Wolf's Fall (Alpha Pack #6)(3)

“Oh. Okay.” Scott put away his phone. “I can ride along if you all want. Make sure she’s running smooth.”

Aric smiled. “That’s a great idea.”

Nick knew that smile. It was the fake one the Telekinetic/Firestarter gave people he didn’t trust, and Nick wasn’t sure why the man was leveling it at Scott. In fact, his own PreCog abilities hadn’t given him a single vision or even a vibe about the new mechanic. That in itself wasn’t unusual or alarming. It wasn’t like he saw everything. But he trusted Aric’s instincts.

“I agree,” he said. “If she’s still doing anything funny, you can make some adjustments when we get her on the ground.”

The mechanic nodded. “Sounds good.”

Nick didn’t add that even if there was something seriously wrong with the copter, it wasn’t going to crash with Aric on board to set it down safely. Their Psy gifts came in damned handy sometimes.

If Scott had caught on to their wariness of him, he didn’t show it as they boarded the Huey. Nick took the copilot’s seat up front with Aric, while Hammer sat behind them with the mechanic. Aric hit a button and the roof above them slowly slid open to reveal the bright skies. The blades started with a whine and in moments they were lifting off.

The ground fell away, and Nick let himself enjoy the view of the mountains and valleys, the lush green forest below. He wondered whether he’d ever see it like this again, with the earth far below him.

Maybe, if battered old wolves were allowed in heaven.

The ride went without a hitch. After about an hour, Aric brought the Huey around and headed back to the compound. Once they landed in the hangar, Aric shut off the copter and saw to refueling it while Nick and Hammer thanked Scott and said good-bye.

After the man left, Jax and the others who’d been washing and waxing the vehicles walked into the hangar, clearly curious as to Nick’s impression of Scott. They were joined by Phoenix Monroe, a Pack brother who was a Firewalker in addition to being a wolf. Meaning, the guy could literally walk through fire without being burned—unless he purposely dropped his shields.

Hammer posed the question on all their minds. “You think Scott’s legit?”

“Logic says yes,” Nick said. “But I didn’t get any visions.”

“You tried to read him?” the big man asked.

“Yeah. There was just nothing.”

His friend didn’t appear pleased about that news. “My wolf’s nose says he’s human, at least. Not a shifter or a vampire.”

“Mine, too. Unless he’s somehow masking his scent.”

Phoenix frowned. “How could he do that?”

“He couldn’t, but someone could do it for him. Someone powerful could, like a Sorcerer, or perhaps there’s a drug we don’t know about that has the capability.”

“That’s a disturbing thought,” Hammer put in.

“Which one?”

“Both.” Hammer eyed him. “Have you actually heard anything about a drug that can mask scent?”

“No, but who knows what all is out there? Our own medical team is working on a drug to delay the negative effects of mating sickness. Nobody outside the compound, except Grant, knows about it.”

“Say what?” Phoenix stared at Nick. “A drug that can delay having to mate? Who are they using for test subjects?”

Nick cringed inwardly at the sudden interest from the wolf. He thought of Noah Brooks, the human nurse who’d been waiting for Phoenix to claim him as his mate, and regretted mentioning it. “They’ve got a couple, from Sanctuary. They haven’t mentioned needing more volunteers.”

He sensed his attempt to deflect the wolf from the subject wasn’t successful. Phoenix excused himself in a hurry, and Nick shook his head. Another f*ckup to add to his growing list.

“Shit,” he muttered, watching Nix’s retreating back.

Hammer shook his head. “Hey, you don’t make his choices, or anyone else’s. If he breaks Noah’s heart, or his own, that’s on his head.” There was a murmur of general agreement from the others.

“I know, but we can’t afford to lose two good men.” Nick ran a hand through his hair, which needed a trim. Like it mattered. “Anyway, about the testing. I was just trying to make a point.”

“I got it,” his friend said. “It stands to reason there are plenty of paranormal studies we don’t know about, considering how many different groups there are. Either way, we’ll keep an eye on Scott. Want us to watch him?”

“For the time being. If he’s up to something, we’ll find out sooner or later.”

“Do we know where he’s staying?” Hammer asked.

“His contact info lists a motel in Cody, supposedly while he looks for a place to rent. Also, call Tom and see if he’ll shed more light on his departure.”

“Will do, right after we’re done at Sanctuary.”

The others dispersed to tackle other tasks. Hammer stayed with Nick as he walked to the Sanctuary building, and Nick resigned himself to his friend’s presence. Truthfully, he found the man’s dogged persistence comforting. He wasn’t half as annoyed as he tried to be.

They entered the lobby of the facility, and he stopped for a moment to admire the completed project. The place was like a high-end long-term-