Page 3 of Mysterious Mate

Cage listened intently as Colby outlined the threats: Willow's husband, a dangerous figure with ties to the underworld, had put out a contract on her life. She’d managed to get her hands on information damaging to Carlyle’s operations as well as the Shadow League. In order to protect their interest, the League was now looking for her, as well.

Colby’s priority was to keep her safe and prevent her from inadvertently exposing the world of shifters and the Resistance’s activities to the world at large. Brie’s goal, as was always the goal of the Shadow Sisters, was to keep a female, who had been thrust into a situation not of her making, safe.

"One of my people has made contact. Willow managed to get herself and the information away from La Faucheuse. One of my people picked her up and got her to a safe location, but she does not feel they are safe there for long. The League knows we have a safehouse in the area and they have operatives embedded to keep watch.”

“We need you to take her to a secure location," said Colby, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he pulled up satellite images of potential hideouts. "Somewhere remote, off the grid. Keep her hidden until we can neutralize the threat."

“What about Windsong? Or here?”

“Like La Faucheuse, Willow Carlyle is human. I’m not sure a stronghold filled with shifters just living their everyday lives is the best environment for her.”

Brie nodded. “She knows about the League, or least she’s seen one of them shift. Mercy says Willow Carlyle is a lot brighter than either Frank Carlyle or the League know. She worries she’s putting two and two together…”

“And not coming up with three,” interjected Cage. “So, you need some place where there are more humans than shifters.”

Colby nodded. “Or at least those who are used to hiding the duality of their natures.”

Cage absorbed the information, his mind racing with the implications. He knew the gravity of the task ahead—protecting Willow meant more than just physical safety; it meant safeguarding the Resistance's plans and identities from falling into the wrong hands.

“Where’d you have in mind?”

“Castello della Guardia on Isola del Rifugio.”

“That sounds hot,” groaned Cage, who greatly preferred colder climates.

Colby chuckled. His voice took on the tone of a salesman. “I’m afraid so. Isola del Rifugio is a small, secluded island that I own through a series of holding companies. It’s nestled in the lovely and temperate azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll love it.”

“We both know I’ll hate it.”

“It might not be your bear’s favorite climate, but the Ranger in you will like that the castle itself isn’t easily accessible and is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery that give way to pristine, sandy beaches. The island is a sanctuary of sorts, and we use it as a staging area for many of our operations in that neck of the woods.”

“It’s not as bad as the Middle East,” offered Brie. “The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.”

“Need I remind you winter is a long way off? What about the stronghold itself?”

“Castello della Guardia is the reason I bought the island. It’s built in the medieval style and is a stunning blend of history and grandeur. It features tall, imposing stone walls with crenellated battlements and towers. The stonework is a mix of rugged, windswept grey and weathered brown, giving it an ancient, timeworn appearance.”

Cage looked at Colby with a furrowed brow. “‘A rugged, windswept grey and weathered brown, giving it an ancient, timeworn appearance?’ What, are you planning your next career as a vacation planner?”

“No, host of a wildly successful design show on HGTV.”

In spite of wanting to punch Colby, Cage couldn’t quite keep from laughing at him, which Cage was sure was the reaction Colby had wanted all along.

“My point was, it’s big, and it’s a stronghold that has withstood sieges and world wars. You’ll have some of our best units there planning, training, and staging various operations. As usual, you’ll be able to handpick your team. It has all the arms and munitions you could want, and you’ll be in charge of Willow Carlyle. Your only job is to keep her alive.”

"What about her?" Cage asked, his voice low but firm. "Have you met her? She’s been Carlyle’s arm candy and pampered princess for years. Why has she stayed silent until now? What’s her end game…”

“Right now, her end game is staying alive,” said Brie.

Colby nodded. “Brie’s right, but I would point out she has a connection to O’Neill’s clan, and she chose to bring out valuable information.”

“What if she won’t go quietly?”

“I don’t think she’s what you think she is,” said Brie protectively.

“It doesn’t really matter," Colby interrupted, his gaze unwavering. "You’re going in undercover. In fact, most everyone there—other than your own team—is going to think you’re just the new majordomo. She has to trust you. You're the best chance we have to keep her safe until we can act on the information she’s given us."

“She’s already given you the information?”

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