Good to know! His relief was palpable.
Sariel led her back through the maze the way shed come, but when they reached the hallway where her room was located, he made a turn in a new direction. After a few moments, they ended up in a big dining room, as promised. Like the rest of this place, the room was designed to create a homey feel.
Several large tables took up the space, which was made to house a number of people yet provide for more intimate conversation than it would have with just one huge table. In the center of each table were platters of food, served family style. And around the tables were quite a few men and a sprinkling of women. Most of whom had stopped talking and were checking out the newbie. Rowan looked around for Mackenzie, hoping for a familiar face, but didnt see her.
Hey, Blue, someone called. Whos your friend?
This is Rowan Chase, Sariel announced, either ignoring the slight awkwardness or unaware of it. Apparently shes our guest for a while. Come on.
He tugged her to a nearby table where a small blond woman sat with a handsome, dark-haired, goateed man and two other guys shed seen at the gate. At least now they were dressed. The body language of the blonde and the goateed man, the way they sat close, the big brute leaning into her, made Rowan think they were together. Rowan sat next to Sariel, across from the others, eyeing the steak and baked potatoes in the middle of the table.
Her stomach growled, hopefully unheard due to the talking that had resumed around them. The goateed guy pushed the plates closer to her side and nodded.
Dig in.
Thanks. Reaching for the big fork on the steak platter, she dished up a piece, put it on her plate, then stabbed a potato.
Im Jaxon Law, by the way, he said, and then gestured to the blonde burrowed into his side. This is my mate, Kira Locke.
Mate? Okay. Wolves mated, right? Did they get married, too? She didnt see any rings on their fingers.
She addressed the other woman. You must be the one who works with Sariel rehabilitating, um
Kira smiled. Basically, we help any creature or intelligent being when they become lost or hurt and are brought to us. Right now we have a gremlin, a basilisk, two rescued shifters, and a wolf whos She cut off the last part of what she was about to say at a quick shake of Jaxons head. What was that about? Anyway, Nick is going to provide funds for us to build a rehab center on the grounds for that special purpose.
Thats really neat, she said, and meant it. I dont have a nurturing bone in my body when it comes to taking care of sick people, so I can only imagine how hard it must be to nurse something that most folks dont know exists.
Were learning as we go, Sariel put in. We have doctors here, and Kira at least has an advantage because of her training in the medical field, especially in genetics, and shes good with the patients. Its not as if running a center like this has ever been done before, and certainly not in my realm, where they simply cast out anyone whos different. A shadow crossed his features, but he shook it off. Still, the work is rewarding when we get good results.
After a round of enthusiasm from the group about the project, a man with black
hair a bit longer than Jaxons spoke up from beside him. Im Zander Cole, or just Zan. This is Ryon Hunter. He waved at a blond man on his other side, this guy appearing a little younger than his friends.
Ryon smiled, open and friendly. Hello.
Its nice to meet you all. The jury was still out on the truth of that statement, but it was the polite response. Now she was eager to get to the heart of her visit. I suppose by now youve been told Im Micahs sister. Do any of you know him?
Guarded expressions met her question as she took a bite of tender meat. Too bad worry for Micah took the enjoyment right out of her meal, as it had with every aspect of her life since she was informed hed died.
Jaxon spoke first, indicating himself and his two friends. The three of us were in the SEALs with him. Then we joined Alpha Pack together, along with Aric and Raven, who arent with us at the moment. He paused, apparently reluctant to embellish.
Rowan glanced around the group. Its okay. Your boss already filled me in on what this place really is and what you guys do for a living. Im a cop and Im used to dealing in facts, so Im not sure I totally believe all this stuff about conspiracies and otherworldly creatures. But Im getting there. She shot a pointed look at Sariel for emphasis. When she did, she noticed that he hadnt made a move to touch any of the food, but she didnt have time to wonder why.
Kind of hard not to believe it when its shoved in your face, huh? Kira said in sympathy. A.J. over there was the same way not too long ago. Hes a former police officer, so maybe you two will have some things in common. She gestured to a man who sat across the room with a huge bald guy. Jaxon wrapped an arm around Kiras waist and kissed the top of her head.
Rowan shrugged. Maybe.