Caught in the crossfire

9

Kay smiled as Cy walked into the room. "Good morning!" He greeted cheerfully.

"Oh thank goodness you're here! I'm bored out of my mind cooped up in this hospital room!"

"Well then it's a good thing I brought these." He laughed, holding up a sketch pad and pencils. "You do still like to draw I hope?"

"Of course." She grinned "but come on Cy, you've got to get me out of here! I need fresh air and sunshine!"

"Sorry sis, you're still recovering." He started.

"Really Cy, I'm doing much better I just over did it a bit. All I needed was a little rest which I've had ample." She stressed, "Besides, you and I both know that there's no keeping me here if I were really determined to go."

"Alright fine. Follow me and we'll sneak out the back way. But if we get caught" he teased "I'm telling them you forced me!"

"Oh, yeah, just throw me under the buss why don't you?" She laughed. "I feel so loved."

Making a show of peeking out the door for watchers, Cy waved her over then led her out to a garden.

"How about twenty questions?" Cy suggested cheerfully as they sat in the grass.

"Ooookay... why?" Kay replied quizzicality.

"Why not?" He shrugged "It's been four years. Might be a fun way to catch up a bit."

"Alright. What do you want to know?"

"Alright, lets start with something easy then... have any boyfriends I need to go deal with?" He teased.

"Cy!!" She whined and gave him a playful shove. "No!! Of course not! Besides, in a pack full of shifters looking only for their mates who was I supposed to date?"

"Alright, alright! Just checking." He laughed. "Is that your first question?"

"If it was then you've just asked your second" she pointed at him accusingly.

"Fair enough"

"Ok" she announced regaining her composure, "since we're talking about relationships, tell me about your mate. What's her name?"

"Oh, I didn't tell you?? Her name is Nema." His eyes shone with pride "she's Alaric's younger sister. She's about your age. Seems like she may have said you've already met... but if not, you'll love her I'm sure!"

"Nema? Well that makes sense..." she trailed off.

"What makes sense?" He cocked his head.

"Oh, we did meet the other day. She said something about her and her mate not letting her brother get a way with something. I just wondered why her mate would even care but now that I know she meant you, well..."

"Get away with what?"

"Uh-uh-uh." She replied cheekily "It's my turn to ask a question. You just asked 'what made sense' remember?"

"That shouldn't count" he play pouted.

"Alright. Fine then" she laughed.

"Ok, let me think of a better one then... Ok. Are you still friends with the fairies?"

"Shhh!" She quickly clamped a hand over his mouth and looked around. "You know there are certain things I can't talk about."

"You can with me, they already know that I know. Remember?"

"Yes." She gritted "but you don't know who could be listening"

"Trust me, there's no one around." He tapped his nose "It's safe, so just answer the question"

Glancing about again she gave in with a huff "yes. Why do you want to know?"

"Because I want to know how you and the Rock Creek prisoners escaped. How'd you do it Kay? Did they help or was it all you?"

"Heh. So this is the real reason for this 'game'" she scoffed.

"You know the rules. You have to answer." He reminded.

"They did not assist. They don't concern themselves with the affairs of shifters."

"So how'd-"

"My turn." She cut him off shortly "Besides myself, is anyone else from Rock Creek still here?"

"Now you're asking things that I can't answer."

"Turn-about's fair play." She retorted "answer the question"

They stared at each other for a moment before Kay asked again. "There is, isn't there?"

Cy clinched his jaw. "There is." Kay stated with certainty "I can see it in your eyes. Is it Andreya?"

He looked away "where is she Cy?"

"You know I can't answer-"

Just then his eyes glazed over. Talk about timing, thought Kay, stupid pack link. They cleared for but a fraction of a second before glazing again. A moment later Kay heard footsteps approaching. "I have to go." Cy stated, his eyes back to normal, "Beta business. If you promise to behave yourself and rest up you can stay in the house instead of the infirmary. Rosie will show you the way."

Both rising to stand, Kay called after her brother as he strode off and Rosie, the motherly nurse, took his place. "She's my best friend Cylas!"

"This way dear" Rosie said, placing a hand on Kay's shoulder before leading her towards a large house.

The house was beautiful! Three stories, old and stately. The stonework was impeccable. Tall white columns supported a balcony over the large front porch. Entering the house Kay found it was just as nice inside as it was out. While it had clearly been renovated and updated from its original state someone had taken great care in the details to maintain its original charm.

"This isn't the pack house" Kay breathed in wonder.

"Of course not." Chuckled Rosie as she led Kay up a flight of stairs and down a hall "This is the Alpha's home."

"What??" Kay stalled in shock.

"Here we are." Rosie chortled again and opened a door. "You'll be staying in here"

As though stuck in a trance she barely noticed as Rosie took her hand and led her inside. "This room is huge!!" She gasped.

"Of course. It's the Alpha's."

"What?! No! I'm not staying here!" said Kay, finally snapping out of it.

"Your lunch has already been brought up and is sitting over there." Rosie pointed to her left. "If you need anything just holler. Someone will hear." She said as she shut the door.

Rushing over Kay checked the handle. Locked. Looking around she noticed one whole wall was lined with curtains. Checking behind them she found a door to the large front balcony. It was unlocked so she slipped out. Stepping out to the edge she spied a couple of shifters stationed below. Great, she thought, babysitters. No matter. She could find another way out. But for now, this terrace did provide a good view of the pack's compound below. Now, besides the cellar, where might they be keeping Andreya?

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Hey! Just wanted to give a shout out to everyone who has commented or voted so far! For us authors that is soooo encouraging!! Thank you :)