Page 69 of Mated To My Boss

I push the door open slowly, watching for even the slightest hint of danger. There's no one here though, so I walk further into the store. “Madeline?”

Her scent is faint, just as the hunter’s was. If she was here before, she isn't anymore. I move toward the counter, seeing nothing out of line.

That's when I see it; a trail of blood leading down an aisle. Panic builds as I follow the crimson trail. It leads me to an area with two couches.

Hannah and Lucca sit on chairs with lifeless open eyes, each with a bullet wound in their chest. I touch their wrists but feel nothing but cold.

They’ve been murdered.

Chapter 26

MADELINE

There's something different about the hospital this evening. The air is cooler with markedly fewer people. There's a certain hum that puts me on edge. It's almost like I taste danger

I move through the hospital, noting a new person at the reception desk. I ignore them and walk to my aunt's room. I’m about to open Aunt Cora’s door when I hear a voice behind me.

“Madeline.”

I turn about face like a soldier. The alpha is behind me in a faded flannel shirt and dark jeans. His sleeves folded halfway up his arms, and he holds his hands behind him.

“Grant,” I acknowledge, my voice wavering slightly. My mind is a whirlwind of surprise and a touch of fear. I attempt to maintain eye contact but fail miserably.

“How are you?” he asks, moving forward. The aura surrounding him seems like a kind of protector. I'll never feel as safe as I do with Nate, but this is pretty close.

“I'm alright,” I reply. “Actually no, I'm not alright. I'm tired.”

The alpha leans against the wall. He folds his arms and nods for me to continue. “You look tired.”

“Yes. I'm sorry, I know my personal business doesn’t interest you, but there's been a lot going on lately.”

He nods, understanding. “That happens, I get it. You're here to see your aunt? You could use a break I assume.”

“Aunt Cora has been getting better, but it's still really slow, so I wanted to check on her before I left.”

Grant’s eyes narrow. “Where are you going?”

“I'm going into the woods not too far from here.”

“For how long?” His tone sounds like this could be a test. I feel on guard, but I answer his questions. They might reveal information about Aunt Cora’s condition.

“I don't know how long I’ll be gone; likely until I feel like myself again.”

“I'm asking because the full moon is approaching. Since you've joined our transformations, I figured you'd do the same this month.”

“I'd like to, but right now there's too much going on in my head. I don't want to feel …”

“Suffocated,” Grant supplies.

“Yes,” I reply, feeling guilty. I stare down, like I'm studying the floor.

“Okay.”

I look up at the alpha. “Okay?”

“Did you expect me to tell you not to go?” he smiles. “Of course you can turn, as long as you're safe. Will you be safe?”

“Yes, definitely! I already have a plan. My friend told me about this spot in the woods where she transforms. I'll be in that area, far from other people.”

---