Forever Luna

Interrogate

verb ~ ask questions of someone closely, aggressively, or formally

PHOENIX

Unable to refuse, the woman nodded before opening her door wider. I thanked her, strolling into her home on full alert.

She was alone.

The door closed behind us, and she didn't lock it. A sign of trust.

She immediately rummaged through a drawer, dipping her chin as she passed me a sheet of paper and ID.

To live in a human town, you had to have permission from your alpha and the alpha of the nearest pack. They have to prove you are sane and in good enough control to live amongst humans.

After checking hers, I passed them back with a nod and looked around.

"What brings you to the city?" I asked her.

She fidgeted, hovering near her kitchen. This home was small, the paint peeling and furniture scarce, but for someone of her stature, she fit in well. I, however, could only stand straight in the centre of the room.

"My mate rejected me." She explained. "I moved here five years ago."

I nodded, frowning. "Do you know Harriet well?"

She shook her head. "I barely talk to her. Usually only in passing."

"Where would she be now?"

"I assume work." She shrugged. "Can I make you a drink?"

I shook my head, refusing it. "We won't be long."

She gulped, nodding her head. I knew I distressed her, and the three warrior wolves scouting her property would put anybody on edge.

"Is Harriet a human?"

"Part-wolf," she whispered, shaking her head. "Our landlord owns the store downstairs. She is a rogue, too. You... You won't hurt us, will you, Alpha?"

"I don't intend to if you answer my questions correctly." I shrugged. "What's your name?"

Her eyes widened, dipping her chin. "Taylor, Alpha."

"Under these odd circumstances, it is nice to meet you, Taylor." I nodded. "Are you willing to comply?"

"Yes... yes, Alpha." She hurried. "Whatever you need."

I knew she was a previously a pack wolf; her wolf submissive before I even entered her home. With strawberry blonde hair, her eyes were a soft brown colour. She wore a t-shirt and pyjama bottoms, with two fluffy pink slippers on her feet.

"Thank you." I hummed. "Is Harriet connected to any packs around here?"

"Not that I am aware of, Alpha." Taylor muttered. "She has no wolf."

"I see." I frowned. "Have you noticed anything odd about her in the past two months?"

She cocked her head, grimacing. "Odd, Alpha?"

"Is she... paranoid, skittish, brash?" I asked.

"She... She has not been exactly herself, but winter does that to people." She chuckled nervously. "I assumed she was just having a rough time. I haven't seen her in a while."

"Does she have much of a social life? Any parties, loud banging...?"

"No, Alpha." Taylor shook her head. "It's just her and her sister around here."

Sister?

"She has a sister?"

"Yes, Alpha. They both work and live here in the city."