Walking into my office, my favorite room in the house. It screamed of power and masculinity. An elegant mahogany traditional desk sat in the middle of the far wall with thick built-in shelves covered in books as a backdrop. On either side and in front of the desk sat plush brown leather sofas with a square coffee table in between. A stunning lush cream colour area rug placed in the middle of the room protecting the high gloss finished wood floors that peeked through three feet in width around the perimeter of the room.

Katie sat on one of the couches with a gold and deep red accent pillow clenched against her chest. Abby kept a protective arm around Katie giving her reassurance. Nate sat on the other couch across from them, his body language was relaxed n a non-threaten way not to further distress Katie. While Quinn rested by the picture window against the wall. Bringing in coffee and muffins before placing the tray down on the coffee table was Braydon who then took a spot by the door. Dmitri joined his brother on the couch; ankle resting on his knee almost looking bored. Anyone who walked into the room seeing these men would assume it was an informal gathering, but I knew all too well that my men were on alert and would be able to strike in half a moment's notice. Leaning against the desk, ankles crossed, with arms over my chest, I waited patiently for Abby's presence to calm Katie down before the questioning began.

"Ok Katie, start from the beginning and tell me what you know." Too much time was already wasted. Going in with the soft questions was not a luxury we had anymore.

Sitting straight up, squaring her shoulders, and clasped her hands together to stop from fidgeting, "Ok...um...I know Cassie," she struggled out.

"I figured that out already. What do you know of her disappearance and why do you think the Cats were in to your home?" I prompted for more.

Snapping her head up, Katie blurted out, "I know nothing about her disappearance." Her voice strong, almost defiant.

"How do you know her?" I demanded, never raising my voice.

The command washed over her body, not able to resist, lowering her head she started. "Umm...well..."

"Katie," My patience was wearing thin even though my exterior read calm and my voice never wavered.

Closing her eyes, "We are friends. Well...actually more than that...We have been lovers for the past 6 months." The last was rushed out.

The whole room went quiet. Everyone seemed to stop breathing, you could have heard a pin drop. The fact she was with a women was not a problem, but the fact she was with a Lion caught us all off guard. It was not that there was some law against wolves dating lions, it just never happened. Ever. Although the news took everyone by surprise, No one let it show in their face or gave off any indication of their emotions that anyone could scent. My men were professionals and they were showing it. Braydon showed the most shock and it was just the briefest twitch of his brow. Katie didn't even notice.

"Ok, so that was the female we could smell at your place. What about the other two male cats that was also there?" I continued.

Relief flooded her body as she slumped into Abby when no one reacted badly to the information she just revealed. "Only Cassie has been there Jack, I swear," she pleaded.

Before anything else was said the phone rang. Bad timing that it was I still had to check the caller ID before choosing to ignore it. Life has not stopped. Unfortunately, this was a call I could not refuse. "Shit, talk about perfect timing. It's Lawrence." I informed the group, watching Katie's entire body tense with the new information. Lawrence was the pride's leader. Cassie was one of his lions.

"Lawrence. Pride of Ari." I greeted formally.

"Jack. Pack of Kajen," Lawrence's cool rumble voice responded, "I need to speak to your wolf." Meaning he wanted to question her.

"And what wolf would that be, and for what purpose?" Knowing the answer but keeping the information to myself. The very little we had.

"Don't screw with me Jack. You know whom I mean. I need to speak with your Katie." I guess Lawrence was not up for diplomatic way of things. Good that meant I had a little more control over this situation.

"I see." Keeping my voice mute from emotion. Pausing for effect, "Unless you tell me why your Cat's were in her apartment, it's not going to happen."

"Dammit Jack, she was the last one to see Cassie," he snapped, "Listen, I should have talked to you first, and I won't apologize for that under the circumstances. As soon as we found out about their affair I had a couple of mine search her place for any more information that might help," his voice back to being emotionless.

"One hour at the clearing. Bring four of yours with you and I will do the same plus Katie." Not waiting for a response I hung up the phone knowing Lawrence would be there. Setting up the time and place gave us the advantage and the control of the meet.

Terror screamed from Katie eyes as the tension built throughout the room. "It's going to be alright, this has to be done." I explained. With that said and done, we headed for the door to get ready to leave.