New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 20: The Way To Go

"What are you doing?" 

"Packing," I replied, not looking at Gordon.  I looked up from my backpack. "We need to split up."

"Split up?"

"Yes, split up." I told him. "We got a lot of clues and we need to track them down."

"Meaning?"

"Lani's--"

"Leilani?"

I closed my eyes for patience. "Leilani's father wanted his ashes spread. He was born in Twin Falls. I want you to go and check it out, find out what you can. We know she's driving a camper, let our kind know to look for it and to look for her."

"Okay," he paused. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm heading out to Notre Dame University, her father's Alma Mater."

"A college educated hunter?" 

"Majoring in theological studies and world history," I told him. "He could have taught if he wanted to."

"That explains all the books."

"Yes," I nodded. "and why he sent her away to school. Go to her university, and find out her major. She was a year from graduation. If we're lucky, she might try to take online classes to finish."

"May I ask you something, Alpha?"

"Go on."

"Once you have her, what are you going to do with her?"

"Keep her." That was all I could think of. "Keep her as my very first prisoner."

"You've never condemned anyone before," Gordon's head tilted slightly to the side. "You were even considering releasing inmates at Kincaid Manor after your father passed."

I gave a simple shrug. "I know. Why do I get the feeling--"

"I would never hurt her, Kyros."

I stopped what I was doing. I looked at him, feeling guarded. I was after her because I was tormented by the idea of someone hurting her. She'd truly had enough pain to last a lifetime, but she had to face me. She had to.

"I get the feeling that you want to bring her in as safely as possible."

"She doesn't know how dangerous it is out there," I said, wishing I hadn't visibly relaxed. I couldn't help it. It was a relief he understood that much. 

"So you making her your prisoner...for her own good?"

It sounded so weird when he said it, but I straightened. "Yes."

"Let me accompany you, Alpha. We can send the others west of the Mississippi. Please let me do this." 

It wasn't often when Gordon pleaded. "Gordon--"

"You want to protect her, I understand," he said. "But someone should have your back, Alpha."

"Alright, Gordon." I said quickly, slinging my backpack over my shoulder. "You need to pack--"

"Done," he said with a smile. "I get the feeling you know how to track her?"

"It seems I pick up her scent." I confided. "Sometimes I can almost feel her."

"Do you know what you're saying, Kyros?"

"Gordon, I suspect, but I'm not sure," I sighed. "Why would the Goddess do such a thing?"

Gordon shrugged. "That remains to be seen. You sent everyone west. You think she is east, don't you?"

"I know her father's family is west, so I want to make sure she can't go there," I thought aloud. "Stephen said something about spreading ashes. I'd think it'd be back home in by Shoshone Falls in Idaho. But, getting lost? Everyone knows that's New York City, or going there to sneak into Canada."

"So what do you hope to do?"

"Pick up her trail somehow, get some clues from back west, maybe, but I'll figure it out."

"Let's start scanning lists and online sales for that camper. She's gotta let go of it sooner or later. We've seen it."

"In both colors," I told him. "Her father bought a white van, and converted it, but Max saw a blue van at the cabin."

"Good idea."

"And let's not leave the airplanes, trains and car rentals out, either," I nodded, thinking aloud. "She might pay cash or have someone pay for it, but she's gotta leave a name, some sort of trail."

"Well, if all else fails, we can follow your nose, Alpha," Gordon gave a small smile. 

I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath. "Let's get outta here."