Page 72 of Craving Their Mate

“And now? Rider said you live near here?” Paris asked.

“For the moment, we are living at my parents’ house while they are in Florida with my sister.” Charley explained how Paul Statler and his fellow Colter buddies had performed experiments on her sister as well as other women. “If it hadn’t been for the Pack, she would have died.”

“That’s so sad—about the capture, not about her being saved.”

“That’s the type of men we are dealing with.”

As much as Paris was almost afraid to hear the answer, she needed to ask. “Are you sure my father was involved in all of this Colter mess?”

“No, which is why the general asked Rider to stay back and gather additional information.”

“You said your sister was saved but then suffered a stroke?”

“Yes.” Charley filled her in on what they knew of the relationship between Dr. Elkhart—the doctor who experimented on her sister—and Paris’ dad.

“While not conclusive, it does seem he is as much of a scum as I’d believed.”

* * *

As soon as the two ladies left, Mick huffed out a laugh. “I see we’ll need more chairs, which seems to be an issue in whatever motel you are staying.”

That was true. “This motel is much higher end, but yes, there is only one small table and two chairs. The bed will have to do as a sofa for now,” Rider said.

Connolly and Mick sat opposite Rider and Grayson. Between the two of them, they brought the new members up to speed.

“If you need someone to handle the drone, I can help,” Connolly said.

“I was hoping you’d offer,” Grayson added. He stood and grabbed the newly purchased device. “Check it out.”

Connolly unwrapped and then read the package. “This will be good. How close can I be?”

“I thought we could do a little reconnaissance tonight if you’d like,” Grayson said. “You can be the judge.”

Connolly smiled. “I’d like that.”

“I’m coming too,” Mick said. “If you do something careless again, someone has to be there to have your back.”

Rider laughed, though the last time Mick had to save Connolly’s ass, it wasn’t pretty.

“If one of you is free to take me around now, I’d like to see the area while it's still light,” Connolly said. "And maybe I can do a test run."

“I’ll be happy to do that,” Rider said.

“What about our mate? Charley will not be happy if you leave her out. She’ll want to scope things out too,” Mick said.

Connolly nodded. “You’re right.”

“There is a ridge above the complex that’s public property. Between the top of the ridge and the fence that surrounds the building, there is a forested area.” Rider said.

“As soon as the women return, we can check it out. If Charley doesn’t see some action soon, she won’t be happy.”

Grayson nodded to the room next door. “Maybe I should see what is taking them so long.”

“Knowing Charley, she’s regaling Paris with the take down of Elkhart and his men,” Connolly said. “For sure, check. Otherwise, it will be dark before we get going.”

Grayson went next door to retrieve the women. A minute later, the three of them returned.

“We’re exploring?” Paris asked with hope in her voice.