Esher: Winter Valley Wolves #7 by V. Vaughn, Mating Season Read Free Book Online

after I get back from the cafe.”
    I grab my purse and walk to the door, and the moment it shuts I move quickly down the hall. When I get outside I call Mia.
    “Hi, Andi.”
    “Hi.” I glance around campus to make sure nobody can overhear me, and I say, “It’s happening tomorrow.”
    “The men are already here?”
    “They’ll be here tonight.”
    “Got it. Thanks, Andi.”
    “You’re welcome.” I blink at the bright daylight. I really do need to eat, because now I’m lightheaded. I climb the steps to the student union slowly. When I get to the top a girl exits the building, and her form wavers in front of me. Oh, no. Stars float in my vision before all goes black.

11
    T he stone surface is cold under my back as I gaze into a man’s face. He asks, “Hey. Dr. Thompson, right?”
    “Yes.” I sit up and sway at the sudden movement. I lift my feet and lower my head between my knees. Warmth spreads as something runs down my face. I touch it and discover the liquid is sticky. I’m bleeding. “Sorry.”
    “Don’t be. I’m Don Snyder, Economics. I think we need to get you to the hospital. You hit your head pretty hard and might need stitches.”
    He hands me a gray sweatshirt. I frown, and pain sears at my forehead. I thought I knew everyone that worked here. He says, “Don’t worry about it. It’s old and ratty.” He grins as he says, “My wife would prefer it never come home anyway.”
    I dab at the blood over my eyebrow. “Thanks.” Footsteps on the granite stairs make me glance around and notice I’m making a scene.
    The hospital is only a block off campus, and Don says, “I can walk you over if you want.”
    Now I’m sure I’ve never seen this guy, and if I weren’t so dizzy, I’d refuse his help. “That would be great, thanks.”
    His grip is strong as he helps me stand. “I’m going to keep my arm around your waist and start some rumors, okay?”
    I chuckle. “You’ll do my reputation some good.” I recall saying the same thing to Esher last weekend.
    “Mine too. It’s not often I’m seen with a pretty girl.”
    When we get to the end of the sidewalk a black sedan is pulled up along the curb, and he says, “This is my car. I’ll drive you the rest of the way.”
    Warning bells go off in my head. When he lets go to open the door, I step back. “You know what, I can walk.” I glance around for someone to help.
    Don grabs my arm and slaps a hand over my mouth. Metallic flavor is on his palm as I try to bite him. The back door of the car opens, and someone yanks me inside. The moment my mouth is free I scream, but the sedan is already driving down the road, and I don’t think anybody heard my cry. I stop and reach for the handle with the hope I can jump out.
    The metal is cold in my hand as it flips, but the door must be locked, because it doesn’t open. I punch my finger at the window button. Don is calmly sitting next to me, and he says, “Relax. You’re not going anywhere we don’t want you to go.”
    “Where are you taking me?”
    The driver chuckles and says, “To see your precious wolves.”
    Ice runs through my veins when I realize these guys must be the ones Dr. Sand hired. Have they already captured one? I decide it’s in my best interest to play dumb. “Why would you kidnap me to do that? I’m part of the research.”
    “Yes, you are. But Dr. Sand thought you might not be so willing without a bit of persuasion.”
    I shake my head. “This is crazy. Why wouldn’t I be willing? I want to live, and if werewolf blood can save me, I’m all for it.”
    Don says, “Well then, sit back and enjoy the ride.”
    I lean back and do my best to appear calm. “Where are we going? Did Dr. Sand find a suitable facility?”
    “Oh, yes. Although the accommodations are a bit rustic .” The driver laughs at Don again, and I frown as I wait to find out just how screwed I really am.
    Gravel crunches under the wheels of the car as we pull into a large parking lot. The buildings