Page 15 of Elusive Mate

“It’s a bit early for that, don’t you think?” asked Zaiden softly.

“What is it the song says? It’s five o’clock somewhere.”

“What now?” asked Zaiden.

“I want you to run a check for veterinary licenses approved since Zenya graduated. Look for Zenya or an initial Z for the first or middle name. I know it’s a family name, and it is meaningful for her.”

“Only those from UC Davis?”

Lucian shook his head. “No. I rather imagine the Shadow Sisters are able to get her a phony degree. When you look at licensing, it can get trickier. Some of those state agencies can be a major pain.”

“This could take a while…”

“We have a little less than a month. I will have her, Zaiden, and neither the Shadow Sisters nor Colby Reynolds will deny me that.”

“Yes, alpha.”

Ten days later, Zaiden joined Lucian as the latter worked on questions he had about the business plan for their craft beer. He looked up as Zaiden entered.

“You have something?” Lucian asked, pushing the business plan away.

Zaiden picked it up. “What do you think?”

Lucian grinned, indulgently. “I think they need to dream bigger. Now what do you have?”

“It took a lot of digging, and I mean a lot of it, but I think we’ve found her. She’s in Manteo, North Carolina.”

“Where the hell is Manteo?”

“It’s a small town on one of the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, commonly known as the Outer Banks.”

“You’re sure?”

“As sure as we can be. We tracked her down and got hold of some of their CCTV footage…”

“They have CCTV cameras?”

“After a fashion, but it really doesn’t matter. That software you had us get for identifying someone by their gait? We got a hit. When we started digging, we started finding little cracks. I told our tech guys to stop. I didn’t want her contact in the Shadow Sisters to get wind of it.”

“Good man. I’ll leave for this Manteo within the hour. Have the plane readied.”

“How many of us do you want with you?”

“Zero. If I need backup, I’ll have the pilot. I need you to stay here and look after the clan. I fear in my obsession to return your sister to us, I have let things slide. Don’t think I haven’t realized all you and the others have done to help me and to keep the clan safe.”

“It was our pleasure to be of assistance.”

“Maybe so, but you all have my gratitude and my pledge to do better by all of you once I know Zenya is safe and back here at Ice Storm.”

It took Lucian no time at all to pack his old Navy SEAL duffle and head to the plane. He jogged up the stairs, tossed his bag onto one of the couches, and then sat down.

“I have Manteo, North Carolina plugged into the navigation. We’re about eight hours out, but it looks to be smooth sailing. We’ve plenty of food and drink on board.”

“Thank you, Charlie. Make sure you put the plane on autopilot when you can to ensure you have time to eat and hydrate. I am trained and licensed to fly the plane myself so if you need a break, let me know.”

The somewhat shocked look on Charlie’s face reminded Lucian he needed to do better by his people, as he did his mate.

Charlie flew the plane with sure handling. They encountered no turbulence, and he made use of a strong tailwind, allowing them to land within about seven hours of takeoff.

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