Page 122 of A Wolfe in the Woods

“She’s not here.”

My grip tightened on the phone.

“But someone has been.” A pause. I heard her move further inside. Something being pushed away, like furniture.

“Does it look like she packed?” I quickly asked, thinking maybe Blanche was more upset than I knew.

“No, I mean someone else has been here. Her place is trashed. Open drawers…stuff’s on the floor.”

“What else do you see?” I asked, closing my eyes.Fuck, this wasn’t good. I should’ve never left Graymore. I should’ve stayed.

“It looks like someone was searching for something.”

Erik. My mind didn’t even hesitate.

“Besides, she wouldn’t just leave,” Megan said, fear threading into her voice now. “She’d call me.”

The air in the cabin felt thin. Like the walls had pulled in without me noticing. May sat without moving, listening intently.

Megan’s breathing hitched. “Jonathan…what’s going on?”

Before I could answer, my phone vibrated against my ear.

Another call.

I glanced at the screen.

Blanchette.

My heart started pounding viciously.

“Megan, hold on—she’s calling,” I said, already switching lines.

I answered immediately. “Hey, where are you? Megan and I have been worried…”

“Hello, Jonathan,” Erik said pleasantly. “I have a new proposal. One more interesting than money…one that I’m sure you won’t refuse.”

Every muscle in my body tensed.

“Where’s Blanche, you filthy fucking stray?” I asked, my voice clear with anger already rising deep within me.

“Language, Jonathan. Insulting me is not going to help you get you want.”

A measured pause stretched between us. He was using his leverage over me. Waiting to see if I’d lunge…or heel.

“Are you going to sit,” he went on softly, “and behave?”

I said nothing, biting my response down.

“Good boy.” His condescending tone made my fist nearly pulverize the phone, my beast prowling in my chest. “She’s fine. For now.”

My pulse pounded in my ears. “If you lay even a digit of your filthy?—”

“Oh, please. Stop being so fucking dramatic,” Erik cut in. “What do you think I am? An animal? I prefer negotiations, not savage theatrics. Calm down.”

I stepped outside the cabin without realizing I’d moved. The forest air hit my lungs, sharp and cold, night settling over the Hollow like a held breath. Like mine. “What do you want, Erik?” I asked.

There was a deliberate pause on the line. “I get bored of repeating myself. Sign the deed. Transfer the land…and Blanchette and the money are yours.”