Later in the afternoon, Xander made a call and more people arrive to help search for the dogs and other animals. "Dr. Carran," the fireman said. "Luckily, all of the animals had been set free before the fire. From what we can tell, no animals were in the building."I nodded. "Thank you. But how could that be? How did they get free and not Maria and Macy?"The fireman sighed. "I hate to say this, but it was arson. From the position of the bodies, it appears that the two ladies had been knocked unconscious before the fire was set, which would explain why you didn't hear any screams. Also, the arsonists probably set the animals free."I nodded as tears welled up behind my eyes. "Why would they set the animals free but not Maria and Macy? It just doesn't make sense." I couldn't imagine what Macy and Maria had gone through in their final moments, conscious or not. "Is there any evidence, anything at all, that could tell us who did this?"He shook his head. "No. But forensics is still worki

When we pulled into the long drive of the Compound, I knew, somehow, that I wasn't going to be leaving for a while. The guys had me here and I was sure they weren't going to let me go. I had mixed emotions about it. On one hand, I wanted to keep my independence, but on the other hand, I didn't mind being with my men, either."Well, we're home," Xander said when we pulled up in front on the circle drive. Cruz had driven my car, and I drove with Xander and Elias in their van while Eve drove Cruz's car. I nodded, wondering if this was going to be a gilded cage, of sorts. But it was up to me to set the groundwork right away to make sure it wasn't. "I appreciate you letting me stay here until we find the perpetrators." I wanted to make sure they knew this wasn't permanent... yet. After all, I hadn't even known them a week.Xander glanced over at Elias and Elias shook his head slightly, but it hadn't escaped my notice. "Well, let's get you settled in first and maybe we can change your min

"Why don't we all sleep in here tonight?" Xander asked. "I know you're upset but we want to take care of you. If you don't want to do anything, then no problem."I nodded. "Well, I'm on birth control—""Throw it out," Xander growled, cutting me off."Seriously?" I asked. "You just seriously growled at me over birth control? Don't you think that's something we should discuss?"Elias smiled, leading me into the bedroom as Xander closed the door behind us. "What Xander means is that we want to have children...." He glared at Xander. "When the time comes."I scoffed. "Okay. I get it now. The sexcapade was all because you wanted to... breed me?""No!" Xander took a step closer to me as Elias bit his lower lip to conceal a smile."Get away from me!" I said, taking a step back.He sighed, not moving any closer. "I'd love to have children, but when you're ready." He smirked. "I'm much older than I look.""How old?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He smirked. "Older than Elias.""How old?" I dema

We pulled down the long, circle driveway of Caprice Casino, which was actually a true castle and served as the main hotel. There were also outbuildings behind it, creating a spectacular courtyard."Wow! I would love to take a tour of the grounds some time," I said, my eyes wide. "Not today, but the next time we come back."Xander gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "We can arrange that. I'm sure Lance and Leila will be glad to give you a tour." He smiled appreciatively. "It really is quite spectacular."Elias held my other hand. "Are you ready for this?"I shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be."When the limo pulled to a stop, a young man wearing a suit coat, jeans, and tennis shoes was waiting for us, along with several other men, all dressed in black suits with white shirts, resembling Secret Service Agents.Xander got out first and then he offered me his hand to help me out, and Elias got out on the other side. "Kellen," Xander said, shaking his hand. "Drake told me what happened. We came

When we walked into the conference room, Lance stood. "Are you sure you want Kalyssa to hear this?""Yes, of course," Xander said, letting me go into the room first."Mr. Steel," I said, heading toward a chair. "This concerns me as much as it does the rest of you.""Indeed." Lance laughed, holding a chair for me. "You remind me so much of my wife. She's feisty, too, just like you."Once everyone was seated, Lance folded his arms on top of the table and looked over at Xander. "So, did Rory or Casen tell you anything?"Xander nodded. "As you know, Kalyssa's clinic was attacked and two of her employees were killed, but they were human. Thank goodness, Kalyssa wasn't there." Xander shook his head. "And in the newspaper, there was a murder that had all the earmarks of a witch execution. And now the attack here at your casino."Lance nodded. "So, are you saying what I think you're saying?""When we were interrogating Rory and Casen, I discovered that they both were from the Silver Pack in Or