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“And…?” Caleb prompted.

“He killed them.”

“Who? Who did he kill?”

She took a deep breath. “Tom. He killed Tom. He tore his throat out without even giving him a chance to defend himself.”

“I’m sorry.”

“He also killed Sarah.”

“What?” he said, and Regan could hear the shock reflected in his voice. “Why would he kill Sarah? She wouldn’t stand up to anyone. I should know that.”

“Who’s Sarah?” Regan asked.

“Ethan’s mate,” Kelly answered. “She brought Caleb up. Was the closest thing to a mother he had.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what happened. Sarah went crazy when he killed Tom. She went for him. Something snapped inside her.” She shrugged. “I don’t think Ethan meant to kill her, but he was insane with bloodlust. He probably wasn’t even aware of who it was. He ripped out her throat. She died instantly.” She sniffed, then wiped a hand over her face. “He went crazy when he realized what he’d done, but it was too late. In the chaos afterward, I managed to get away with Jason. And we came here. That’s it.”

They were all silent for a time. Regan watched Caleb; she’d learned more about him in the past half hour than in all the time before. He sat down in one of the chairs opposite Kelly. The good mood of earlier had fled completely. He appeared drained, and a deep sadness lurked behind his eyes. She guessed that whatever he might say about this Sarah—and he obviously had a deep well of bitterness—her death had hit him hard. After a few minutes, he drew himself together.

“So, what is it you expect me to do?”

Kelly cast him a look of scorn. “We don’t expect you to do anything. We’dlikeyou to come back, get rid of your father, and lead the pack. You know they would follow you.” She stared into his face for long moments. “But that’s not going to happen, is it?”

“I don’t want to lead the pack. I never wanted that.”

“And Caleb Stone always gets what he wants, right?” Kelly leaned back and closed her eyes. “You want us to go?” she asked without opening them.

“No.” Caleb rose to his feet. He paced the room. “You can stay here. I’ll protect you from my father. You’ll be safe.”

“We’ll never be safe, not while Ethan is alive. You know what he does to renegade wolves.”

Caleb didn’t answer.

“What does he do to renegade wolves?” Regan asked.

“He hunts them down and kills them. All except Caleb,” Kelly said. “The pack was never sure whether that was because of fatherly feelings, though we found that hard to believe. More likely that he knew he couldn’t beat Caleb.”

“Why,” Regan asked. “Is he strong? For a werewolf, I mean?”

Kelly looked at her in amazement. “Caleb could beat anyone from the time he turned fourteen. Of course he never fought Ethan.” She looked at Regan. “Who are you?” she asked. “I can scent wolf, but I don’t know you.” She sat up straighter and her eyes narrowed on Regan. “You’re the woman Ethan bit, aren’t you?”

Regan nodded. “How did you know?”

“I was there that night. I caught a glimpse of you.”

“Well, thanks a lot for helping.”

Kelly shrugged. “He was furious when you disappeared. He wants you back. More than that, for some reason, heneedsyou back.”

“Well, he’s not getting me.” She looked across at Caleb; he appeared lost in his own thoughts. Regan sighed. The problems had caught up faster than she could have imagined, and it looked as though it was up to her to sort this one out.

“Look,” she said to Kelly, “why don’t you get some sleep?”

“Can Jason come with me?”

“I don’t see why not. Caleb?”

He shook himself and looked at her. “What?”

“Is there a room Kelly can use?”

“Of course. I’ll bring Jason. He rose to his feet and crossed the room, picking up Jason, who groaned but didn’t wake. Kelly followed them out, and Regan sank into the chair. She glanced across at the drinks, muttered a word, and a full glass appeared on the table beside her. She picked it up and sipped, savoring the smoky taste.

At least she had a lead now. She could find Ethan.