Chapter 22 Missing
Missing
“Let’s go for a run,” Scott said almost two hours later.
Niall ceased his pacing by his office desk, his head jerking up to stare at Scott.
He slipped his phone into his pocket after leaving yet another message for Suzie.
He’d really screwed up this time. His brows drew together, echoing the shock that still rippled through him at the suggestion. “You want to run with me?”
“Great idea,” Liam said. “We’re all edgy as hell, waiting to hear from the cops. I’m sure Angus will field the call for us when it comes.”
“But I’m a bear,” Niall said.
“So?” Scott said.
“I always run alone. Bears don’t mass with other shifters.”
“You’re our friend. Since Suzie likes you, we’ve adopted you.
When you fly back with us to New Zealand, you’ll see what it’s like at home.
Middlemarch is a multi-cultural town. We have humans, of course, but we’re predominantly a community of black leopard shifters with a snow leopard and a spotted leopard for variety.
Also wolves, tigers, and lions. We have human/shifter pairings.
The Feline Council is supportive of every shifter in our town.
We haven’t had a bear before, but it won’t matter.
You’re our friend. You’re Suzie’s mate. Everyone will accept you,” Liam said.
“Scott and I are newcomers, and everyone has made us welcome. You’ll see. ”
Scott nodded. “He’s right. Saber doesn’t stand for any crap. He’s married to a human, and Emily is amazing. Everyone loves her.”
“Besides, we don’t know the best places to run. Please show us some of your estate. What we’ve seen so far is stunning.”
Niall grinned while praying that Suzie would give him another chance.
“I still pinch myself some days that I own this land.” Not a twinge of guilt came to him when he uttered these words, despite Michael’s insulting assertions.
His implication Niall had tricked the laird into leaving him the castle and the surrounding estate was ridiculous.
Niall had nothing to prove. Instead, he needed to live his best life, and that was one with Suzie—if she’d forgive him and offer a second chance.
“Let me talk to Angus and tell him where we’re going,” Niall said. “We can run up to the highest point. It’s out of bounds to the gathering, so we won’t run into anyone else.”
“Can we shift here? Or do we need to hike into the forest?” Scott asked, his eyes bright with eagerness.
“We’ll shift in the room off the kitchen. Angus will let us into the garden,” Niall said.
Five minutes later, they burst into the fresh air. Niall led the way, loping past the rose garden, memories of the laird filling him as he took in the sweet fragrance. The old laird had loved his plants and flowers, and Niall had walked with him here every evening.
A ritual of sorts. One that he enjoyed. Back then, Michael had scoffed and pushed away the laird’s invitations to join them.
Walking outdoors had been no hardship to Niall.
It had calmed his bear. He and Cameron had spoken of nothing important most times.
Sometimes, the laird had told him stories about his childhood with his sister.
The old man hadn’t been stupid, just lonely. With added years, Niall saw this clearly.
Niall breathed in the rose-scented air, suddenly at peace.
Even his family didn’t pain him as much in this moment.
Maybe he’d search out his brothers before he left for New Zealand.
They’d leave empty-handed because he’d ensure they understood he would never give them money. Seeing them would help with closure.
When he found the two black leopards were keeping up without difficulty, he increased his speed.
They burst into the wildness of the forest, the scent of pine and beech trees exhilarating after being inside.
Each of his senses was sharper, and he could hear the small forest creatures—the squirrels and birds.
The breeze ruffled his fur, and he ran even faster, enjoying the bunch of his muscles.
At the crest of the hill, he halted to study the castle in the valley below.
The loch glinted in the sunlight, a jewel surrounded by massive trees.
Scott and Liam stopped beside him, their long tails waving behind them.
Two black leopards, and they were his friends, despite their brief acquaintance.
Niall felt quiet acceptance and gratitude.
Contentment. His life was about to alter, but Angus believed change was beneficial.
In the past, he’d grunted agreement when he preferred the status quo.
Now, at the top of this mountain, understanding filled him.
His honey business wasn’t urgent. The recipe remained safe from potential robbers. Suzie had become vital to him, and it was time to quit protecting himself and step forward confidently. He needed to prove to Suzie he deserved her.
Everything else could wait.
They hadn’t discussed where they would live. Scotland was his home, but she was close to her family. He didn’t mind traveling, but Angus always told him he was working too hard.
He’d take time off.
Niall released a chuff, and Scott and Liam glanced askance at him.
He couldn’t speak now but would later at the castle.
Right now, he was hot and wanted a swim.
Niall trotted away and glanced over his shoulder to check if the black leopards were following.
They were, without hesitation, and that warmed him. Contentment spread through him again.
He upped the pace until he loped along the forest paths, taking in the scents and sights in one long stream of information.
The enticing aroma of honey almost drew him to a stop.
An undiscovered wild hive. He slowed, but no, this was time for play.
The hive would stay until he was ready to investigate.
Niall kept up his hustle until he scented water.
The waterfall’s source was higher in the hills and icy cold, but his thick fur kept him warm. He reached the path’s edge, the pool at the bottom of the fall before him. He paused briefly, scanning for new debris, before leaping with a mighty splash.
Either way, these kitties would get wet.
He chuckled at the growl of displeasure but kept swimming, his powerful paws dragging him through the current.
When he turned, he witnessed the two leopards leaping.
As one, they struck the water. Twin roars had Niall chuffing and grunting in amusement, the joyous sound unusual enough to make him start.
Friends. It was wonderful to have friends.
“You could’ve warned us the water was that cold,” Scott grumbled half an hour later back at the castle. “My balls drew up so high, I doubt they’ll come back soon. Just as well I haven’t found a mate with sexual expectations.”
Liam chuckled. “Well played, bear. But you should watch your back when you visit Middlemarch. I hear payback is a bitch.”
Niall lifted his whisky glass in a silent toast, wanting to laugh but not quite daring. “You don’t mind me flying back with you?”
“Our flight is next Tuesday,” Scott said. “Liam and I have a brief stopover in Dubai before grabbing the next leg of our flight. We decided we didn’t want to mess around with a stopover. We’re ready to get back to our routine.”
Niall listened to Liam and Scott describe the farms they worked on and the duties they performed with interest. “Maybe I can visit your farms while I’m in Middlemarch. The laird never had much domestic stock.”
“Sure,” Liam said, winking at Scott. “We can push him into a muddy puddle or get him to help clean the pigsty.”
“We’ve got the last grand dinner, and then we’ll be packing to head home,” Scott said. “Could you join us for dinner? You can act as our wingman.”
“I could do that,” Niall said. “I’m meant to do a speech. If you want, I can have Angus switch the seating so you’re at my table.”
Scott and Liam exchanged a glance and turned to him as one. Both nodded with enthusiasm.
“Please,” Liam said, and Niall could tell he wasn’t feigning the gratefulness that seeped through. “Every time I go to dinner, I feel as if I’m prey. Someone is stalking me for dinner.” He shuddered.
Scott gave an emphatic nod. “Liam is not exaggerating. Somehow, you must ensure clans don’t subject future participants to such immense pressure to arrive home with mates.
I have no idea how you’ll do it, but I feel sorry for some attendees.
Some packs have scraped and saved for their people to attend. That creates expectations.”
Niall tapped his finger against his chin. Neither he nor Angus had anticipated this, and he doubted a solution existed. He’d wanted attendees to enjoy the experience and connect openly with fellow shifters. “I might use the remaining few days to chat with those left.”
“See, that’s the problem right there. Those left feel like failures. It’s difficult not to feel rejected when it’s such a joyous time for others,” Scott pointed out.
“Scott’s right. We’ve enjoyed ourselves but have lives we want to return to and our passion for farming. Others don’t have the same luxury. Perhaps provide a partial refund or complimentary attendance for the next gathering. I mean, if it doesn’t cut into the bottom line too much.”
“Angus and I will consider everything you’ve mentioned. We could conduct a questionnaire to gather feedback on how to improve the next gathering,” Niall said. “There’s time for a survey.”
“You should do that,” Liam said. “Honestly, it will be good to get home. I’ll have the luxury of knowing if anyone is staring at me, it’ll be the cows impatient for their morning hay.”
Scott laughed, but Niall could see Liam truly was uneasy. Something to remember because attendees weren’t meant to feel stressed or pressured. He’d wanted shifters to relax with others and enjoy social interaction.
Simple pleasures were everything. It made him even more determined to claim Suzie to experience this freedom and joy with his mate. Maybe with his children, too.
His bear chuffed at this thought. They were in complete agreement. Suzie belonged with them, and they needed to persuade her of this truth.
At last, the day of their flight arrived.
Every part of Niall knew his decision to go to Suzie was right, even if she ignored his messages.
He needed to show Suzie he loved her and would grovel at her feet if necessary.
He understood now that Suzie was essential to his well-being, and while he’d waited to go to her, he’d written her letters.
They were in his carryon, and he hoped she’d read them.
He’d also collected some other things for his win-Suzie-over arsenal.
He crossed his fingers that they’d help.
Scott joined him, his luggage in tow. “Have you seen Liam?”
“No,” Niall said.
“He left the bar early and told me he intended to pack. When I arrived back at our room, most of his stuff was gone. I wasn’t worried and fell asleep, but he wasn’t there when I woke.
Niall, I haven’t seen him since last night.
” Scott’s brow crinkled. “Now I come to think of it—there was a strange smell in our room because I opened the window. I thought it was cleaning products.”
“Angus!” Niall shouted.
Angus glided into the room. “No reason to holler like a common guttersnipe.”
Niall chuffed, chastened. “Sorry. Have you seen Liam? Scott hasn’t seen him since last night when he left the bar.”
“No, but let me ask my team.” He pulled a phone from his pocket and pressed a button.
Seconds later, he was firing questions. His expression was grim when he hung up.
“My team will search, but no one has seen him. Our security cameras suffered a strange blip just after midnight, but they came back online. Scott, can you find something personal of Liam’s? Our team will attempt to track him.”
“Sure, a stack of his shirts is still on his bed. I’ll grab them for you.”
After Scott’s departure, Niall faced Angus. “I don’t like this. Has anyone else left or disappeared during the same time frame? It could guide us.”
Angus nodded. “I had the same thought, and one of my team is already checking.” His expression tightened. “Is Scott certain Liam didn’t meet someone?”
“Liam mentioned feeling as if someone was watching him. We discussed the gathering and the pressure alphas put on their people to produce results.”
“It’s all right if a couple are mates, but abduction is unacceptable,” Angus stated, his narrow face stony with disapproval.
“I agree.”
Scott returned. “This is one of Liam’s shirts. It was the one he was wearing before dinner yesterday.”
Angus gave a clipped nod and frowned. “What about Liam’s passport? Has that gone?”
“No, it was in the room safe,” Scott said. “Liam’s wallet was there as well. We locked our passports away before running since we didn’t want to lose them.”
Angus glanced at his wristwatch. “If you don’t leave for the airport, you’ll miss your plane.”
Niall hesitated, knowing Angus was right but torn. Scott’s expression suggested he felt the same dilemma. He wanted to go home, but loyalty to his friend would make him stay.
“You must go,” Angus said. “My team and I will search for Liam. We’ll have found him by the time you reach New Zealand.”
The confidence in Angus seemed to settle Scott’s anxiety, while Niall’s bear just wanted Suzie.
“I promise I will find Liam and help him deal with whatever mess he’s found himself in,” Angus promised. “My team is professional and has more experience in security matters and search and rescue than you. Let the experts deal with this.”
“What do you think?” Niall asked Scott.
“I want to go home, but Liam is my friend. Let me call Saber and talk to him.”
Niall nodded, understanding. “Use my office.”
Scott was back in five minutes and held the phone out to Angus. “Saber would like to speak with you.”
Angus took the phone without hesitation.
“What did he say?” Niall asked.
“He told me to come home. Saber said if Liam didn’t turn up, we’d assemble a team from home and return to search. Saber also reminded me that Liam is a survivor and has a brain. If Liam can, he’ll contact us.”
Angus ended the call with Saber and glanced expectantly at them. “Are you ready to leave?”
Before Niall could reply, his bear gave a loud chuff.
Scott laughed. “We’ll take that as a yes.”