Page 25 of The Mating Quest
“We’re supposed to be working together. Stay here and we can get more done as a team,” Ethanordered.
Ilana put her hands on her hips. “I’m not part of your team, Powers. And you’ve made it clear you don’t like or trust me, so adios. I’m out of here. You’re better off working with her, another Lupine. You can both use your fabulous sense of smell to find thepelt.’
Something flickered in his gaze. Regret? Didn’t matter. With a sniff, she turned and began hiking it back to the forest and theATVs.
Teams were for Lupines and Others. Not her, the one everyone stared at as if she were something scraped off the bottom of theirshoes.
If they knew the truth about her dark powers, they wouldn’t stare,anyway.
They scream and run in the otherdirection.
Chapter 8
The daylong search proved unsuccessful, but Ethan felt encouraged because they had covered plenty of ground. He felt confident they would find the peltsoon.
Close to sunset, they called it quits and arranged to meet in the dining hall for dinner with Mitchell’s pack. All except Ilana. No one had seen her since she stormedoff.
Ethan was ready to return to the meadow and search for her. Jenny assured him Ilana was taking time for herself and perfectly safe. With her extraordinary senses and magick, the young Lupine was a good asset in the search. She’d said the same as Ilana – the pelt wasn’t anywhere near themeadow.
Even though Jenny said Ilana was fine, he still worried. The ranch was a large spread and he didn’t like her being out there alone. Lupines were unpredictable at times, and on a strangeranch…
For the fifth time, he tried to contact her again on the radio. Nothing but crackling static. He checked with the others on the team, but no one had seen her since early thismorning.
After showering and changing into a green polo shirt and khakis, for he wasn’t sure how the pack dressed for dinner, he headed downstairs. Aiden had given him a room in the mainlodge.
Close to Ilana’sroom.
He paused before her room and the closed door, inhaling the delicate scent stamped on the bedroom. So different. Lilacs andfury.
Rubbing his neck, he went downstairs to the living room. Aiden and Nia sat on the sofa before the fire, talking quietly. The alpha glanced up and Niasmiled.
He looked around, hoping Ilana had decided toreturn.
“Have you seen Ilana? She decided to strike out on her own and I haven’t seen her since early thismorning.”
The alpha and his mate exchanged glances. “I’m sure she’s fine,” Niaassured.
“That’s what Jenny said,” hemuttered.
“Jenny knows things. Dinner will be a little late, at least an hour. Aiden, why don’t you take Ethan on a tour of our ranch buildings while I get back to overseeingdinner?”
Aiden rose with lazy grace. “C’monEthan.”
When an alpha gave an invitation, it would rude to refuse, even though Ethan wanted to set out and look for Ilana. He followed Aiden outside to another lodge that lookednew.
“We finished building two additional lodges last year to accommodate the pack’s more vulnerable members – pregnant women, new mothers and those with young under the age oftwelve.”
Ethan was impressed. “Lots of work. No problems with those wishing moreprivacy?”
The alpha gave him a level look. “Not since someone in my pack orchestrated the kidnapping of one of Tristan and Niki’s twins three yearsago.”
Aiden shuffled his booted feet as Ethan waited for an explanation, his throat tight. Someone stealing away the child of the Silver Wizard, one of the most powerful beings onearth?
“It was my fault for not paying closer attention to the pack. I got sidetracked with the ranch and work. My responsibility.” Aiden’s jaw tightened. “We had a rogue member. He’s gone now.Vaporized.”
A push of air and sizzle of power. Tristan appeared at Aiden’s side, his hand on the alpha’s shoulder. “It was not your fault, Mitchell. Do not blame yourself. You are a fine leader and look after yourpeople.”
The wizard arched a dark brow. “Shall we show Ethan the results of your hard labor and dedication to keeping your people safe, as well as my children when wevisit?”
