agreed.
As Vasile pulled out of the driveway, Jen and Sally turned, closing the door behind them and Jen pointed a finger at Sorin. "Sorin! Where have you been, my man?"
"I've been around. You might say I've been working behind the scenes."
"Oooh, covert ops, sweet." Sally rolled her eyes at her best friend. Jen never could stay down for long.
Vasile pulled into the driveway of the Coldspring pack's head quarters. He had explained on the way that he would be the one to ask the questions and he wanted everyone else to remain silent. Well, his exact words were 'keep your damn muzzles shut', but who's being technical. They all exited the SUV and followed Vasile to the door. It opened before they could knock and Vasile recognized the wolf as the new Alpha he had appointed after Fane had won the challenge between him and their former Alpha.
"Vasile, I invite you and yours to come in. Be welcome." The Coldspring Alpha's words were a formal greeting that promised Vasile's pack's safety while in their territory.
"Jeff Stone, Alpha of the Coldspring pack, we accept your invitation and acknowledge your promise of peace, matching it with our own," Vasile responded just as formally.
Jeff stepped aside to allow the wolves to enter, then shut the door behind them. Vasile noted the sparseness of decoration and the lack of warmth that he had grown accustomed to in his own pack headquarters. They followed as Jeff led them down a hall. No pictures adorned the walls, which where a pale gray in color. He opened a door and ushered them into a room that appeared to be a meeting place. There were two couches arranged across from one another and several wing back chairs set on either side of the couches, forming a circle.