“Unfortunately, no. There’s still so much we don’t know about it. Like what different forms it can assume and how it leaves a scene with no tracks or trace of it having been there except for a body.”
“You know, I’m sure what I’m about to say will sound pretty farfetched,” Jonah broke in.
“Are you kidding?” Logan snorted. “With this creature nothing is farfetched. Bring it on.”
“We’ve already discussed the fact that it’s probably a shifter of some kind, some evil hybrid that a madman is breeding somewhere.”
“And?”
“If someone’s experimenting with crossing genetic boundaries, what if he’s found a way for this creature to also shift into a bird? A hawk or an eagle.”
“That doesn’t sound any more absurd to me than anything else,” Sam told him. “And it would explain why there are never any traces left at the scene of a killing.”
“A-anything about Melinda?” Chloe asked in a tremulous voice.
“I wish I could say yes, honey,” Craig told her in a voice filled with compassion, “but no, nothing yet. That’s why I think it’s time to assign two Night Seekers to the hunt full time. While others follow up each new report, that’s all these Night Seekers will focus on.” His face looked grim. “Especially since I have new information that just came in an hour ago. And you won’t like it.”
Tension zinged through the room like the vibration of a live wire.
“Another killing?” Ric asked at last.
Craig nodded. “This time in your territory, Logan. Montana. It seems that once again, we kill one monster only to have another one pop up someplace else.”
“It’s like the Hydra,” Dante Martello muttered. “You cut off one head and more grow.”
Logan clenched his fists, obviously working to get himself under control. “I’d like that assignment, sir. And the opportunity to search the state to see if there are others up there, too.”
“The first priority is getting up there and doing what you just did in Maine,” Craig reminded him.
“I hope the cops up there will be a little more receptive to our presence,” Sophia grumbled.
“I’m doing my best to pave the way for you,” Craig told them. “But it seems the farther north we go the more resistant people are to understanding the Chupacabra.”
“Will someone be going with me?” Logan wanted to know. “The first two situations we ended up sending a second team member and this time it worked really well having two of us there.”
A slight smile crossed Stafford’s face. “As a matter of fact, yes. I’ve had a request from someone to join the team. That person will partner with you.”
“Join the team?”
The Night Seekers had each been carefully selected by Craig Stafford. There wasn’t exactly open enrollment.
“I didn’t think we were looking,” Sam Brody said.
“We aren’t. But this person is very familiar with us and has my complete endorsement.” He glanced at his watch. “In about three hours one of my planes will deliver Rebecca Black to Desolation Ranch. I expect you all to welcome her.”
Shock and excitement raced through Sophia. “My sister? She asked if she could join the team?”
Craig nodded. “I figured you’d be pleased. She has every qualification we need as well as knowledge of both those of us with…special…abilities and of the Chupacabra. Ric, hook up a video call as soon as she gets here so we can begin making plans. Meanwhile, all of you get on the computers and pull up everything you can find about this recent killing. And Logan? I assume you’re good with this partnership?”
“Yes sir. Thank you very much.”
“Okay, I’ll be talking with all of you again in a few hours. As soon as Rebecca is up to speed the two of you need to get ready to leave. I’m sending you all the information I have right now.”
The screen went dark and one of the computers dinged to signal emails coming through.
Logan turned to Sophia. “Are you okay with this? With Rebecca being here?”
“Of course. Having my sister here will be the best.”
“And teaming up with me? Are you good with that?”
She hugged him, ignoring the curious glances of the other team members. “I have a feeling the two of you will be pairing up for more than a trip to Montana.”
He kissed her cheek, chuckling when Clint moved possessively to her side. “I hope so.”
“And Logan? I couldn’t have picked out anyone better for her than you. As Clint said yesterday things have a way of working out.”
“All right, everyone.” Ric’s voice broke in. “Let’s clean up from breakfast and get busy. We’ve got work to do.”
His unspoken words hovered in the air.
We have to destroy this beast before it destroys us.
About the Author
I always wonder what readers really want to know when I write one of these things. Getting to this point in my career has been an interesting journey. I’ve managed rock and roll bands and organized concerts. Been the only female on the sports staff of a university newspaper. Immersed myself in Nashville peddling a country singer. Lived in five different states. Married two very interesting but totally different men.
I think I must have lived in Texas in another life, because the minute I set foot on Texas soil I knew I was home. Living in Texas Hill Country gives me inspiration for more stories than I’ll probably ever be able to tell, what with all the sexy cowboys who surround me and the gorgeous scenery that provides a great setting.
Each day is a new adventure for me, as my characters come to life on the pages of my current work in progress. I’m absolutely compulsive about it when I’m writing and thank all the gods and goddesses that I have such a terrific husband who encourages my writing and puts up with my obsession. As a multi-published author, I love to hear from my readers. Their input keeps my mind fresh and always hunting for new ideas.
Desiree welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at Comments@EllorasCave.com.
Also by Desiree Holt
1-800-DOM-help: Delight Me
Cougar Challenge: Hot to Trot
Cupid’s Shaft
Dancing With Danger
Diamond Lady
Double Entry
Downstroke
Driven by Hunger
Eagle’s Run
Ellora’s Cavemen: Flavors of Ecstasy I anthology
Hard Lovin’
Mistletoe Magic: Elven Magic with Regina Carlysle & Cindy Spencer Pape
Mistletoe Magic: Touch of Magic
Emerald Green
Escape the Night
Hot Moon Rising
Hot, Wicked and Wild
I Dare You
Journey to the Pearl
Just Say Yes
Kidnapping the Groom with Allie Standifer
Letting Go
Line of Sight
Night Seekers 1: Lust Unleashed
Night Seekers 2: Lust by Moonlight
Night Heat
Once Burned
Once Upon a Wedding
Phoenix Agency 1: Jungle Inferno
Riding Out the Storm
Rodeo Heat
Seductive Illusion with Allie Standifer
Switched
Teaching Molly
Trouble in Cowboy Boots
Turn up the Heat 1: Scorched with Allie Standifer
Turn up the Heat 2: Scalded with Allie Standifer
Turn up the Heat 3: Singed with Allie Standifer
Turn up the Heat 4: Steamed with Allie Standifer
Until the Dawn with Cerise DeLand
Wedding Belles: Something Blue with Cerise DeLand & Allie Standifer
Wedding Belles: Something Borrowed
Where Danger Hides
Print books by Des
iree Holt
Age and Experience anthology
Candy Caresses anthology
Cougar Challenge: Tease the Cougar anthology
Demanding Diamonds anthology
Ellora’s Cavemen: Flavors of Ecstasy I anthology
Erotic Emerald anthology
Mistletoe Magic anthology
Naughty Nuptials anthology
Once Burned
Rodeo Heat
Sequins, Saddles and Spurs anthology
Where Danger Hides
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer ebooks or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
www.ellorascave.com