Chapter Eight

He watched her walk through the remains that used to be her home. It hadn’t been anything fancy, a singlewide trailer but it had been hers and he understood she was hurting. He did feel for her. The loss of her friends had to be a terrible blow. But loss happened.

He’d known she was gone the moment he stepped from the shower. Upset by her disobedience, he’d dressed swiftly and went after her. She’s not wolf. A phrase he’d repeatedly reminded himself as he’d neared his location. More anger surfaced at the scent of that sheriff.

Her whimper grabbed his attention. She stood in the kitchen, hands gripped the edges of the counter, shoulders hunched and they shook as she cried.

Casimir couldn’t explain what propelled him to approach her. But, he did. He strode through the kitchen, turned her into his chest, and wrapped his arms around her. The fact she didn’t fight him told him all he needed to know. She was succumbing to her grief again.

He didn’t speak, just allowed her to cry it out. His wolf paced, growling as he moved. For whatever reason the wolf had taken a liking to her and was thoroughly displeased with her being upset.

As if a switch being thrown, Dyana went rigid and pulled back, watching him with wide eyes. The amber flecks appeared more prevalent in the moonlight.

He reached out to cup the side of her face, desiring more contact. She narrowed her gaze and stepped out of range. Dyana spun on her heels and walked away, back steel rod straight. When the door slammed, he went after her.

She’d returned to the garage and opened her car door. He placed his hand on the top of the frame, holding it shut. She stilled and his wolf went on alert.

“Move your hand.”

“Where are you going?”

“None of your fucking business.”

“It is. You are possibly in danger.”

“Good,” she said. “I pray whoever did it does come after me.”

Her tone was dark and razor sharp. His admiration and his wolf’s grew. She wasn’t hiding but wanted revenge.

Strong, his wolf said with pride.

“I can’t let you go alone.”

She took several deep breaths before turning to face him in the yellow light from the garage. “Right. I’m supposed to go with you to Washington. Fine, I should make it there in three days. Give me the address and I’ll meet you there. Or you could just wait and if I die then there’s no need for a divorce. I can see that’s what you want. Give me the address.”

Was he hearing things? “You’re driving to Washington?”

Her sigh expounded on her mounting frustration. “Look. I have a feeling you’re just going to get in my way if I don’t give you this—” she did air quotes—“divorce.”

“We can fly.”

“We could. You can. I won’t. Mind taking your hand off my car, hoss? I have things to do.”

Instead of backing away he stepped closer. “I’m riding with you.”

“Most people would ask.”

“I’m not most people.”

Dyana snorted. “Gathering that. Fine, let’s go.”

“Clothes?”

She turned away back to the rubble. “Maybe it’s just me but I thought I walked through the ashes and charred materials that used to be my house. What did you want me to pack, ashes? I have nothing more than what’s in this car. Move.”

He winced internally and did as she demanded. His remark had been callous and without thought.

“Let’s go then.” He went to the passenger side and waited for her to unlock the door.

Casimir bared his teeth when she started the engine and revved it a few times. He opened the door and watched her drive through. Leaving the garage after shutting off the light, he strode to where her car idled as she waited for him.

He slid onto the dark gray leather seat and waited for her to go. The car didn’t move.

“Problem?”

“Buckle up or get out.”

Her words were cold and distant. Barely containing his rumble, he listened. The second it clicked, she gunned the engine, and they tore out of the drive, tires squealing as she hit asphalt.

When she pulled into the police station, he sat up a bit straighter. What could she possibly be doing here?

She killed the motor and climbed out. He narrowed his gaze when the sheriff, Markus, stepped out to meet her.

“What’s going on, Yana?” Markus asked, drawing her close.

Casimir had to force himself under control for his fangs had slid free. Although he remained in the car, he could hear them with ease.

“I have to go to Washington.”

“With him?”

“Yes. My grandparents set up something a while ago. I have to take care of it.”

“Not flying?”

Unlike when she answered him, this time her voice remained gentle. “No.” She shook her head and tucked some hair behind her ear after the wind blew it along her face. “I won’t be far from California and I have to be there next.”

Casimir frowned. What does she have to do in California? His phone rang and he answered it without taking his gaze—or attention—from his wife and the man who continued touching her.

“How’s it going?” The husky rasp was so familiar.

“I’m on my way back with her, Paps.”

“Good. We will see you tomorrow?”

“No, she won’t fly. We’re driving. Give us three days.”

“Hmm. Interesting.”

Markus pulled her closer and Casimir had to withdraw his fangs a second time.

“What’s interesting?” He forced out the question.

“Nothing. Three days.” Paps was gone.

Phone ignored, he unhooked his belt and had his hand on the handle when Markus kissed her cheek. The rumble filled the interior and he shook his head when she walked back to the car.

Dyana slid behind the wheel and started the engine. After a wave to Markus and a pointed look for him to hook his belt, she backed out, and got on the road. Music played as he side-eyed her. Casimir realized she had no intention of talking to him.

His wolf paced impatiently and irritation at being cooped up growing with each passing mile. He checked his phone and rolled his head so he could see her.

“Are you going to ignore me all the way to Washington?”

“Why not?” No interest at all in her tone.

“Aren’t you the least bit curious as to what your grandparents arranged?”

She sniffed and whipped the car around the semi ahead of them. “No point.”

That shocked him. Were the positions reversed, he would be. “Interesting,” he said, mostly to himself.

“This surprises you?”

“Yes.”

Damn, she had a melodic voice and he enjoyed the feel of it along his skin.

“Not sure why it would.” More weaving around cars like they stood still. “Whatever my grandparents arranged, this supposed marriage, is something you don’t want. And one I knew nothing about. Remember you came for a divorce. So whatever their reasoning for doing it doesn’t matter.” He had no comment. Her chuckle came across harsh. “What, hoped we’d bond on the way and I would be torn up over losing you?”

“No.”

“Right,” she scoffed. “Sorry, hoss. I just lost my two best friends. The thought of losing you, my husband, who I don’t know from a hole in the ground isn’t a problem for me.”