With Caution

big grease smudge behind, before going back to Rhys’ engine.
    Gadget’s youngest had juvenile arthritis. Jake didn’t want to get the man’s hopes up.
    The healing could all be coincidence. No one knew yet what all Remi’s being an Omega entailed. “Yeah, I’ll ask Remi about it.”
    Jake glanced at Rhys. “You find out any more about Dirk Lassiter?”
    “What you see is what you get, the guy is a first-rate asshole. I asked around a little, but my source at the bureau hasn’t gotten back to me yet. I got a name to check into though. Apparently, the kid who was killed still has family in this area. An older brother.
    I’m going to drop in on him tomorrow.”
    Dago lay back on the cement, rolling his head toward Jake and Rhys. “We could arrange for Remi’s dad to find himself on the wrong end of an angry wolf.”
    Jake glared at him, nipping that in the bud before it started, although he had considered it himself. “We aren’t going to go breaking pack laws. We’ll handle this legally.” Jake used the tone he’d used last night, making sure they realized it was a www.samhainpublishing.com 113
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    command. Werewolves did not go around murdering people. All Jake needed was for one of his men to be labeled a rogue. But, if worse came to worse, Jake would seriously consider it. Dirk Lassiter had to go.
    Jake’s cell phone rang.
    Setting his beer on the garage floor, he snagged the phone off his belt and read the Caller ID. R. Lassiter. But it wasn’t Remi’s number. Jake flipped the phone open.
    “Hello?”
    “Jake?”
    Sterling. Jake had forgotten about giving the kid his business card. Every sense suddenly on alert, Jake stood. “Yeah, Sterling, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”
    Rhys jumped out of his chair so fast it clattered and the legs skidded on the ground behind him.
    “Yeah, I’m okay. Do you know where Remi is?” Sterling’s voice was shaky, not his usual fast, excited pace.
    “Did you try his cell?”
    “I did, he isn’t answering.”
    Getting right in Jake’s face, Rhys started to say something.
    Jake brushed him off and stepped past him. Remi was probably on the motorcycle.
    He needed to get an earpiece for his phone so he could answer it even on his bike.
    “Where are you? Do you need me to come get you, Sterling?”
    “Can you? I’m walking toward town. I don’t want Dirk to catch me.”
    “You bet. Tell me how to get to you, kid.” Jake looked over at Rhys. “I need another helmet.”
    Rhys took off toward the house.
    Going to his bike, Jake started it as Sterling gave him directions.
    Rhys was back in no time, fastening an extra helmet on Jake’s backrest.
    “Okay, kid, I’m on my way.” Jake clipped his phone on his belt and put his helmet on.
    “Is he okay? What happened?” Rhys asked.
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    “He’s fine. I’ll call you when I get him. Do me a favor and call around and see if you can find Remi.” Jake turned his bike and headed out of the drive toward the rez. Thank God he’d thought to give Sterling his number.

    * * *

    Remi pulled his bike up close to Keaton’s car, trying to block it from view. He’d left his stupid cell phone at home to charge it so he couldn’t stay long. He’d have to get his phone before he went to Jake’s house.
    Looking around out of habit, Remi spotted a guy walking down the street. The guy appeared a little rugged, but he seemed familiar. Must be a neighbor or something. Remi shrugged it off and hurried to the front door of the small ranch-style house, hoping he wasn’t seen.
    Barking greeted him before he even knocked and made him smile.
    The door swung open and Pita jumped on him, wagging his tail.
    “Hey, Pita. Let me inside, huh?” Remi petted his head and walked in. The door closed behind him and he turned to find Keaton frowning at him. “What?”
    “You okay?” Keaton had a knife in one hand and a dishtowel in the other.
    “Yeah, I’m good.”
    Arching a brow, Keaton jerked his head to the side and walked past Remi into the kitchen.
    Remi groaned, following. He knew Keaton well enough to suspect the man wasn’t going to let the events of the pack meeting drop. Oh well, maybe talking to Keaton about being an omega wasn’t such a bad idea.
    Pita pounced into the kitchen in front of Remi.
    When Remi got into the kitchen, Keaton was standing at the sink peeling potatoes.
    “Holy shit. Will miracles never cease? You’re cooking?”
    Keaton pointed the