The rich scent of coffee draws me down the hallway to the cafeteria of Riley’s Sanctuary for the second time tonight. My steps drag. It’ll be hours before I can crawl into a bed. I desperately need this caffeine boost.
Besides, maybe this time, I might be able to enjoy my cup without tension locking my muscles. For the moment, I have no immediate reason to be stressed. Ilan is just down the hallway in Daegan’s room, Ezra is resting comfortably, and Mira just texted me with an update on Soren. Everyone is safe. Tonight, at least.
The echo of the conversation with Jarah and Ilan lingers in my mind, a stark reminder that danger—death—still looms over my family. And that’s what Ilan, Soren, and the other shifters I’ve met are to me. Family. I care deeply for them. And maybe, if the situation called for it, I’d kill for them.
The realization of how far I’d go would’ve been inconceivable a few weeks ago, but I want the people I love happy and safe. Whatever that requires. Before Ilan came into my life, that involved dropping everything on a dime when Mya needed a babysitter, no matter the conditions outside or when Josh needed someone to fill in at work at the last minute. Now, though?
I cast a glance over my shoulder at Ezra’s room. He’s in there fighting the effects of whatever drug has been used on him because of me. He would’ve died trying to protect me and Soren.
How could I not do the same?
Standing a little taller, stronger with my rationalization, I step through the door separating the restricted area of the basement from the cafeteria. The gurgles of a brewing pot put a smile on my face. I quicken my pace and turn into the cafeteria, then stop dead in my tracks.
Nolan raises his head from where he’s staring at his phone. A small smile graces his lips. It’s the friendly kind, but the memory of his cool tone while talking about Daegan is too fresh in my mind.
I meet Nolan’s gaze, letting the shock of seeing him here show on my face. “I thought you left.”
“I did. Well, I made it to the parking lot before I felt Daegan trying to reach out to me. So I returned. But Daegan has visitors now. I have to wait my turn.”
“Yes, Ilan’s in with him.”
“I assumed, and likely you’re waiting for Ilan.” Nolan stands and pulls out a chair at his table, the same table I sat at not long ago. My coffee cup from before is gone. Someone must’ve cleaned up after me. I’d gotten distracted. Ilan has that effect on me.
“Yes, I am.” And at this point, I don’t care if we leave the hospital or take Dr. Kagan up on her offer and crash in the small bedroom upstairs, a room Riley explained was for when her nurses worked double shifts.
Nolan motions to the vacant seat across from him. “Let me offer up a seat this time, and we can wait together.”
“Thank you, but I wasn’t planning on sitting. I was going to grab a cup, then head back to the hospital rooms.” The lie sits heavy on my tongue. An access code is needed to enter the restricted hallway from this side of the door, and I wasn’t given a code.
“Drinks aren’t allowed out of this room.” Nolan points to the sign on the wall next to the door that states the same thing.
I glance at the sign as if it’s the first time I saw it. “Oh, that’s a shame.”
“Guess you’ll have to join me.” Nolan makes his way to the coffeepot, where creamer and cups are stacked neatly next to it. He sets two white ceramic mugs on the surface, grabs the full pot, then turns to me. “How do you take it?”
The debate plays out in my head. I really don’t want to talk to this man, but the opportunity to learn more about the attack on Daegan is too good to pass up. Ilan might need the information I can get.
“Black, please.” I follow Nolan’s movements as he pours the cups, then take the seat he pointed to moments ago once he puts the mugs in the middle of the table.
“I’m grateful to be graced with your company a second time tonight.” Nolan settles his large frame on the small chair. “My social media feed wasn’t keeping my attention at all. Nobody ever posts anything. All I see are ads. I really need to join some groups or start reading again.”
“Not many friends on your list?”
Nolan shakes his head. “My pride mates are old. They don’t bother with social media. I only joined to appease my mate. She wanted to tag me in pictures and stuff. She did all the time too.” He stares at the steaming mugs between us but doesn’t reach for one. He doesn’t smile either. His features turn stony. “Every now and then, a memory will pop up, reminding me of all those times we shared.”
“Did the two of you separate?” I’m not even sure if that’s possible. The way Ilan described the bond we’d soon share, it sounded very permanent.
Nolan spins his phone ninety degrees, then caresses the edge as if considering if he wants to turn it on. “She was kidnapped, a prisoner of the war on Royals. I haven’t seen her in several years.”
The empathy I feel for others rears its head. I select one of the mugs and slide it closer to me, needing the warmth to chase away thoughts of never seeing those I love again. With the situation facing Ilan, those thoughts are too close. I have no desire to breathe life into them and make them grow. “I’m very sorry. Do you have any leads on her?”
Nolan shakes his head but doesn’t speak.
The awkward silence grows. So does my desire to fill it. “What war on Royals are you referring to?”
“You know about the shifter world?”
The question invites me to disclose more than I’m comfortable divulging. I don’t know what I’m supposed to know and what Ilan’s told me because I’m his true mate. I lift the coffee mug to my lips and inhale the scent of heaven to hide my hesitation. Finally, I take a sip, then glance at Nolan. “I’m a part of it.”
He nods as if he expected the answer. “I’m referring to the exploitation of our gifts from the heavens. You see, Royals are stronger than singles, and once our immortality kicks in, we’re even more valuable.”
“How so?”
Nolan shrugs. “Many ways. Fighting, manual labor, our healing blood, stamina, the sex slave who won’t die no matter what you do to him or her. Some Royals are even being forced to extend their immortality to the singles.”
Like Ilan’s alpha. “Have you talked to Shifter Affairs? Maybe they can help you.”
“I am a Shifter Affairs agent.” Nolan grins, but the smile is tight, forced. “I joined after my mate was kidnapped. I was desperate to get her back. She was pregnant at the time she was kidnapped. Their connections haven’t helped, unfortunately. At least in getting my family back. I’ve helped recover other females and kids, though.”
“I’m sure their loved ones are grateful.”
Nolan dips his head, then grabs the other cup, nearly sloshing liquid over the rim, and takes a gulp of the steaming coffee. He sets the mug down. “I told myself the same thing at first. It doesn’t help any longer. Nearly seven years have passed. My babies have grown up without me being a part of their lives. Before I know it, they’ll mature. Maybe they’ll be forced to take breeding partners then and pop out even more kids that’ll be abused and exploited. And my mate?” Nolan leans over the table. “I don’t even know if she’s still alive. I never soul-bonded to her. I thought we’d have plenty of time to take that step. We didn’t. Those who kidnapped her stole our future and the perfect little family we planned.”
“I’m sorry.” Those words mean so little to Nolan, but they’re all I have to give.
Nolan looks over my shoulder. “Which is why I wanted to make sure my pride mate followed through with his assignment and delivered the baby to Ilan. Knowing Daegan, I half expected him to keep the kid and raise him as an assassin. Of course, Ilan might do the same, but at least the kid will be with his pack. Don’t you agree, Ilan? Family matters more than anything or anyone.”
I glance behind me to where Ilan is standing in the archway to the cafeteria. He doesn’t look at me. His guarded expression is on Nolan.
Ilan steps into the room. “Did everyone in your pride know about Brock’s baby?”
“I’m top dominant. My alpha leader told me.”
“Who else knew?” Ilan demands instead of answering Nolan’s question.
“Several members.” Nolan shrugs. “Maybe most. My pride isn’t that large.”
Ilan moves behind me and settles his hands on my shoulders. “One of them betrayed my pack. That’s the only explanation for the presence of the Krisban males who tried to take the baby. Maybe kill him. I don’t know what they’d planned, and they won’t be telling me their motives now.”
Nolan takes another sip of his coffee, avoiding my gaze and Ilan’s behind me. “They’re dead?”
Ilan’s grip firms, not painfully but almost as a reminder he’s there. “Unfortunately.”
“Unfortunately?” Nolan raises a brow.
“I would’ve rather they suffered more before they left this world, but I didn’t get the opportunity to torture them properly.” Ilan leans over me, his shirt brushing against the top of my head. “Maybe skin them or chop off their hands and feet. Of course, skinning them would’ve proved difficult even without their hands and feet. They’d still fight back.”
“True.” Nolan shakes his head. “Makes me wonder what happened to Daegan that he met that fate.”
“You were the first on the scene. What did you see? Anything that would’ve prevented Daegan from fighting back?” Ilan’s demand steals my breath. Had he directed that tone at me, I’d tell him everything, even if I didn’t know anything.
Nolan drains the rest of his coffee, then sets the mug carefully on the table. “I was to meet Daegan at a tattoo artist’s shop. The moment I pulled up, I smelled blood and tasted Daegan’s pain on my tongue. I think my arrival saved him. I sensed another shifter’s presence, but I chose to help Daegan instead of going after him. As for how Daegan got himself in that predicament, I can’t say. Hopefully, he’ll enlighten us once he wakes.”
“This other shifter?” Ilan lowers his voice. “Can you identify him by smell?”
“The scent of Daegan’s blood was overwhelming. My felines sensed bear, though. And they gauged him as being old. Very old. They had no desire to go after him. We don’t like Daegan enough to avenge him.”
“He’s your family.” I know I’m gaping at Nolan, but I can’t understand why he wouldn’t fight for Daegan, especially after his comment about family being important.
“And I saved his life.” Nolan crosses his arms over his chest. “Daegan’s an assassin. He can seek out his own revenge once he’s healed. I’m a Shifter Affairs agent now. Seeking retribution is frowned upon.”
“But isn’t that what you want for your mate and kids?” That was the impression I got, anyway.
“Yes, but I’d rather see them free than appease my need for vengeance. Shifter Affairs allows me access to contacts I’d never have made on my own. Some on the up-and-up, some not so legal.”
I could understand that too. “It’s a shame none of those contacts could give you any viable leads.”
With his gaze on the empty coffee mug, Nolan nods. “Yes, a tragic shame.”
“Where was this shop where you found Daegan?” Ilan changes the subject back to the situation affecting our family. I can’t blame him. This topic affects our future.
“Bear Claw. About an hour north of here, right on the other side of the Winchester pack lands.” Nolan drops his arms and leans forward. “But you won’t find anything there. I called in a cleanup crew. Shifter Affairs will have the details of what was found.”
“Then I’ll get them from Agent Montgomery.” Ilan steps to my side and takes my hand, drawing me to my feet. “And we’ll leave you to visit with Daegan.”
“If I hear anything, I’ll be in touch,” Nolan calls out as we step into the hallway.
“Thank you.” Ilan doesn’t look back at Nolan. He pushes the button on the elevator. “And as Sara said earlier, I’m sorry for your loss.”
Nolan doesn’t respond. I steal a glance at him as the elevator doors open. Anger doesn’t show on his face. Neither does regret or sadness. A glint of determination shows in his eyes. Several years might’ve passed, but Nolan hasn’t given up on his family. He’ll save them, even if it’s the last thing he does.
It must be a shifter trait. Ilan had the same look in his eyes when he vowed to eliminate the threats to his pack. I believe both men too. Nothing will stop them from protecting what’s theirs.