The Pack Collection by Karen Whiddon

Author:Karen Whiddon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2007-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Head of the local council? Lyssa froze, remembering that he, like Aunt Elaine and Alex, was also a shape-shifter.

As he drew nearer, she studied him. An older man, his steel-gray hair was cut short, in an almost military style. But his tanned face seemed friendly, and he broke into a wide smile when he reached them.

“I heard you were in town.” Though he spoke to Alex, he openly studied Lyssa. “And that you got married. Congratulations.”

“Aunt Elaine’s been busy.” Though he kept his tone light, Lyssa heard Alex’s annoyance. “Frank Mahoney, Lyssa Lupe.”

Frank held out his hand. After the tiniest hesitation, Lyssa took it. His clasp felt firm, his large hand warm and…normal. He reminded her of one of her own uncles, friendly and harmless. She tried not to wonder what he’d look like as a wolf.

As though he knew her thoughts, his grin widened as he released her hand.

“Pleased to meet you, pretty lady.” His brown eyes twinkled. “Alex, you done good.”

“Thanks.” Alex moved closer, speaking quietly. “Frank, I need to talk to the entire council. Call an emergency meeting.”

Instantly the other man sobered. Searching Alex’s face, he gave a slow nod. “When?”

“Tonight, if you can arrange it.”

Surprise flickered across Frank’s face. “Is it that urgent? I got your message, but I thought—”

“Yes.”

“What’s this all about?”

Alex glanced at Lyssa, slowly shaking his head. “Long story. Better I tell it once, to the entire council.”

“I see.” Now even Frank’s bearing appeared military. Back ramrod straight, he might have been a general about to call his troops to battle. “Be there at eight o’clock. City hall. I’ll call the others.” Dipping his head at Lyssa, he moved off.

Lyssa watched him stride away before glancing at Alex. Where before the afternoon had seemed ordinary and relaxing, now she felt Alex’s tension vibrating like the pressure drop in the air right before a storm.

“I’m glad that’s settled.” Though he spoke lightly, he’d jammed his hands in his pockets. The instant she noticed this, he pulled them free.

“Come on.” He took her arm. “Once we cross the square, we’ll be in another neighborhood. There’s someone else I’d like you to meet.”

They went two blocks before he stopped in front of a well-maintained older home. A one-story bungalow painted a soft shade of cream, it sat back from the sidewalk on a wide, manicured lawn. With her gardener’s eye, Lyssa approved the healthy, trimmed hedges and riot of color from the bright yellow daffodils and multicolored tulips that decorated several brick-edged beds.

“Well done,” she said, almost to herself. “Whoever planted this yard takes good care of it. Gardens always reflect such love and effort.”

Alex grinned, a mischievous look on his handsome face. Her heart constricted as she stared, unable to look away even though she feared her longing showed in her eyes.

Bad enough she’d realized after Claire’s funeral that he could never be the type of man she wanted. A daredevil, Alex lived for the risk taking, the adrenaline rush. He loved his undercover work, the danger, the thrill.

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