"There are werewolves in the immediate area." He was talking about the ones Hayden had mentioned earlier. "We'll wait until they leave before I'll escort you home."
That would lead to another whole list of issues. I had no home. I wanted to be able to walk out of here on my own.
But what about Kyle?my conscience piped up. There was no guarantee the Keepers wouldn't attack the packs and if they increased their numbers they could well wipe out an entire pack. My heart constricted when I thought about my mate. Not only did I feel horrible for running out on him, I also now felt a responsibility that I had to at least let the pack know what I had learned. But how could I do that?
There was no guarantee I could even leave here before the Keepers discovered my secret and even if by some miracle I did, I couldn't exactly go back to tell Kyle what was happening. He wouldn't allow me to leave and that would lead to more trouble.
I shook my head slightly, trying to stop the path my thoughts were taking. First things first, I had to get away from the Keepers.
"How long before you think it will be safe?" I asked, trying to gauge if I would have enough wolfsbane to keep my identity a secret.
"It's hard to be precise. Maybe a day or two."
I was still worried about my limited wolfsbane supply.
"I'm going to go out a bit later to check things out," he told me.
"Are you going to hurt them?" I asked.
He shook his head. "I have no intention of that but if they attack me I will have to defend myself."
I didn't want anything to happen to innocent werewolves who had no idea who they were dealing with. Only rogues would attack with intent to harm. The werewolves for Kyle's pack would only track him to ensure he didn't go near their compound. They would keep their distance.
"While I'm out you'll need to get Hayden to check your arm and re-bandage it."
I nodded my head even though I had no intention of doing that. I was screwed. If I did let Hayden check my arm he would realize something wasn't right. My arm would be completely healed with no visible signs of my earlier injuries. And if I didn't go and see him, and Flynn found out, he would become suspicious.
I was in trouble and running out of time.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Kyle
I stood facing the window in the study overlooking the compound. I felt anxious and agitated. We still didn't have a definitive location. Keri and Blake were working on it, but we were running out of time.
I raked a hand through my hair and held the back of my neck as I contemplated my next move.
My thoughts turned to Claire. She had refused to tell me what had made Crystal leave. I rubbed my chin as I thought about Crystal. Then it struck me.
Robert and Olivia. Her parents. Maybe they knew something. I didn't have any other options at the moment. And what could it hurt?
Robert, could you and Olivia meet me in the study? I sent the instruction through the mind-link.
It took only moments for him to respond.
Sure. We'll be there in a few minutes.
I had kept everyone from telling them about Crystal to protect them. There hadn't been any point in telling them we had found her and she had run away. But maybe now it was time to come clean, even if was going to cause them some pain.
I still had my back to the door when there was a firm knock.
"Come in," I commanded before I turned to see Robert open the door and Olivia walking in first.
"Kyle," Olivia said in greeting. She had long brown hair she tied up in a bun. Her light brown eyes were always so friendly. It was easy to feel at ease around her.
"Olivia," I said, indicating for her to sit down in one of the chairs facing the desk.
I shook Robert's hand. His grip was strong. He was tall and big, with short blond hair. He often reminded me of what I had always imagined a Viking would look like—wide-shouldered and bulky. He sat beside her in the empty chair when he released my hand. I walked around the table and sat down in my chair facing them across the desk. Robert took Olivia's hand in his and I felt a pang in my chest that there was a chance I would never have the chance to do that with Crystal.
