Dark Refuge Read Free

of his father and the confidence in knowing the entire pack was behind him. It didn’t hurt that he was bare-assed naked. He’d discovered long ago that humans were notoriously nonplussed by a large, naked man, especially one who was totally unconcerned with his lack of clothing. “You are trespassing on Chanku land.” He held out his hand. “Put your weapons down and show me your IDs, please.”
     
    • • •
     
    “Why was I not surprised those idiots were from California?” Gabe tipped his beer and took a swallow. Freshly showered and dressed, his body sated after a hard and fast fuck with Aaron following their run, he hooked his bare feet in the rungs of the bar stool in his father’s den and stretched his arms high over his head, twisting to loosen up the kinks.
    Sitting on the big leather couch with Mei sleeping beside him in her snow-leopard form, Oliver Cheval swirled the dark cognac in his glass and shook his head. “What bothers me is that they seriously believed those stupid ID cards they’d bought—for one hell of a lot of money, I might add—gave them access to our property. In that respect, they didn’t think they were breaking the law. I’ll give them that, but their maps were too damned good for my peace of mind.”
    Aaron walked into the den with his digital notepad. He scrolled through a few pages and highlighted a website. “It’s a good thing we caught them. I watch for this sort of crap all the time, but this is a new website, and one I’ve missed. This group is selling private hunting privileges on Chanku land. They have a very authentic—though false, I checked—U.S. Forest Service certificate of approval. The only restriction is that you can’t shoot wolves or other predators, but any other game is fine.”
    Anton leaned on the bar, his favorite spot when they met in here for drinks and conversation. “That caveat will keep them from an attempted murder or even murder-for-hire charge, but Aaron, you didn’t get that law degree for nothing. I want to hit the owners of that website with a lawsuit that’s big enough to get their attention. Have you got screen shots of everything?”
    “I do, along with the taped confessions of our two erstwhile hunters. I believe they were honestly apologetic.” He laughed. “They also cleaned up all their trash, so Gabe let them keep the dead geese. But yes, I’ll get right on it.”
    Oliver’s mobile phone chirped. He stepped away from the group and answered the call. “Emeline. I didn’t realize you were back in the states, sweetie. How are you? What? Tell me more.” His voice faded as he left the room.
    It was a full five minutes before he returned, still talking. “Honey, Aaron’s busy. Anton gave him an important project. Just a minute.” He covered the phone, glanced at Anton. “Who can make a quick trip to San Francisco? Em’s got a situation. It’s not one I want her to handle alone.”
    Anton glanced around the room until his gaze settled on Gabe. “Gabe? Can you do it? I know you wanted to be here for the winter solstice celebration, but . . .” He shrugged.
    Gabe shot him a grin. “Sure. I can go. I haven’t seen EmyIzzy in years. Whatever it is can’t take three weeks, so there should be time.” He glanced at Oliver. “When, and what do I need to take? Let me talk to her.” He held his hand out for the phone.
    Em’s father shot Anton a look that was impossible to interpret. Then he turned to Gabe. “No. I’ll get the particulars. You go pack. She needs someone there as soon as possible, preferably tonight.” He lifted the phone, covered it again and then shot another look at Gabe. “I’d suggest you drop the EmyIzzy tag for the duration, okay?”
    Laughing, Gabe stood. “Suggestion noted.” He saluted Oliver and headed for his cottage, well aware his mood was vastly improved.

Chapter 2
     
    Emeline arrived at San Francisco International and waited in the Chanku Global Industries hangar. The company