Free Blown Away (Rogues Shifter Series Book 4) by Gayle Parness Page B

live in Crescent City.”
    “But you didn’t come to see me. It’s been ten years.” Sinc’s voice held no emotion; she could have been talking to the mail carrier. But those of us who knew her well, knew how close to the edge she stood.
    “We weren’t permitted. You know what Quentin’s decision was regarding you.” Sharon’s voice shook with emotions locked away for far too long. “Your father would have been removed as Beta.”
    “I have a hard time believing that. If you missed me, as you say, you could have come to Crescent City to see me or you could have called. You chose not to. Quentin would never have forced Jake to step down. He's been loyal for fifty years.”
    Sinc was no longer a scared and vulnerable teen. Her anger was an icy weapon that she directed toward her mother, a woman who’d been put between a rock and a hard place and had chosen to back her mate and not her daughter. I found it hard to judge her too harshly, but I couldn't put myself in Sinc's shoes.
    Sharon looked at the rest of us, who were all watching the drama unfold, then back at her daughter. “Sinclair, Sinc, perhaps we could discuss this privately. I’m taking Garrett and Jackie and those directly involved in the investigation to meet Quentin. We could have lunch tomorrow, if you’d like.”
    Garrett stepped over and placed a hand on Sinc’s shoulder to show his support. “Sinc is taking a leading role in the investigation and will be coming to the meeting.”
    Sharon looked shocked as Sinc continued. “I’ll be collecting evidence still left at the scenes of the kidnappings and then running all the tests in my own lab, so we’ll get the results quickly. I don’t think I’ll have time for lunch tomorrow. Perhaps another time, Sharon.”
    Ouch. Couldn’t really blame Sinc, but Sharon looked hurt and then worried. “You know Quentin. He may not respond well to you speaking for the group.”
    “She won’t be speaking for the group, Sharon. I’ll introduce everyone and then we’ll all be discussing the situation together, the way a team usually fun ctions.” Garrett was trying to get a feel for how Quentin ran things.
    “That isn’t how a pack functions , Garrett, and Quentin is very definitely the one who speaks for our group.” She pulled herself up and stood stiffly.
    “W e have no desire to interfere with your procedures. We just want to help you find those boys.”
    “Of course, forgive me. Would you like to go now, or would you like to freshen up?” Her demeanor was strictly professional.
    Garrett looked around at the excited faces. “I think we’d like to meet your alpha now, if he’s ready for us.”
    “Of course, please follow me. It’s just a short walk.” We left William, Heinrich and Kyle to set up our travel laboratory and then our two interview rooms since we’d been advised by Liam to interview the entire pack regarding the boy’s disappearances. Three teens missing from the same pack sm elled of an inside accomplice. The two fae sisters stayed behind to assist and keep an eye out for trouble. The rest of us followed Sharon out the door, excited to meet Quentin.
    As we walked through the property, various family groups moved closer so they could get a good look at us. I smiled and said hello when I saw a friendly face, but most of them looked wary. Two of the werewolf bodyguards walked in front, followed by Garrett and Sharon who chatted together pleasantly. I walked beside Liam, with Sasha, Ethan and Sinc silently bringing up the rear along with the last wolf guard . Once in awhile one of the wolves would greet Sinc, always calling her Sinclair of course, and she’d smile or wave and then keep walking.  I noticed that some of the females were checking out our males, and I caught Sasha winking back at a couple of them. I gave him a look and he shrugged with a sexy smile.
    Liam sent to me, “I think this will be another one of those meetings where you’ll have to watch your temper. I