Pushing herself up from the bed, she wobbled over to investigate. The rest of her belongings seemed to be intact, but as expected, the gun was missing. That theyd taken it was no surprise, but being without protection was unsettling. Damn it, she felt naked without it.
Naked . Oh, God. Shed seen several wolves and a panther become hot men not wearing a stitch. Hadnt she? Or maybe everything shed been through in the last few months had finally sent her over the edge. Bye-bye sanity, hello blissful insanity. Maybe shed been institutionalized and this was her jail cell, disguised as a normal room. Any minute a nurse would be by with medication that would send her back to the land of happiness and light.
Oh, good, youre awake!
Turning, Rowan blinked at the attractive woman standing in the bedroom doorway wearing a white doctors coat over a green blouse and black pants. Shit, I did go crazy, she murmured.
Excuse me?
She waved a hand at the womans attire. Which are you, my nurse or my psychiatrist? Because Im pretty sure Ive suffered a break from reality and youre my keeper.
The brunette laughed good-naturedly, and pushed a lock of long, curly hair from her face, tucking it behind one ear. Im Dr. Mackenzie Grant, but no, Im not your doctor, warden, or anything else. Im just here to make sure youre all right. You took a nasty bump to your head when you passed out.
Right. When I checked out because I saw or thought I saw Frowning, she trailed off.
The doctor cleared her throat. Yes, well. Nick will want to talk with you about that, Im sure.
Nick Westfall, she recalled. Your commander.
Not my commander, exactly, but yes. Hes the head honcho around here. He leads the Alpha Pack team.
Who are wolves and cats in disguise.
The other womans gaze was sympathetic. Im sorry, I really cant talk about
Rowan gave a laugh that was half-hysterical, dripping with sarcasm. Of course not.
Nick will tell you everything he feels you need to know, but after that we can talk all you want.
The doc was loyal, at least. She could respect that. When does he want to see me?
As soon as youre feeling up to it. I can take you to his office now if youd like, Miss Chase.
Call me Rowan. Wait, how did you know my name? She cast a suspicious look at her purse. Had these people gone through her things?
Nick told us.
Thats rightWestfall had called her by name the moment they met. And how did he know? Did someone alert him that I was on my way? Rowan frowned. Dean wouldnt have betrayed her, she was certain. Never mind. Im sure thats another one of those things hell have to tell me. And believe me, Dr. Grant, hed better.
Mackenzie or Mac is fine, the woman said amiably, ignoring Rowans last remark. Are you ready?
Sure, lead the way.
Glancing at her purse and bag again, she opted to leave them behind. She wasnt carrying much cash, and only a couple of credit cards. No, if these people had planned to keep her stuff they wouldve taken the rest along with her gun. She followed the doctor from the bedroom, through a furnished living room, to the door, and out into a carpeted hallway lined with more doors, all numbered. Quickening her pace, she fell into step beside the other woman.
So, this area is what? Like a dorm? she guessed.
Mackenzie nodded. Yes, but unlike dorms, the residence wings are fully equipped apartments, and we arent required to share quarters. Privacy is a highly valued commodity in a busy place where so many of us live and work, and its usually in short supply.
Its nicer than I expected, Rowan admitted, admiring the dark green carpet and cream-colored walls adorned with sconces that reminded her of the inside of a nice hotel. On the drive here, I envisioned something much more stark and unfriendly. You know, what with it being a top secret compound and all that.
Which begs the question
of how you found out about us. The doc cut her a curious stare.
Rowan smirked. I guess thats something your illustrious leader can tell you if he wantsafter he and I have a little chat.
Touché, Mackenzie said with a laugh.
As they walked, a glint of silver at the vee of the other womans blouse caught Rowans eye. A round disk about the size of a silver dollar hung there, suspended on a sturdy chain. It struck her as being a bit heavy, like a piece of jewelry more suited to a man. But what did she know? She was a cop, not a fashion critic.
Thats a gorgeous pendant, she said, waving a hand at the docs chest.
Mackenzie started and glanced down at the item as though shed forgotten it was there. Thanks.
She peered closer. Is that a pentagram?
Yes, it is. But the doc didnt offer anything further.
Tough. Cops liked answers. Cool. Are you Wiccan?
No. A hint of annoyance crept into the docs tone, and her words became clipped as she tucked the disk under her blouse again. The necklace was a gift.
Subject closed, at least for now. But Rowan sensed a story there and sooner or later shed ferret out the mystery. Investigating, prying answers from people who didnt want to give them, was in her blood. For the time being, she let it go.