Chapter 4

(Siobhan’s P.O.V)

           What the fuck is he doing!? Just because we are mates doesn’t give him the right to just grab me and try that shit with me. I’m furious right now, and this whole mate bond absolutely complicates our investigation because he’s going to be exhaustingly overbearing and annoying. When I get back out to the living area, everyone has their eyes averted but I can tell they are all smirking at the incident that just occurred.

I growl, “Why are you here with the Alpha, Patrick?”

“Because we were wanting to share information with you and your team.” He answers as Tiernan comes stomping out of my room, pouting like a child.

“Well hurry up and say what you know. I’m exhausted, starving, and my patience is wearing thin.” I huff, narrowing my eyes at Tiernan.

“Well, three of the children are human. However, five of the children are pups and cubs from different packs and sleuths, and five of the children are spell casters from two covens,” Patrick says.

“Wait, no Fae or vampires?” Anders asks.

“No, only spell casters and shifters.” Tiernan answers.

“Hmm, that’s odd that they are excluding the Fae and vampires. I doubt, though, that the kidnappers know that these children aren’t normal human children.” Artis says.

“We’ve found only one pattern of our own, which is that all of the children are between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. The sex of the children doesn't seem to matter to the kidnapper's." Preston says.

“They also cross racial lines, which is not typical of serial offenders of any kind. So, we believe we are looking at more than one kidnapper at this point though we don’t know if the kidnappings are related or if it’s just coincidence.” Camilla concludes.

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” Tiernan states matter-of-factly.

“That’s nice. Now, if you and Patrick could leave that would be great. We are tired and hungry. We will be questioning the children’s parents and going over the crime scenes tomorrow.” I state, shooing my brother and Tiernan out the door.

“You know, you haven’t even said hello to me yet and you are already kicking me out the door,” Patrick growls in annoyance.

           Yep, there’s that attitude that I absolutely adore about him…please note the sarcasm in this statement.

“Not my fault. Talk to Alpha Caveman next to you. Now, out.” I say slamming the door in their faces.

           The growl that filled the hallway was that of a REALLY pissed-off Alpha wolf whose mate just rejected him. Well, not officially rejected but still. He has to know that the official rejection will come at the end of the investigation. I know the pain that I will experience when I break the bond and I won’t be able to work when I do make the rejection.

Si, please. I want my mate. I want Steele and Tiernan. Why are you so against mates?

It’s not that I’m against mates, I’m just against the male species, in general, I don’t want anything to do with them and you know why.

           The memory of my ex-boyfriend, Wyatt, flashes through my mind making both Tala and I whimper in pain. It wasn’t enough that he had to physically abuse me and gaslight me, he had to take it a step further and rape me in front of his friends. The only thing that I can say about that incident is that I was drugged and couldn’t feel anything. That was a blessing I suppose, at least physically I couldn’t feel anything. That was when I decided that I didn’t want a mate and I didn’t want a man, I would die a spinster before I caved into the mate bond.

“So you want to explain what happened?” Camilla giggles.

“Tiernan, the Alpha of my pack, is my mate apparently,” I say.

“That’s amazing Si! I’m so happy for you!” Artis squeals.

“No, it’s not amazing. I’m going to reject him when we are finished here.”

“What!? You can’t! You know that we don’t get a second chance! It’s one and done!” Anders shouts.

“I don’t care! I can’t.” I murmur, feeling the familiar prickle behind my eyes that signal tears.

“This is about Wyatt, isn’t it?” Artis murmurs, grabbing my hand and holding it.

           I couldn’t deny that he was a huge reason behind it, so I nod my head, making sure I’m staring at the floor, so they don’t see the tears. I’m suddenly engulfed in a group hug by my team, that’s the one thing I love about these guys is that, outside of work, we are all friends, and we all care for one another. They all knew what had happened with Wyatt, and had urged me to press charges, but I didn’t, I was too ashamed of what happened and, to be honest, I still am ashamed. I know that, deep down, this isn’t my fault, but my brain and heart haven’t come to an agreement on that yet. We order ourselves pizza and Chinese food for dinner while we watch different movies before we all say our goodnights and head to our respective bedrooms. My room still holds Tiernan’s scent and it makes Tala whimper in need of her mate, she lets out a small mournful sounding howl.

I’m sorry, Tala.

           She ignores me, hurt that I’m refusing our mate. I crawl into bed, knowing that I won’t be sleeping well because I know that the nightmares will come back without Cat Cobain and my weighted blanket. And before you question me, Cat Cobain is my cat, and yes, I did name him, and yes, I know it’s weird as fuck for a werewolf to have a pet cat. The morning comes too soon for my liking since my sleep was disturbed with the tossing and turning without my cuddle buddy or blanket. After finishing my shower, I grab my clothes for the day: a pair of black slacks with a white button-up with the sleeves rolled up over my elbows. I pull my hair up into a ponytail and put on some light makeup, not needing to be overdressed for meeting with the parents today but I still needed to look professional.

           Walking out to the living area, everyone is already dressed and eating breakfast that was brought up by room service.

“Morning Si, coffee is made in the kitchen,” Preston says.

Mmm coffee.

Coffee is life.

           Grabbing a cup of coffee, I walk back into the living area and grab a plate of food while we discuss our plan of action for the day.