Free A Siberian Werewolf in Paris by Caryn Moya Block

pushing the elevator call button.
    Josie rushed forward, glad that the elevator doors opened quickly. No one looked her way as she grabbed Jack’s other arm and helped Susan maneuver him inside. Josephine sighed with relief as the doors closed and leaned against the back wall. What if one of Fortescue’s men saw her?
    “As soon as we get to the room, I’ll order us some food. We have a little mini-bar if you need a snack before it arrives,” Susan said.
    “I think I’ll have some juice and lie down. Will you girls be okay without me?” Jack asked.
    “Sure, honey. Josephine and I can chat while you rest,” Susan replied, smiling at Josephine.
    The elevator stopped on the sixth floor, and Josephine followed close on the heels of Susan and Jack. As soon as the room door was open, she rushed inside. Jack glanced sharply at her, then slowly walked into the bedroom area and closed the door.
    Susan sank onto one of the cream couches with a sigh. “I never thought something like this might happen to us.”
    Josie began to pace in front of the window. What should she do? Was she putting her friends in danger by being here?
    “Josephine, is everything all right? Here, let me order that meal I promised you.” Susan reached for the phone.
    Josephine’s stomach ached with hunger, but now, knowing about Fortescue, she wasn’t sure she could eat a bite. Still, under his very nose would be the last place he would expect to find her. Staying with Susan and Jack might very well be the right move. The pack wouldn’t arrive at the Café de Luna Bleu until later in the evening.
    Not knowing for sure whether she’d made a wise decision, Josephine crossed the room and sat down next to Susan as she finished ordering a light repast.
    “ It will be coming right up,” Susan said, hanging up the phone.
    ***
    Valerii felt his stomach clench and realized he was hungry, but not this hungry. He reached for the mating bond with his telepathy and gently let it lead him into Josephine’s mind. She was starving and worried. She sat with a woman a few years her senior. When he tried to figure out what worried her, he came up against finely honed shields. Only a strong telepath would have shields this strong. Could his little mate be so skilled? Another secret she was keeping from him?
    His heart ached at this betrayal, even though logically he knew she protected herself and her pack. Would she ever confide in him? He was her mate. Their minds should fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.
    Valerii? Are you hurt? Her voice flooded into his mind. Did she feel his disappointment?
    No, malyshka. Are you safe? What worries you so? He wouldn’t burden her with his problems. He didn’t want her to run from him again.
    I made a friend on the train , and her husband was injured during a mugging. I am fine... for now.
    Perhaps she didn’t realize he heard that last thought.
    I met a member of the Paris pack on the train. They normally meet at the Café de Luna Bleu, he sent to her, hoping that she would begin to trust him.
    Yes, I plan to go there later this evening.
    At least she told him that much.
    I will meet you there. Grigori wants me to offer his greetings. I miss you, Josie.
    Valerii, I...
    Their telepathic link was cut, and Valerii opened his eyes to see the taxi driver take the highway around to the south of Paris. He tried to reconnect with Josephine, but her mind stayed firmly closed. Why did she push him away like this? His jaw clenched with anger and frustration. What could he do to get through to her?
    Shaking his head, he pondered the problem. Would cementing the bond keep the door to her mind open to him?
    ***
    A sudden knock at the door startled Josephine and brought her mind back to where she was—with Susan in the Hilton La Defense.
    “Where did you go just then? You seemed so far away, I wasn’ t sure you were listening to me.” Susan moved to answer the door.
    “Sorry, I was thinking of my fiancé,” Josie answered