Free On the Hunt by Alexandra Ivy, Dianne Duvall, Rebecca Zanetti

white streak at the front of his hair.
    “There are few things I don’t know.”
    Well, shit.
    It was rare for Mika to be played.
    No. Not rare.
    Never.
    But there was no mistaking the smug expression that settled on Wolfe’s lean face.
    The bastard had known exactly what was waiting for Mika when he came to Louisiana.
    “And that’s why you chose to send me to track Jacob,” he growled.
    “I was tired of watching you mope around because your pride wouldn’t allow you to go after your woman.”
    Mika scowled. “I don’t mope.”
    “You’re right. You brood.” Wolfe gave a dramatic shudder. “Even worse.”
    Mika rolled his eyes. “Nice.”
    “Aren’t you going to thank me?”
    Mika was honest enough to admit that he owed his friend more than a thank-you. Being able to have a second chance with Bailey was priceless.
    Not that he was about to admit it to Wolfe.
    The leader of the Sentinels was arrogant enough, thank you very much.
    “You make an ugly-ass Cupid,” he instead muttered.
    Wolfe slapped him on the shoulder, nearly sending him stumbling into the nearby bog.
    “Yeah, you’re welcome.”
    “Did you discover anything about the healer who was found dead?” Mika abruptly changed the subject.
    He wasn’t ready to discuss Bailey or their reunion.
    It was all too new. Too fragile.
    Taking the hint, Wolfe folded his arms over his chest, revealing the gun that was holstered at his side.
    There was no doubt another gun was tucked in the back of his waistband and one strapped to his ankle, as well as a knife or two stashed in easy-to-reach locations.
    “We think he’d been kept captive.”
    “By who?”
    “Impossible to say.”
    Mika frowned. In the past he’d heard of psychics and clairvoyants being kidnapped. People always believed that knowing the future could somehow bring them wealth or happiness. And even witches could be forced to perform spells.
    But a healer?
    “It would have to be high-bloods,” he said. “A healer would be worthless to a human.”
    Frustration tightened Wolfe’s expression. The Tagos liked mysteries about as much as Mika.
    “None of this makes sense.”
    Mika gave a shake of his head. They weren’t going to figure anything out by standing there.
    “This way.”
    In silence he led Wolfe through the swamp. Twice they had to halt, once for a hunter who was on the trail of a rabbit, and once for two fishermen who were headed for a nearby dock. None of them were aware of the two lethal warriors who were standing a few feet away.
    At last they reached the banks of the channel, careful to remain hidden in the thick line of cypresses as they studied the small island.
    Minutes passed. There was no sound. No movement. And still they waited.
    It wasn’t until nearly an hour later that Wolfe stepped out of the trees, making himself a deliberate target for any sniper.
    “I think it’s empty,” he said when he wasn’t shot.
    “I must have spooked them,” Mika said, disgust in his voice.
    Dammit. If they’d fled the area, the Sentinels might not ever discover who they were or if they’d been responsible for Jacob’s disappearance.
    “You stay here,” Wolfe commanded. “I’ll circle to the other side and we’ll approach at the same time.”
    Not giving Mika time to argue, the Sentinel disappeared into the swamp, his movements so graceful he barely disturbed the choking vegetation.
    Less than ten minutes had passed when a whistle too high for human ears alerted him that Wolfe was in place.
    Pulling a gun out of the holster he’d hidden beneath his T-shirt, Mika eased his way down the steep bank and entered the tepid water of the channel.
    He grimaced as his boots sank into muck at the bottom, well aware that he was vulnerable to attack until he was on the other side.
    Not the most pleasant thought.
    Battling through the lilies, water moccasins, and one gator, Mika was at last on the island and threading his way toward the small cabin in the center.
    Glancing through a