Fates Entwined

16

"I'm fine," Jordan said, straightening up and casting us both a hard look. "Thanks for the ride, Ayla."

"Anytime." She gave Jordan a hug, then turned to give me one too. "Take care of yourselves, and call me if you need me."

We said our goodbyes and Ayla vanished, leaving me in the middle of the Leo town with Jordan. Basically, my worst nightmare come to life.

The weather was warmer here, the morning sun beating down on my skin with an intensity I hadn't felt back in Canada. Numerous buildings and homes with clay roofs stood in front of me, all in shades of beige, like they wanted to blend into the desert surrounding us. Palm trees blew in the wind, while succulents and long grasses grew along the sidewalks and in front of houses, along with some red and white flowers I didn't recognize. In the distance, I spotted towering mountain ranges and a vast sky dotted by a handful of clouds.

There was no forest. No creek. No familiar scents at all. It was the complete opposite of Coronis in every way.

"Welcome to Daybreak, Arizona," Jordan said. "What do you think?"

"Too much sun," I said, shading my eyes.

"Not for a Leo."

I scowled and followed him down the street. Ayla had left us in a suburban area and Jordan led us to a large two-story house at the end of a cul-de-sac. Like the other nearby homes, there was no grass in the front, just a rugged mix of rocks, succulents, palm trees, and other desert plants I didn't recognize.

"Please tell me you're taking me to a nice bed and breakfast," I said.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but you'll be staying with me." He unlocked the front door and opened it wide. "But I do have a nice bed and I can make some mean pancakes."

"I don't want anything to do with your bed. Or your pancakes."

He smirked as we stepped inside. "You'll change your mind once you try them."

We stood in an entryway that led to a big open-concept area with a living room, dining room, and kitchen, all illuminated by bright sunlight through the huge windows and skylights. Beautiful wood floors stretched across the space, but there were no rugs on them and no pictures or art on the walls. Other than a few pieces of furniture, along with a massive TV, the place looked pretty bare. On the far side, huge sliding glass doors led out to a pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs, like something from a resort hotel. There was even an outdoor bar and kitchen area.

I spent a few seconds admiring the place before turning back to Jordan. "Let's get one thing straight. I won't be trying your bed or your pancakes. I'm only going to be here for a few days, and when this is over, I'll go back to my pack. Nothing will change between us. Got it?"

"Oh, I'm well aware you want nothing to do with me." His smirk vanished and his jaw clenched. "Come on. I'll show you to your room."

He led me up the stairs, his shoulders stiff, and something like regret or guilt flickered through me, making me nearly apologize for my harsh words. But they were the truth, and there was no sense in letting him think something else might happen here. Even if I couldn't help but stare at his very nice ass in those dark jeans as I followed him up the stairs. I mean, who wouldn't stare? It was right there in my face.

"My room is here," he said, gesturing at a closed door. "This one is yours." He opened the room next to his and I went inside. Like downstairs, it was pretty bare, except for a bed and a side table with a clock and a lamp on it, which was all I really needed anyway.

I set my bag on the bed. "Thanks."

"I'll let you get settled in. Once you're ready, we can figure out a plan."

I opened my mouth to say something to ease the uncomfortable ache in my chest, which only grew when I saw his tormented eyes. But nothing came out, and he shut the door a moment later.

This was going to be harder than I'd thought.

CHAPTER NINE

After a quick discussion, Jordan and I decided I should speak with both males who'd gone missing to see if I could uncover any new clues as to what happened. Even though we could have walked, Jordan insisted we take his large black SUV, which looked like it had just been polished.

"Would you rather we take the convertible?" he'd asked, gesturing at the red sports car in his garage.

"Of course not," I'd scoffed, even though I secretly wondered what it would be like to cruise around in it.

It was a short drive to the first house, and we were let inside without hesitation. Jordan introduced the woman at the door as Gwen, his cousin, before introducing me. "This is Stella. She’s from the Ophiuchus pack, and she’s helping me investigate the disappearances.”

I smiled and shook Gwen’s hand when she offered it. She was a bit older than us, probably in her forties or so, and seemed very kind, if a bit frazzled.

"Nice to meet you," she said, as she led us further inside. Everything in the house looked fairly clean and modern, but there were kid's toys everywhere. "How can I help you?"

“We’re wondering if we can talk to Russell,” Jordan said."Of course." She called out his name, and then I heard the sound of feet on the stairs. Two children rushed into the room—the boy who must be eight-year-old Russell, and a younger girl who was clearly his sister. Gwen held out her arm and the two of them came over to her. “Russell, Jordan and his friend are going to talk to you for a few minutes, okay?”