CHAPTER 006
897 Words
Shadowed Secrets
Logan paused at the entrance while that irresistible aroma surrounded him once more and tugged at his innermost feelings. It was maddening. He had never encountered anything like it. He brushed off the feeling and went outside to follow Damon and Ethan without responding to Garrett's snide comment.
Although the scent disappeared as they followed the worn path, the odd sensation persisted in Logan's mind. The sensation persisted within him as if he lacked something essential. To distract himself he put his attention on the warm brownie he held in his hand. Damon looked at him while a silent plea appeared on his face. Logan had his desires clear in his mind but he made no plans to reveal them.
They traveled in silence until Ethan broke it when they were at a sufficient distance from the house.
"Alright, what the hell was that? I totally stand by you but you bolted out of there as if the building was ablaze. You’ve been off all night."
As they kept moving forward, the large trees merged into one indistinct image while Logan's mind raced uncontrollably. His mind was so consumed that he failed to notice his environment while his body operated automatically.
Damon nodded. "Yeah, man. I noticed too. Something was bothering you. Spill. Garrett was nothing but an ass but we got the desired outcome. Looking back I realize we definitely needed to advance the timeline. I’m so excited to finally meet my stunning partner.
Logan rolled his eyes. "I don’t know. Something just felt...wrong. From the moment we arrived. There was something visible right before my eyes but I couldn’t figure out what it was. As he studied the dirt under his feet he said, "And that scent..."
Damon chuckled. "Oh, you mean the feast? We devoured everything in sight. I've never experienced such exceptional food before in my life.
Ethan saw Logan was uninterested and switched to a new topic. The dining experience was outstanding but your confrontation with Garrett about his mate was unexpected. That was something else. The guards repeatedly mentioned a she-wolf which sparked my curiosity. Thought we’d get to meet her."
Logan’s jaw clenched. His comfortable existence while we risked our lives in battle infuriates me. We just learned that he had a mate throughout this entire time? His voice was low, simmering with frustration.
Damon scoffed. "Total bullshit. I would have preferred to stay behind while everyone else faced danger.
Ethan frowned. His territory was supposed to be secure before he joined us according to the plan. What happened to the elders’ plan?"
Logan exhaled sharply. "That’s for the elders to figure out. Their political games make me lose my patience. With an irritated gesture he ran his hand through his hair while seething anger welled up inside him. My main curiosity lies in Garrett's response when I mentioned his mate. Did you catch that? And he didn’t have a claiming mark."
Their journey was drawing to a close as they approached their provisional shelter while the dense trees created long shadows along the trail. Damon nodded in agreement.
Ethan’s expression darkened. I couldn’t see any other women in that house so who were those guys discussing earlier? I didn't spot any other women inside the house.
Logan’s stomach twisted. "Exactly. And why lie about being mated? He’s hiding something. Delays in determining what’s happening could result in missed opportunities to address it.
They paused at the point where their journeys split and an uncomfortable silence fell between them. The breeze moved through the branches and took away their silent thoughts.
Logan finally spoke. I plan to return there tomorrow morning to check on my sister. While I’m there, I’ll do some digging. I will look for clues regarding this unknown girl during my sister’s check-up tomorrow. Which one of you would like to serve as my distraction?
Damon grinned. "Hell yeah! Distractions are my specialty. Meet here first thing?"
Ethan jumped into the conversation before Logan had a chance to respond by stating, "Solid plan." I plan to remain here while attempting to obtain more information from the guards. If you find nothing ask your sister for information. She might know something."
Logan nodded. We'll meet again at lunchtime to share what we have discovered.
After exchanging brief farewells they began to walk away from each other. All the responsibilities weighed heavily on Logan's shoulders while he headed to his temporary living space. Although they completed their journey, the task remained unfinished. Now that the she-wolves possessed their return route home they needed to make sure everything proceeded without issues.
He walked inside and headed directly to his room. He stripped down to his bare skin before falling onto his bed where exhaustion permeated his very bones. His body had depleted all its energy reserves leaving him incapable of doing anything more.
Still, his mind refused to quiet.
After two years he would meet his baby sister again tomorrow. Would she even recognize him? The primary concern that consumed him was whether she would agree to go back to Stormhollow with him. Ryker had shared information about her location yet this did not replace his physical presence.
Would she resent him? Blame him for their parents’ deaths?
The burden of his thoughts pressed down on his chest until sleep overtook him before he could ponder their implications.
- Writer
