Page 12 of Her Big Bad Wolf

I didn’t need or want for much in life. I enjoyed my quiet, simple off-grid life, but my truck had been worth every penny. And it made for an enjoyable experience when I did have to leave my home on an occasion like this.

I just wished I knew where all the damn hay had gone.

Vanessa

Chapter 5

Mary had been right, I’d needed a break. Much to my surprise, and anyone that knows me, I took two full days off before heading back to work. I’d spent several hours of that looking for the boys, but there was absolutely no sign of them anywhere.

“How can three little boys just disappear like this? It doesn’t make sense,” I told Kelsey when she stopped by for lunch with Mary.

“I know you’re worried. We all are, but I assure you Kyle has everyone on the lookout for them.”

“Where could they have gone? It’s been cold overnight. I really fear the worst, though I’m trying hard to be optimistic and believe they’re okay, wherever they are.”

“I hate to think of any of our children out in this cold, but there’s not much more we can do that isn’t already being done. If you have any ideas, please let me know.”

I sighed. “I know you guys are doing everything possible. It’s just so frustrating. And I miss my little buddy.”

I glanced over to the empty seat at the children’s table as they ate. Cam should be there with them.

“You really need to just take your mind off things,” Kelsey said.

I snorted. “Easier said than done.”

“What are you doing this evening?”

I bit my lip not wanting to tell her I was going to drive around looking for the boys again.

“At this point, that’s not going to help, and you know it,” she said, giving me a stern look.

“What?”

“Driving around aimlessly looking for them. I love that you care so much Vanessa. Your love for children is limitless. Let the experts do their job. I have to believe they will be found. Three little boys don’t just disappear. Someone has either taken them in, or they’ve found a place to hole up and stay warm. When they’re hungry enough they’ll come out looking for food.”

I nodded. “I know you’re right.”

“So instead, why don’t you join us for ladies’ night.”

I scoffed. “Your little book club?”

“People are still calling it that? We gave up even pretending to choose a book to read ages ago. Now it’s more like a wine night.”

“I don’t really drink.”

“It’s not a requirement, though strongly encouraged by some. Come on, Vanessa. Just relax for one night and have a little fun.”

“I’ve heard about some of your ladies’ nights. I’m not sure it’s my kind of fun.”

Emma had gotten so drunk one night that she’d gone into the Crate and found her mate then announced to everyone that she was taking him home to have sex.

Okay, so that happened more than once and might just be an Emma-thing because she really didn’t have a filter on that mouth of hers. But still.

“Please?”

“Are you really asking and not ordering me?”

Kelsey feigned shock. “I would never order you to attend. That’s an abuse of Alpha powers.”