Chapter 40

Shirley

The case of my missing file has been put on the back burner for the day as I find myself at Keith’s for another reason. He’s invited the team to attend a luncheon for the afternoon, meaning all business is off the table for the time being. We’re just meant to enjoy ourselves.

I happily rise to the occasion, relishing in the lighthearted company and conversation as I sit at the long table amongst the other wolves. I’m strangely in a good mood as I chat with them, not even bothered by Ralph who sits across the table and a few seats down. He seems to be keeping to himself and so am I.

Keith, of course, resides at the head of the table. I haven’t talked to him since I arrived, but I seem to be acutely aware of his presence as he shares soft conversations with the men around him. I even see him flash a hint of a smile here and there - maybe he’s in a decent mood too.

“Do you eat much lamb on the west coast,” the wolf - Asher - says at my side as he helps himself to another serving. “Or is it mainly fish?”

I give a small chuckle as I take a sip of my wine. “There’s definitely a lot of fish, but I have lamb here and there. You just have to go to the good places to get it.”

“I’ll have to go out there and try it out some time,” he replies, taking a bite.

“You’ve never been?” I ask.

“No,” he admits. “I’ve mainly resided in the east my entire life. I like the seasons.”

“Experiencing all the seasons is definitely a perk,” I say in agreement as a few wolves down share a laugh. “Where I’m from it’s usually hot year round. It rains in the winter sometimes.”

“No snow?” Asher asks, taking interest.

“No,” I shake my head. “Not unless you go north.”

He hums in reply. “Well, at this rate, maybe you’ll still be here for the snow. It’s really pretty.“

“Yeah,” I reply quietly, my eyes oddly flashing toward Keith’s distracted face before flicking away. “Maybe.”

“Too bad your sister couldn’t stick around for the snow,” I hear someone say then. However, the comment didn’t come from Asher. Instead, I look over to find the culprit - my eyes landing on Ralph’s smirking face.

At first, I’m struck, annoyed that he’d been eavesdropping and felt like he was invited to jump in. I keep my features smooth though, showing him that he hasn’t affected me.

“It is a shame, but she doesn’t really like the snow,” I inform him, taking another swig of my wine.

“Huh,” Ralph blows out the sound. “Maybe that’s why she was quick to leave. Didn’t want to get her fur wet.”

I feel the urge to narrow my gaze on him, but ignore it. If he wanted to bring this up in front of everyone then fine - let him. But I wasn’t going to let him know he was ruffling my feathers.

“Probably,” I say back. “Or maybe she didn’t think there was anything worth staying for.”

Okay, maybe that comment was a little much, especially as I see Ralph’s jaw tighten. But damn - it felt good to say.

“Maybe,” Ralph eventually says, rolling his shoulders as he bounces back. “I’m sorry you still don’t know where she is,” he continues, but then stops to give a snide laugh. “But then again, you seem to be used to things going missing.”

Asshole. What a complete and utter asshole.

Of course he was trying to knock me down, using my work. I sent an email to the team last night, informing them that my file was missing and I would appreciate it if they could send me their notes from the afternoon’s meeting. I had been trying to be professional and honest - I hadn’t expected Ralph to use it against me.

“I just hope it won’t be a problem moving forward, you know,” Ralph continues then. “We need someone serious and dedicated to help this company.”

Suddenly, I have the urge to shatter the wineglass in my hand, my anger quickly bubbling. But just to press me further, Ralph throws out another comment.

“This is why we don’t usually allow women into our business. It’s better to have a man get the job done,” he says, smirking ear to ear.

Oh, I could strangle him. I could leap over the table. But I know it’s not worth the scene, so I figure a good tongue lashing should do the trick. I open my mouth to just that, but it’s not me who eventually speaks.

“Enough.”

The strong and demanding voice has both Ralph and I looking over, our eyes immediately snapping to the end of the table. We find Keith staring at us, or really just at Ralph - he gives the man a look that seems as vicious as my own.

Then again, my gaze is a little wider and surprised now. I hadn’t realized that Keith had been listening to us, assuming he’d been too busy with his own business.

“That’s no way to talk to a lady, Ralph,” Keith says and I swear the whole room has gone silent. “Mind your fucking tongue.”

Oh Goddess - if looks and words could kill then Ralph would be dead on the spot. And he seems to take Keith’s warning as he turns away, practically scowling down at his food. That’s when Keith’s eyes finally slid to mine, holding my gaze for a moment.

And then I nod, silently thanking him before I felt the need to actually kill his best friend.

When the luncheon ends, I leave the table and begin to head to the front door. I make sure to give the other wolves hanging around a nod as I make my exit, but just as I reach the end of the table, I’m stopped as I feel a hand on my arm.

I know who it is before I even glance over, oddly knowing the weight and shape of the hand. And of course, I catch the scent brushing toward me, which causes me to officially look over.

“Are you okay?” Keith asks immediately, his voice quiet yet still serious.

I stare at him for a moment, searching his gaze and acknowledging his touch again. His behavior seems a little off considering there’s plenty of people still in the room, but then again - they had all seen what happened with Ralph. They likely know he’s checking on me.

But I don’t need to be checked on - as I’ve said a thousand times, I can handle Ralph. There’s no need for Keith’s concern.

“I'm fine,” I tell Keith, brushing off his question and touch as I step away. I’m still irritated by the thought of Ralph and just want to get out of the room, pleased with the idea of being alone for once.

Keith doesn’t say anything, just tightly swallows as his gaze pierces down at me. After a few seconds, I finally shake my head, choosing not to say anything either as I just walk away.

However, on my way out, I don’t fail to notice Lily’s stare as I pass by. Or the violent sneer clear across her face.

My night is beautiful and wonderfully quiet before the doorbell rings. With my emotions still fairly high from the afternoon, the sound causes me to audibly sigh and stop typing, still not in the mood for company. I just want to piece together my missing files again in peace.

This better by Warren with those books, I think. Or some telemarketer I can kick to the curb.

I wouldn’t mind letting my aggression out on someone, even if it’s a minor blip.

Scowling, I slide my laptop off my lap and get up the couch, but I feel myself hesitate as I hear another knock. This time it’s louder, harsher - but it doesn’t stop there. It’s followed by someone ringing the doorbell, but not just once. They ring it over and over.

My heart leaps in my chest before it begins to rapidly pound. The ringing doesn’t stop as I clutch my hand to my chest, swallowing as it sounds like someone also begins to kick the door.

I remain frozen in place, eyes wide as I stare at the hallway leading to the entryway. I pray for the kicking and ringing to stop, only becoming more desperate as someone begins to shake and jiggle the front handle. And just as I whisper out one last “please,” the goddess seems to answer.

It stops - all at once. I’m left in silence as I still don’t move, letting minutes pass before I dare to take a step. Gradually, I make my way to the door and press my hand to the wood as I listen for any noise outside. Only, there’s nothing.

I know something is wrong and my actions are foolish, but I can’t help myself. I reach down and unlock the door, holding my breath and preparing myself for anything as I pull it open. However, once I can see out, I’m left staring into the night again. There’s no one.

Except another dead rabbit laying at my feet.

Alarms going off in my head, I slam the door shut again before I lock it. And within seconds I gasp in horror as I hear pounding footsteps coming up the front steps, right before the incessant knocking and ringing starts again.

Staggering back, I feel horror throughout my entirety, nearly making me fall to the ground. However, I manage to keep myself upright as I sprint back into the living room where I left my things.

Helpless, I reach for my phone, unlocking it before I find the number I need. I don’t think, I don’t hesitate as I press it, jerking the phone up to my ear as it rings once and then someone answers.

“Keith,” I say, nearly with a sob. “I need you.”