Page 30 of Reclaiming Quinn

“I NEEDmy master!” Quinn wailed. “My mate. I… I need Deke.”

If it wasn’t for the fact Deke had shaved his head, Quinn would have yanked out all his hair by now. Sean had tried to comfort him, but Quinn didn’t want his brother. He wanted Deke!

“The guy at the desk said he was taken out by a taxi driver and put into the car. The driver left the chair on the sidewalk and got into the car, then sped off.”

“But how did they know who he was?”

Gareth grumbled. “They had to have someone here who knew what to look for.”

He closed his eyes, which darted back and forth under the lids. A few moments went by; then he opened them wide and snarled.

“There’s a wolf working here. I’m willing to bet he’s one of Klein’s.” He stood, his massive body proving that Gareth Blackthorn was the ultimate Alpha. “I’m going down to the lobby.”

“Gareth, don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Sean cautioned.

The smile Gareth gave scared the crap out of Quinn. “Don’t worry, I promise I won’t regret a thing.”

Lyram stood. “Let me go with you, okay?”

Gareth shook his head. “No, you stay up here and watch Sean.”

Sean’s eyebrows arched. “Excuse me?”

The “oh crap” look amused Quinn.

“Sweetheart, this is hostile territory. I can’t watch you and focus on what I have to do at the same time. Please, for me, stay here with Quinn and—”

“I’m going with you,” Quinn said, surprised at the strength of his voice.

“I appreciate the offer, but—”

“He’smymate. I don’t know what that means, but I can’t sit around without doing whatever I can to get him back.”

A sigh rolled out of Gareth. “Fine, but you stay back and let me do the talking.”

“Understood, Alpha.”

Quinn led the way down to the lobby, then stood back as Gareth scanned the people. His eyes lit on a young man with short-cropped dark hair and a nervous smile. Quinn trailed close behind, making sure to stay to the side. When Gareth got to where the guy stood, he leaned in close.

“Do you know who I am?”

The guy—Rupert—stood stock-still, and even from a few feet away, Quinn could see him tremble.

“Yes, Alpha, I know who you are.” He dropped his gaze to the floor. “I understand my life is forfeit, and I stand ready to accept your judgment.”

There was a sadness to his words that struck Quinn. He’d expected anyone who helped kidnap Deke would be more arrogant, but this guy was… oh shit.

“Alpha, stop.”

Gareth continued to stare at Rupert. “What is it?”

“May I ask something before you do anything?”

Gareth took a step back. “Yes, of course.”

Quinn took Gareth’s place. “I’m going to ask this just once, and if you don’t answer truthfully, I can’t be held responsible for what he does to you. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes.”