Page 8 of Anders
Not yet,Anders said, already mapping out scenarios.If she’s truly unaware of her nature, a direct confrontation could be dangerous—for her and us.If she’s faking, we don’t want to show our hand too early.
Agreed,Malcolm said.For now, we watch and gather information.
Sounds good,Nick said.
Malcolm straightened, his alpha authority settling over him.Nick, Sarah, keep running the diner as normal.We don’t want to spook her.But document everything—any odd behaviors, any unusual reactions.Anders—
Already on it,Anders said, fingers flying across the keyboard as he expanded his search parameters.I’ll have the new cameras up by midday tomorrow.And I’m running deeper background checks on both her and SwiftStay Properties.
Good.Malcolm turned back to the phone.Thank you both for catching this.Keep us updated on any changes.
Let us know if we can help in any way,Sarah said.
Will do.After disconnecting the call, Malcolm stared at the map Anders had pulled up on one of his monitors, his finger tracing the short distance between the Martinez house and the Old Packhouse.This is a problem.
Three hundred yards,Anders confirmed, his voice clipped.Well within surveillance range of our primary security hub.
Too close,Malcolm muttered.If she’s some kind of infiltrator…
My thoughts exactly.Anders pulled up the property’s blueprints.The house has clear sight lines to both the training grounds and the pack library.
And this new security hub too, he thought, though he didn’t say the words aloud.
Malcolm straightened, running a hand through his hair.We need eyes on her.Not just cameras—direct observation.
Agreed.Anders was already standing.I’ll head over now.I need to check the security sensors in that sector anyway, plan placement for the new ones.
Be careful,Malcolm warned.If she really doesn’t have information about other shifters…
I know.Anders’s voice was grim.I’ll maintain distance, stick to the shadows.Standard recon protocols.
Malcolm nodded, then hesitated.When was the last time you shifted?
Anders paused.Three days ago.Maybe four.
You need the run,Malcolm said.Clear your head.Your wolf’s probably getting restless.
He wasn’t wrong.Anders could feel his wolf stirring beneath his skin, eager for release.He’d been so focused on setting up the command center, he’d neglected that basic need.
I’ll shift for the recon,he conceded.Better stealth capabilities in wolf form, anyway.
Malcolm’s lips twitched.Always the tactician.Never just admitting you miss running on four legs.
Tactical advantages are tactical advantages,Anders said dryly.I’ll report back in two hours.
Once outside, Anders moved swiftly through the shadows until he reached the tree line.Here, hidden from view, he efficiently stripped and secured his clothes in a hollow he’d previously prepared for just such occasions.
The shift rippled through him, smooth and natural after years of practice.His wolf surged forward eagerly, senses expanding as fur replaced skin, as his body realigned itself into its other natural form.
Anders shook out his coat, his wolf reveling in the freedom of this shape.The night air carried a thousand scents: sage and creosote bush, rabbit and deer, the lingering marks of pack members who’d passed this way earlier.
Focus, he reminded himself.This is reconnaissance, not a pleasure run.
Still, he couldn’t deny the joy that coursed through him as he loped through the desert night, his paws carrying him swiftly and silently toward his target.His wolf form moved with natural stealth, blending with the shadows as he approached the Martinez house.
Anders circled the property once, noting entry points and defensive vulnerabilities.The house sat on a slight rise, giving it excellent views of the surrounding area—including, he noted with renewed concern, the Old Packhouse.
Movement caught his eye.Through one of the front windows, he could see Etta Barone moving around her new bedroom.She was making her bed, her movements precise and efficient.Even through the glass, there was something compelling about her presence that drew his attention.
