Selene sighed. “A rogue werewolf pack may be looking for human females with the Stallo gene.”
Lev suppressed a growl. “Don’t worry. I’ll see to her safety.”
“Howard specifically doesn’t want her brought into our society unless he’s had a change of heart. You can’t tell her about our society, not unless she agrees to keep the secret and signs the contract.”
“I will keep her safe, that is all,” snapped Lev. His wolf’s need to protect could no longer be suppressed. He turned to leave.
Rylee growled. “I’m in charge.”
Lev met her eyes. “I work on contract basis.”
“This mission is Team Greywolf’s, not a rogue werewolf claiming a woman who has no idea about our kind.”
His wolf desired to challenge her. He had mutant strength, but even against numbers he could be taken. Great numbers. He could only help Rache
l, his first priority, if he wasn’t overrun by the entire team and confined in the enforcer’s prison. “Yes, ma’am.”
Rachel closed her suitcase and looked around. At least she’d only brought clothes and personal items. She’d miss Maggie’s place. Her bedroom had been perfectly furnished and appeared more like a bed and breakfast than a room share situation. The aroma of Jim’s cooking downstairs meant dinner would be ready soon. Looks and cooking skills. Lucky Maggie. Rachel sighed. Time to leave the newlyweds alone.
She stared at her empty laptop case. Who took her computer and had they figured out her password, Ebola survivor doc 123? A shiver grazed her spine. Only yesterday, Maggie had been knocked out. A strong police presence in the neighborhood appeared to have stopped Rachel’s would be stalker. If he really existed. Jim had his collection of hunting rifles and guns, just in case the police were too slow to respond.
Soon, they’d have nothing to worry about. Rachel booked a connecting flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. She’d always wanted to visit the Himalayas, why not now? See Mt. Everest. From the safety of lower elevation. In the middle of winter, less crowds. Hiking not climbing.
She had enough in her savings, combined with her inheritance from her parents to travel before looking for a job. Especially, if Jim was right about Howard working for some secret black ops group. Though she loved adventure, her near death experience with the Boko Haram terrorists taught her danger was not her thing. Yet, she’d rather not work for a hospital. She preferred a field position. Maybe a job in public health somewhere in the states. Maybe even in Nepal. Far from New Orleans and memories of Lev.
“Rachel, you don’t need to leave.” Maggie stood in the doorway in her robe and slippers.
“You and Jim will be safer if I leave. Even the police and Madam Montfort agree.”
“But halfway across the world?”
“Only for three to four weeks. Then I’ll get an apartment in Oregon.” Not. By now her father must have sold his home and left the state.
“Did you make reservations?”
“Nah. Once I get there, you can get better deals from the locals. Remember our first trip to Kenya?”
“How can I forget? We booked a camping safari fresh off the plane.”
Rachel giggled. “On a mechanically challenged bus.” The safari had been cheap because the bus was on its last leg. Their camping safari ended up being an unintended walking safari.
“Besides, what stalker will follow me to Kathmandu?”
“I have an idea. When you leave wear my green coat.”
“Your signature lime green jacket?” Maggie wore it everywhere.
“Maybe if you look like me, you can sneak pass the stalker.”
Maggie had a point. The stalker might be watching her every move and follow her to the airport. If he was a mentally ill person obsessed with her for whatever reason, he might not have the means anyway. And definitely not get past security. “He’ll see the suitcase and put two and two together.”
“Jim can take out your suitcase in a big box, so it looks like he’s moving something. You’ll be in the passenger seat, looking like moi.”
“And leave you here, alone?”
“I’ll sneak in the back.”
She regarded her with a furrowed brow. “No, if the stalker sees us sneak away, he might take it out on you and Jim.”