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glances and seemed to be exceptionally tense. Finally, Elise gave up the pretence of not noticing and when the next commercial came on, turned to confront them.

    “I’ve noticed you two looking nervously at each other. Is there something else going on besides Thomas being missing?”

    “Elise, don’t worry. It’s probably nothing.” Carrie stared down at her belly, stroking the child within.

    “That’s right. We’re just being foolish. Thomas is simply late.” Helen bounced up. “Why don’t I make us some popcorn?”

    “No, thank you.” Elise bit back the desire to growl. They were hiding something from her and she didn’t like it. “If this is to be my new home, I need to know what’s going on, don’t you think?”

    “Well yes…” Carrie twisted her fingers and looked towards Helen.

    Sitting back down, Helen sighed. “We aren’t trying to hide things from you, Elise. It’s just that Kane indicated that he wanted to explain the situation to you himself.”

    “What situation? Why can’t you tell?”

    “Because it involves Kane on a personal level and he wants you to understand where he’s coming from.”

    Elise frowned. “How does Thomas’ not coming home, involve Kane?”

    “Well, possibly it might not… We’re just not sure. As I said, it could be nothing.” Carrie shifted in her seat.

    Throwing up her hands in despair, Elise flopped back in the chair. “You’re talking in circles. Kane said it was possible that Thomas stepped in a trap left by hunters. How could that involve my mate?”

    “Well, if it really was set by human hunters, then it wouldn’t involve Kane and we certainly hope that’s the case.” Helen nodded as if her positive thoughts could make the situation true.

    “If it involves ‘human hunters?’ What other kind are there?” Elise tried to wrap her brain around this new puzzle. What was there besides human hunters? Surely not… The very idea made her gasp. “Another werewolf setting traps? But why? That’s absurd!”

    The ladies exchanged anxious glances again and then Helen spoke. “It’s complicated, Elise. Suffice to say that there’s been some controversy and division in the pack. We’d hoped it was over but recent events are leading us to believe otherwise.”

    “Recent events? Like what?” Elise queried.

    Helen opened her mouth and seemed about to speak, then shook her head. “We really can’t say much else. It’s Kane’s place to tell you.”

    Sighing in frustration, Elise realised that she’d get nothing more out of her two new friends. If the Alpha had forbidden them to speak, they wouldn’t. “All right. I’ll ask Kane when he gets back.” Checking the time, Elise stood up. “I think I’ll head up to bed. It’s been a busy day.”

    Carrie stood as well. “I’m going to turn in too. The little guy inside me is quiet right now and maybe I can get a few hours of sleep before the gymnastics start again.”

    “I’ll just rest down here for awhile. The men should be back soon and might want a cup of coffee or a snack after being out in the cold.” Helen picked up the remote and settled back in her chair.

    Bidding each other a good night, Carrie and Elise each turned toward their own wing of the house. Opening the bedroom door, Elise didn’t bother to turn on the lights. Moonbeams streamed into the room through the bank of windows and she wandered over to them, staring out at the night.

    Her old pack was out there, miles away. She wondered what they were doing right now. Was her father sitting in his office, working late into the night as he often did? Had Sarah finished the apple pies that she always made and then stored in the freezer for the winter months? And what was Bryan doing? With a start, Elise realised she hadn’t thought of him all afternoon. She supposed she’d been too busy trying to settle into her new home, and mentally scolded herself for forgetting the one she loved.

    The sound of a wolf howling