Tattooed Luna by Mrs Smith

“I'm not sure if it means anything but she said she has met with Sir Joe Gambino many times. According to her, they are old friends. | guess she liked when he cto visit because she got to get out of the cell, cleaned up and wear clothing. However, she would get a beating afterward because she didn’t keep her mouth shut and it would cause problem.” “Seriously?” “Yup. I'm not sure. She kept talking about large rose bushes and how hot it was. They would travel and she got to sit with windows. | think she meant she wasn’t shoved into the trunk but she always got put back in the cells after.” “Did she ever try to escape?” “When | asked that, she said there was a thorn halos around but they smelled so good.” “I don’t know what that means.” | confessed.

either. However, she did say she was in a place that was very noisy.” Jacob got a smirk on his face as he said that.

“A casino is noisy.” My mind was racing.

“Bingo. | don’t want to say they are doing these experiments out of the casino but they might be using it as a front or a meeting space. Just how we met up with Gambino. If Rip took her to a dinner there with him...” Jacob trailed off.

“That's interesting. They couldn't be too far from that. Transporting that many people wouldn't be the easiest.” Grabbing my phone, | dialed Alec’s men that were driving around.

“Who are you calling?” Jacob asked. His yellowing face was covered in confusion.

“Yeah.” He answered.

“Go to the casino and do ssurveillance. | want someone undercover in there. Just get the layout and don’t go too risky on me. | am thinking they are taking drunk people for experiments and what not. There might be a house or castle near by that they could be using.” “Maybe an abandoned building?” “Yeah, do you have something?” | asked as my hope soared.

“Not yet. We pulled up the logs on ownership of different buildings in this area. Letdo sdigging.” He said and hung up quickly.

“What now?” Jacob looked like he wanted direction but | didn’t have any.

Shrugging, | was at a loss for words. It’s not like | could go home. The place was empty. The only thing that filled it was memories of Penny and the life we were building. If | went home, | would probably only smash everything.

Jacob stood up and started walking to the door before stopping. He turned and looked atwith pity in his eyes before he spoke. “I'll figure out the dinner arrangements. Just be down there in two hours.” After | didn’t respond, he walked out the door. Softly, he closed it behind him. | was just....lost. Sitting around feeling sorry for myself wasn’t going to do it but | already had men out looking. We needed information and right now, | didn’t have any worth any value.

| wasn’t sure how long | sat there but a soft knock sounded on my door. Not wanting company, | tried to ignore it but after about five minutes, the door handle shook and the door opened.

“Can | cin?” Alpha Carson stuck his head in.

“Does it matter what | say?” He was already half way in by the t| even spoke.

Smirking, he shook his head. “Not really but | was trying to be respectful.” “I thought we were meeting for supper?” | wasn’t in the mood for a heart to heart. By this time, | started twirling my chair out of habit than anything else. With my head in my hand, | just watched him get comfortable in my arm chair.

“I think you are handling this perfectly.” Alpha Carson started.

“Wonderful.” The sarcasm wasn’t missed by him.

“I'm serious. If you were me, half of this office would be destroyed by now.” Carson folded his arms over his chest.

“Great... listen. I'm not in the mood for a pat on the back for doing what I should be doing when my heavily pregnant mate gets kidnapped.” “That's not why | am here. Though, | was trying to make you feel like just because your dad was gone, doesn’t mean you are alone in this. | know he taught you everything you need to know but nothing replaces having your dad when you are going through a difficult time. Politics aside, | am here for you if you need it. Completely off the record, of course.” That madefeel both uncomfortable and comforted at the stime. “Why are you hear?” | asked after clearing my throat. Sitting up, | placed my elbows on the desk, trying to seem like | actual gave a fuck.

“My daughter is ready to retrace her steps. Ctomorrow morning, we can leave before the sun is up and see if we can find what is around there.” “That would be incredibly helpful.” | was surprised and pleased by this.

“I do have a question | wanted to ask but not in front of the others.” It was Carson's turn to shift uncomfortably.

“What is it?” Not sure | wanted to know.

“Penny took over the Alpha title. If Vin was part of that pack, can’t she just command them to listen to her and let her go?” “Honestly, she never wanted any part of that. | doubt she even thought about that. However, most of them left the pack after Rip left and cut ties. | doubt Vin is even considered part of that pack. Additonally, Joe is not part of the pack and she has no control over them. Even if she could control Vin and the men, Joe probably wouldn't let her just walk out or make the men fight.” “She didn’t want any part of being an Alpha?” Carson clarified.

“No. I'm surprised she even still holds the title.” Penny was a sweet, gentle soul.

“Well, let's head down to the meal. I'll let the guys know we are going to do that tomorrow. After that, we can figure out the next course of action.” Carson stood up, slapping his hands on his thighs as he did so.

“Yeah.” | wasn’t sure what to say. Penny had the biggest heart and very little room in her heart for anger.