Hunt

Chapter 1

After spending the summer working ten-hour shifts, four days a week, I was used to waking early. Now that school had started, I didn't have to be to work until eight o'clock. Plus, since Devon had to be up early in order to be at my folks place by five to start the day on the farm, I had more reasons to get up than to stay in bed. He had wanted me to sleep in, but I couldn't let my new fiancé leave for work without saying goodbye. That particular Monday morning I sent Devon off to work and I was catching up on local happenings after having been out of town for almost two weeks.

The picture on the news bulletin was a surprise. Without reading a word, the face staring back at me caught my attention. I knew her, or I once had. Annette Bigler, Annie to her friends, had been in my class all the way through school. We hadn't been best friends, but we'd been friendly. Since then, I'd seen her around town, enough to say hi now and then but I hadn't spent any time with her since the summer we'd graduated, almost ten years earlier. She'd gone away to school, and though she'd returned, we'd never really rekindled our relationship. I scanned the headlines, trying to figure out why her picture was there.

BODY OF LOCAL GIRL FOUND ON CAMPUS

The headline shocked me. Today would to be my first day back to work after more than a week and I knew nothing about a body having been found on campus. Since I was the Dean of Student's secretary, I should probably know something. I read further and found that she'd been discovered beaten and stabbed. She hadn't been killed there, but her body had been dumped after she was already dead. The police had few leads.

Glancing at the clock, I picked up my Personal Communication Device, also known as a PCD, and dialed my brother. I hoped that as a police officer, he would be able to tell me more. I also knew anything he did tell me would be accurate, not rumors or twisted to be more sensational like often happened with the news.

Hey, Sis. It's awful early isn't it? Raine answered, his voice sounded tired.

Sorry, I hoped I hadn't woken him. I just found out about Annie. Can you tell me anything other than what was in the news?

Not much, I heard him take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I know you knew her. His voice was full of sympathy.

We were friends in high school but we hadn't seen much of each other since.

A student found her body on Central Campus yesterday afternoon. That area’s pretty deserted on the weekend. You know what it’s like. We don't know exactly how long she was there before she was discovered, but not more than a few hours. We figure who ever dumped her, wanted her to be found, but probably not until this morning.

I knew what he meant, the campus was long and narrow, a block wide but three long, each block was identified by location, there was North, Central and South campus.

Any ideas who could have done it? I wanted to know as much as he could tell me.

Noise rustled over the line and I assumed he was shaking his head.

No. She was severely beaten and stabbed several times, but we haven't found the primary scene and we don't have any leads yet. He sounded unhappy about it and I didn't blame him.

Violent crimes weren't common in the area. I mean, yeah, there were domestic disputes, and the occasional bar fight, but something like murder? The last murder I remembered in the valley was more than five years earlier. This was going to shake the entire community.

I know there are things the department holds back, keeps from the public, things that will help you find and identify whoever is responsible, but is there anything else you can tell me?

Not that- He stopped mid-sentence and changed what he was saying. Wait. You know she's one of you, right?

One of me? I was confused.

You know, like you and Devon.

Oh. I suddenly realized what he was trying to say, without actually saying, that is. Annie was Kitsune. She was a shape-shifter like I am. No, I didn't know. There are still so many that I haven't yet met.

I don't know if it's going to be a factor, but I have to keep it in mind, even if I can't tell the rest of the force. His voice was full of reluctance and doubt. I knew that having to hide something about the victim from the rest of the investigators was hard for him, but I didn't see how it could be helped, at least not now.

I understand. My mind was already churning with possibilities. I'll keep my ears open and let you know if I hear anything that might help.

I'd appreciate it.

You sound tired. I changed the subject.

I am. I ended up pulling a double, investigating this. I just got home and I'm on my way to bed.

I'm sorry. I'll let you get some sleep. I felt bad for keeping him up. He had to be exhausted.

No, I know she was your friend and you'll hear a different side of her life than I will. You might be able to help me out here, he sighed, but not now, I’m exhausted. I need some sleep before I can process anymore.

Get some rest, I'll talk to you later. We hung up and I typed a quick message to Devon, telling him that there had been a body found on campus the day before and I might be late getting home. He'd told me he would be on a tractor most of the day and I knew he likely wouldn't hear his PCD ring if I called, but this way the message would be waiting the next time he checked them.

Even though it was still a little early, I finished getting ready and went to my job. I knew there would be a pile of paperwork to catch up on, and because of the murder, even more.

Arriving at the office, I discovered the Dean, Mr. Willowby, was already in his office, engrossed in paperwork. I let him know I was there then got started on the stack that had built up on my desk while I was gone. I spent the day trying to get caught up with everything that had happened over the last two weeks, but it was difficult to concentrate with the constant calls from the media, as well as local people, wanting to know details about the body found on campus. When the first call came in, I checked with Mr. Willowby for the official response, and afterward told the callers the same thing.

I'm sorry, Eastern Arizona College cannot comment on ongoing police investigations. Please contact the Safford-Thatcher Police Department for more information.

A few reporters were persistent and tried to get me to say more, but I repeated myself until they gave up.

I'm not sure I'd ever been happier to see five o'clock arrive so that I could leave. I hadn't made much progress on getting caught up and the constant ring of incoming calls had me down to my last nerve.

Igot home and made my way up the stairs to my third floor apartment, expecting Devon to be there, only to find the place empty. I checked the electronic lock panel next to the door. The entry log said no one had been inside since I'd left that morning. I frowned, wondering where Devon was as I started toward the bedroom to change out of my suit. As I turned toward the bedroom, I spotted a piece of paper on the floor near the door.

After the last thing I'd found under my door I wasn't sure I really wanted to know what this was, but I picked it up anyway. It was a printout of the news article I'd read that morning about Annie, but someone had slashed SHOULD HAVE BEEN YOU across the front with a red marker. Rolling my eyes, I set it on the table next to the door and went to change clothes.

I peeled out of my suit and hung it up. I was still standing in my underwear, flipping through the clothes hanging in the closet, trying to find something to wear when I heard the front door open. I froze. I scented the air and caught the smoky fragrance that was Devon, but I wasn't sure if it was from him coming in or a remnant from him sleeping in my bed. I really needed to learn to differentiate between old scents and fresh ones.

Nick? Devon's voice called from the living room. I let out the breath I'd been holding and went back to looking for something to wear.

In here. I called back, pulling a sundress off a hanger. I quickly pulled it over my head and, still tugging it down, went to see him.

He stood just inside, frowning down at the threatening note. Where did this come from?

I found it inside the door when I came in. You're later than I expected, I thought you'd be here when I got home.

He looked up. I got hung up at your folks, then I stopped and picked up dinner. He lifted the bag still hanging from one hand. I don't like this.

I'm not real crazy about it, but what are we gonna do? I refuse to be terrorized or intimidated by people too cowardly to identify themselves.

He sighed. Will you, at least, agree to be careful? The idea that what happened to Annie could happen to you scares me. He looked back down at the paper with its angry red markings.

I watched him for a second, then sighed. I won't do anything stupid. I'll watch out and avoid situations where I could be taken unaware, but I can't let these threats rule my life.

I don't expect you to, I just want you to be careful. Have you at least told the Anikitos about it?

Anikitos is what we call our pack leaders, at least among the Kitsune who become wolves. Bill, our Anikitos has been a friend of my family for years. He’s is like a second father to me. Knowing and trusting him had helped my transition when I discovered the Kitsune and that I am one.

I shook my head. I haven't had a chance. I've been home less than ten minutes. Devon looked at me expectantly. I'll tell him, just not right now.

All right, then. Content that I would let our pack leader know about the newest threat, he dropped the paper back onto the table and headed for the kitchen. You ready to eat? It'll be better while it's still hot.

Sure. I followed him, Chinese smells great, Super Wok I assume?

Of course.

We ate while discussing our day. He'd spent most of his repairing a fence through which several of my father's cattle had escaped. I told him about mine, how frustrating I had found trying to work while constantly fielding calls from reporters.

The whole thing with Annie has me in shock. We grew up together, were in the same class most of the way through school, even played tennis together in high school.

I'm sorry. He laid one hand over mine on the small table. I didn't know her. I knew who she was, I recognized her on sight, but being older, I never spent any time with her.

I nodded, appreciating his sympathy but understanding what he meant by not knowing her. The only reason he'd known me in high school was because he'd hung out with my sister Payson, who'd been in his class.

That this would happen around here, and that she would be left on campus bothers me. It's almost like she was left somewhere directly connected to you.

I looked at him a moment, thinking about the possibility. Had Annie been killed as a message to me? Or was it just a coincidence that she had been dumped on campus? Was the note from her killers or just the group that had been harassing us using it to their advantage? So many possibilities that I had no answers for.

I don't want to think about it anymore tonight. Let's go watch some screen and relax. I've been dealing with this all day and I need a break. I stood to clean up after dinner.

All right.

Together we headed into the living room to spend the evening together.

Chapter 2

The next morning I got up with Devon so we could talk while he got ready for work. I knew I didn't need to worry about cooking for him, he would get to my parents house early Mom would feed him while she fed Dad. It was the same arrangement that my parents had offered all their help since I was a teenager. Besides, I didn't feel good, my stomach was churning and the thought of cooking made me nauseous, but it wasn't bad enough to keep me from going to work.

When I got to the office, Mr. Willowby told me not to bother answering the phone if the caller's number was blocked, as was the case with most of the news stations and reporters. I managed to get a lot more work done by ignoring the phone most of the day. Whatever had made me ill passed a couple hours before lunchtime, leaving me feeling fine, but starving, for the rest of the day.

I got home that evening and the small apartment was empty again. I changed clothes and stretched out across the bed, planning to take a short nap while I waited for Devon to get home. I vaguely remember him helping me under the covers and climbing in beside me, but nothing solid until his alarm went off the next morning.

I dragged my eyes open, they felt they had been weighed down with sand bags, as if I'd barely fallen asleep, but I knew better. I knew if his alarm was going off, then I'd slept at least ten hours.

Mmmph, I tried to say morning.

You must have been tired last night.

I don't remember you coming home. I was finally able to form real words.

Exactly. I couldn't wake you. Every time I tried, you would mumble, roll over, and go back to sleep. I finally just let you sleep.

I don't remember it. I blinked several more times, trying to make my eyes and brain behave as I lay in bed watching him dress.

I don't doubt it. You were pretty much out of it. He pulled his tee shirt over his head and settled the hem around his waist.

So what did you do last night?

I ate, read a little, then moved you into bed and joined you.

The mention of food made my stomach churn and I ran for the bathroom, thinking I was going to be sick, but nothing came up.

Are you all right? Devon stood in the doorway watching me, concern filling his eyes.

I nodded, not trusting my stomach with an open mouth. After lying on the bathroom floor, waiting to be sick for several minutes I made my way back to bed. I climbed in and Devon sat on the edge, helping pull the covers over me.

Maybe you should call in. Go see Alexis, she'll be able to help. He smoothed my hair away from my face and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

I didn’t have it in me to argue. Besides the nausea was getting worse not better. I will, but since it's too early to do either, I think I'll go back to sleep for now.

That sounds good. He glanced around. Where's your PCD?

In the top of my purse, hanging on the front door.

Devon nodded and disappeared into the other room. Here it is, he set the small device on the table beside the bed. I want you to call me if it gets worse. Your dad will understand if you're too sick to go to the clinic on your own. He gave me a look that reminded me of my father, and I knew if I didn't go see Alexis I would be in trouble.

I nodded and snuggled further in to the bed, wishing my stomach would settle enough for me to get back to sleep. Can you set the alarm to wake me at 8:00 a.m., so I can call in?

No problem. He reset the alarm and kissed my head again before leaving. I drifted back to sleep.

My stomach was still upset when the alarm went off, but not bad enough to send me running for the bathroom. I called Mr. Willowby and let him know I wouldn't be in, apologizing for the inconvenience. He was understanding, assuring me he would rather I stay home and get better. After hanging up I stared up at the ceiling, wondering why I felt so bad. After a few minutes, I realized I was procrastinating and forced myself out of bed, so I could get ready to make a visit to the pack healer.

Ipulled my car into the small parking area at the rear of the house belonging to the pack's Lysandros and Harmonia, the couple that were second in command behind the Anikitos and Alekto. I let myself through the gate leading into the back yard where the guesthouse that housed the Kitsune clinic sat. After my last visit, where I'd had to show a member of the pack that he wasn't dominant to me, I was leery of someone else trying the same thing so I glanced around the yard to make sure there wasn't anyone around. After determining it was empty, I continued into the clinic and found Alexis sitting on the sofa in the waiting area. She appeared to be reading. I found her was curled in the comfortable seat as if she sat there often. Her blond hair was cut into a pixie cut that seemed just right for her tiny body and upbeat personality.

She glanced up and did a double take when she saw me. Why aren't you at work?

Too sick. I sat down beside her.

What's wrong?

My stomach. It's better now, but when I got up with Dev this morning it was bad, I thought I was going to throw up. I made an unhappy face.

But you didn't?

No.

Is that all?

I shrugged, not sure what she was looking for. I've been tired. I came in from work last night and laid down for a ten or fifteen minute nap and slept until morning. Dev said he tried to wake me when he came in but I wouldn't wake up.

Have you been sick since you got home or is it just today?

I was nauseous a little yesterday too, but it was gone before noon. I looked at the clock on the far wall and found it was barely nine.

How's your appetite?

When I'm not ready to vomit? I'm starving all the time.

Alexis nodded, as if what I was telling her was something she had anticipated. I expected it to take longer than this, but obviously I was wrong.

What is it? I was concerned it could be something serious.

You're not sick, Nickie. You're pregnant. I saw it after you were injured in Seattle. I didn't say anything because I knew telling you or Devon then would only have made things worse. She laid one had on my back and rubbed in small, comforting circles.

My heart skipped a beat and the sick feeling in my stomach grew worse. I broke into a cold sweat, and I ran for the bathroom.

I was cleaning my face with a wet paper towel when Caden appeared in the doorway, Alexis right behind him. Caden was the enforcer who kept Alexis safe when she used her healing talent.

I was glad I'd pulled my hair into a ponytail before I'd left this morning, it was the only thing that had kept it out of my face as I'd gotten sick.

You all right? He asked.

She'll be fine, Alexis pushed past him, She's just a little shocked. She shooed the large man down the hall and stepped into the bathroom with me. I take it this wasn't planned?

I shook my head. No. My whole body trembled as she led me back into the front room.

Alexis took a deep breath, Any idea how it happened? She eased me down onto the sofa.

Aside from the obvious? I quipped before shaking my head. We always use condoms. Well, except once, but I have an implant. I lifted my arm to show her where the small oval chip lay under the skin, releasing a steady stream of hormones into my body.

Oh, honey, She sounded disappointed, didn't anyone tell you that hormonal birth control doesn't work for us?

I looked at her, shocked. My mouth opened but words just wouldn't come.

Give it a few days, talk to Devon, you may warm up to the idea. She rubbed her hand up and down my back, to comfort me.

I didn’t know what to say.

I'm gonna go get you something to drink, you stay right here. Alexis went down the hall into the old kitchen that had been converted into a break room, where I knew Caden spent most of his time. I heard her voice as she talked to him but I couldn't make out what she was saying. In seconds, she came back out, carrying a small bottle of soda. She twisted the top, breaking the seal, before handing it to me. Here, this will be easier on your stomach than water.

I took a small sip and scowled at the unfamiliar flavor. I looked at the label and found it was ginger ale.

The ginger will help calm your nausea and the bubbles keep it from being too heavy on your stomach. You should be able to hold it down without any trouble, as long as you don't drink too much.

I took another sip. We sat in mutual silence for a while. I tried to process the news. She sat with me, being there for me.

The door behind me opened, but I didn't bother to turn to see who it was. I was too absorbed in my own troubles to care who had come in or why.

Suddenly Devon bent down in front of me. His clear gray eyes were soft with concern. Nickie, baby? Are you okay?

I looked at him, my eyes meeting his as the tears started to spill down my face. I took a deep breath. I'm pregnant.

Something flashed though his eyes but was gone before I could identify it. All right, but are you sick? Are you hurt?

I shook my head, the tears still flowing unchecked down my face. No one told me that the implant doesn't work for us.

He took a seat on the couch beside me and pulled me into his arms, holding me securely against him. It's all right, baby. We'll deal with it, he murmured into my hair. I felt him set his chin on top of my head. Is she really all right? He asked Alexis.

She's in shock. I'm sorry, it never occurred to me that no one let her know that the implant wouldn't work.

That's not your fault, but will the implant hurt the baby? He asked something that hadn’t occurred to me.

It shouldn't, but it's probably best if it comes out.

All right. Can you give us a few minutes?

I barely registered the soft sound of footfalls as she left the room.

Devon's arms tightened around me. It's okay, Nick. You're not sick, you're not hurt. We'll figure it out. His hand ran lightly over my arm, both taking and giving comfort with the contact.

Until that moment, until he said it would be okay, I hadn't realized how afraid I'd been of his reaction. I looked up at him. Are you sure? You're not mad?

I'm not mad. He gave me a gentle smile. We're both alive and we're together, everything else we can deal with.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my face against his neck, smearing the tears on my face into his skin. You're sure?

I'm sure.

I let out the breath I'd been holding in a rush, letting some of the tension in my body go with it. He continued, Alexis says that implant needs to come out. Do you think you're up to it?

I thought for a second, considering what it would likely take to get it out. A small cut and maybe her digging for a minute or two to get the chip out, then it would be over, the cut would heal in minutes, an hour at the most.

I shrugged. Might as well.

He helped me off his lap, stood, and together, we went in search of Alexis.

Ten minutes later, we walked out of the clinic, a small band-aid on my arm where the implant had been. Is there anything in your car you need? Devon asked.

I looked at him, confused.

You're still shaky, you're not driving. We can take your car or the truck home, it's up to you.

I've got my purse, the car will be fine here for a while.

Good. He walked me around to the driver's side of his pickup, unlocked the door, and held it open so I could climb in.

Once in the vehicle and on the road he didn't head for the apartment, instead he was going farther into town.

Where are we going? I frowned.

The diner. I'm hungry and even if you ate this morning, you need to again.

What makes you say that?

Caden told me you'd been sick when he called to tell me I needed to come get you. He glanced at me before looking back at the road. So, we'll go eat before we go home.

I didn't feel like fighting and the last of the nausea seemed to be fading. He was right, I was starving and it didn't make sense to argue.



When got back to the apartment, I made my way inside, sat on the couch and waited for Devon to join me. I'd already asked if he needed to go back to my parents, he'd said my dad let him have the whole day. Something about taking care of me being more important, honestly, once I'd heard that he didn't have to go back, I hadn't cared why.

Devon changed out of his work clothes and came back into the living room. What's up? He sat beside me. You look like you've got a lot on your mind.

I looked at him as if he'd lost his mind for a moment. Of course, I do. How are we gonna do this?

Do what?

Get married, mated, have a baby, find a house, all of it. The weight of it all was overwhelming me and I could barely think.

Just like everyone else. One day, one step at a time.

But I'm not ready. I felt tears start from my eyes again and it made me angry. I hated to cry and I hated not being able to control it. I swiped the offending moisture off my face with a sharp, angry brush of my hand. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend and now I have a mate. I wasn't ready to get married and now we're engaged. I thought I was handling it all right, dealing with things as they came. I don't know if I can deal with this. The sound of my own shrieking made me realize I was starting to lose control. I was nearly hysterical.

Devon scooted closer and wrapped one arm around my shoulders. I know it's not what we were looking for, and it's not what we expected, but we can handle it, together.

Are you sure?

Of course I am. He pulled me against him, kissing the top of my head.

I relaxed against him and let the worries drift away. I would have plenty of time to worry about them tomorrow. I was going to enjoy him being here with me now. The warmth and security of his arms around me was more important than the fears that had crowded my mind. I closed my eyes, laid my head against his shoulder and let him hold me.

Chapter 3

Thursday afternoon was Annie's memorial service. I got up, ate a few saltines and drank small sips of the ginger ale that Alexis had recommended the day before. Once I had something in my stomach the nausea seemed to pass and I was able to go in to work. I called a co-worker and asked for a ride to the office, it was on her way so she didn't mind stopping. Mr. Willowby was glad to see me feeling better.

I'd arranged to take the time off to go to the service before calling in sick the day before, so I wore a dark suit to work and took the afternoon off. I sat in the back of the church, not wanting to disturb anyone if my nausea returned and I had to leave suddenly. Even with the distance, I couldn't help but notice that Bill and Karen were there, as well as Alexis and Hank. Seeing