Saturday, 2:30 am
Henry stared at his watch. For over two hours his Betas and enforcers had searched. They still hadn't found the girl. Or Zina. He was getting angrier at their continued failure. He sat in the limo while Boris drove toward Brockshill. Zina always preferred wooded areas that allowed for hunting and Brockshill had large sections of protected forest to the north of it.
"If we do not find your daughter, I am willing to renegotiate the terms of our agreement."
He casually regarded his traveling companion, Alpha Dayid Yon. The older man had insisted he come along and Henry felt it prudent to have a witness other than his Betas. "That is good to know. I would hate to think that a small stumbling block would you send running for the hills."
"Touché. However, I still will get the better bargain." Yon smirked and caressed the snarling wolf handle of his cane.
Henry scrutinzed his temporary business partner. He had heard rumors that Yon played dirty and was rough with the ladies. Not that it was any of his concern, but he believed in solid backup plans in case of a double cross.
"My Alpha, Kenneth has checked in," Boris informed him through the open window.
"What is it?"
"The Council and Donil's family are heading to the area north of us. They are approaching from opposite directions. He wants further instructions."
"Hmm, tell him to keep tailing but don't assist. If the almighty Council wants glory, let them take it. I have other things to do that require my attention."
"Yes, my Alpha. Message sent and received. Here are the last known locations of Zina's people."
In the center of the floor, a holographic map of the New Florida Territory appeared. Yon leaned forward and stared with interest as Boris relayed the report.
"The red areas are "Do not enter" zones that are filled with traps and explosives. The blue areas are locations that were previously used, but were abandoned. The yellow sections were considered possible headquarter buildings for Zina and her people."
"Very nice intelligence network you have, Henry." Yon nodded appreciatively.
"It is, isn't it? Now let's see if we can do what the Council cannot." Henry touched different points on the map causing them to disappear until only three yellow dots were left. "Much better. Boris, which directions are the Council and Donil's family coming from?"
"West and south, my Alpha."
"Map, enlarge view." He pointed to the farthest dot. "She's here at Pensoftkey. Most of the land in that area is unused and unsold. There are several empty buildings left behind from bankrupt businesses. Boris, contact Delilah and have her switch the tracking sensors on the Le Croix GPS orbital satellite to heat sensors so that my Betas can get a more accurate body count around those buildings." He chortled. "It's time to hunt some wolf."
Yon laughed and his eyes shifted to amber. "It has been a long time since I've gone on such a large hunt. Do you have a preference as to who kills Zina?"
He assessed Yon with renewed interest. The older man kept surprising him. "Not really. Dead is dead. I don't care who helps my enemy on her way to oblivion."
"I figured as much. Well then, let the tracking continue." Yon popped his neck and settled back against the seat.
Henry turned off the map and planned for the fight ahead.
~***~
Laylah's eyes fluttered open. She felt dizzy and almost threw up. She fought back the nausea and noticed she was once more alone in the room.
"And still tied up," she mumbled. She tugged experimentally on the rope only this time it didn't budge.
"I guess that first time was a fluke." She slowly turned her head and gauged the distance to the door. Even if she got free, there was ample time for someone to come through a side door and catch her.
Her face throbbed a little and she wondered if she had a bump on her head from Gerard's blow. That man had some serious hitting issues.
"Maybe he thinks everyone is his personal punching bag. I wish he'd stop doing that to me."
Her muttering was interrupted by the creak of a door opening. Quickly she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. She didn't feel up to another one of Zina's crazy stories. She heard at least three people enter and somehow knew that one of them was Zina.
"You're not much to stare at, prey, but that's fine too. You might as well open your eyes, Girl."
Laylah lifted her head and stared at Zina. "How did you know?"
"Your heart beat and breathing sound different when you sleep. Playing possum doesn't fool me or deceive any Were for that matter."
Defiantly, she glared at the other woman. "Why are you doing this to me? I've never hurt you. So why?"
"My story told you why, prey. That you sit bound before me is a culmination of thirteen years of planning and surviving. And now that the day is here, I will triumph! Let my enemies quake in fear!"
She was frustrated by Zina's circular reasoning. Zina was like Father, always cryptic, quick to injure, too, and always demanding obedience.
"Let's play a game. It'll be fun," Zina purred. "It's called survival. You see, my prey, your rescuers have gathered outside and are waiting to strike. I wonder…" she laughed and dragged her sharp fingernail down Laylah's left cheek.
Laylah gasped as Zina's fingernail cut painfully into her skin. She felt blood trickle down her face but she remained still. Madness shone in the werewolf's eyes and she was afraid that it would engulf her.
"I really do wonder, what they would do if I did more than gave you shallow love scratches? Hmm, especially that boy, Donil. Never saw him this worked up over a girl before. Just what is so special about you, anyway? I will learn your secrets before I kill you."
"Kill me?" She squeaked, disbelief loosening her tongue. "No! I don't want to die! Please, let me go and forget I exist!"
"I can't. I have your scent and taste. I will hunt you down and rip you to pieces. Then, and only then, will I proclaim victory. Gerard, fetch my dagger."
"Yes, my Alpha." He turned to leave but halted when a wide-eyed Devin flung open the door and ran inside, gesturing wildly.
"What is it, Boy?" Gerard bellowed as he walked over to Devin.
"Sir! Gerard, sir, we are being attacked!"
"Impossible, the alarms have not sounded." Zina waved a hand about in dismissal.
"My Alpha, the alarms were disabled. We found them during our security check. Alexis was examining one when people charged us. He sent me to tell you."
"Gerard, validate his story. If we are being attacked, get my army moving! I want no interference during my date with the prey."
"As you wish, my Alpha."
"Gerard?"
"Yes?"
"Do not fail me. If you do see Henry, send him my way. Have the boy bring me my blade."
Gerard nodded and left with a jittery Devin trailing behind him.
Laylah shuddered at the malevolent gleam in Zina's eyes. She flinched when Devin returned, handed a dagger to the woman and hurried back out.
"No daydreaming," Zina ordered and delivered a stinging backhand to Laylah who barely had time to brace herself.
Her ears were ringing and once again, she felt blood on her face. "Stop hitting me!" she screamed. "Leave me alone, you insane weirdo!"
Zina took a deep breath and smiled. "Ah yes, the scent of fear. Aphrodisiacs to all Weres. Yes, it's play time."
Laylah squealed in alarm and shut her eyes. If she was to die, she didn't want to see the killing blow. She regretted the fact that she hadn't confessed her true feelings to Donil. ::Good-bye, my dream prince.::