Moon Shifter 02 - Primal Possession

the same page, then,” he said. “We don’t want the local cops involved any more than you seem to want them. We killed five—technically six—humans tonight and no matter that we were trying to save you, it will look bad that they’re all dead, especially the ones at the main house. We broke into that house and it’s obvious two weren’t killed in self-defense….” His voice trailed off as he looked at December. “Are you going to tell your brother about any of this?”
    She was surprised by the bluntness of his question, but maybe she shouldn’t have been. Lying to the police or her brother specifically wasn’t something she’d ever thought she’d do. Of course she’d never thought to be targeted by crazy radical hatemongers either. December shook her head. “I’ll never speak about what happened tonight to
anyone
.”
    Connor looked at her for a long moment and must have been convinced of her sincerity, because he noddedonce. Then his attention turned to Kat again. “If you’re willing, I’d like you to go with Aiden to the police station tonight. No offense, but you look like shit and if you come in with a story of how you escaped two kidnappers and were found in the woods by one of our pack members, it’ll be more believable now than if you come in fresh faced a day or two from now. And the longer you’re here, the bigger chance someone has of finding out you’re not currently being held anywhere.”
    Kat nodded. “What’s the story, then? Why did these two men kidnap me and where was I held?” Her voice shook on the last word.
    Connor’s expression softened. “Keep it simple. You were held somewhere in the woods, but with all the snow falling you have no idea where or for how long. They were holding you for ransom and wanted to blackmail your father into paying for your release. Since they wore masks the entire time, you have no idea who they are or what they look like. Plenty of people saw you being kidnapped at the hospital and you have no reason to lie to the cops. Since the men who actually took you are dead, the cops will eventually close your case as a cold one.”
    Kat looked at December with raised eyebrows. She seemed so unsure of herself it made December’s heart ache. “What do you think?”
    December nodded. “It’s a believable story, and like he said, you have no reason to lie.”
    Kat lightly bit her bottom lip before turning back to Connor and Liam. Dropping December’s hand, she stood, her expression resigned. “If Aiden’s ready, I want to go now. I just want to get this over with.”
    Connor and Liam both stood, but only Connor led her out of the room. Once the front door shut behind them, Liam finally spoke, but he didn’t sit back down ormake a move to comfort her. “How is she?” His voice was ragged.
    December had no answer. “I honestly don’t know. She hasn’t said much since she’s been back. I think she’s in a mild state of shock. Considering…whatever happened to her, I think she’s holding up okay.”
    Liam let out a string of violent curses before meeting her gaze again. “I’m so sorry I dragged you into all this.”
    She frowned at him, not understanding why he was obviously keeping his distance from her. “This isn’t your fault. None of it.” It wasn’t anyone’s fault except that of some ignorant people so consumed with their own hatred they couldn’t see anything clearly.
    He shook his head sharply, as if she hadn’t spoken at all. “After Kat was taken, I realized how selfish I’ve been. If I’d never forced my way into your life, you’d never be in danger. You’d never know”—he spread his hands out helplessly in front of him—“all this shit. Crazy people wouldn’t be after you. You’d be safe.”
    Her heart rate sped up as she started to digest his words. The reason for his distance at the barn and now here at the house was suddenly all too clear. “So what are you saying?”
    He cleared his throat almost nervously. “I think you need to leave town for a while. Maybe take a long vacation.”
    “Excuse me?” What the hell was the matter with him? They’d just taken care of the leader of the local APL group and now he wanted her to leave. Now, when her friend was in so much emotional pain it was practically a living thing inside her. And now when December needed him more than ever.
    Liam nodded resolutely. “We’ve got a list of all APL members in the area now. There aren’t many locals andwith