Chapter 7: Part 1

When Amy decided to make the trip, she didn't expect to be welcomed with open arms. She definitely didn't imagine anyone would know who she was, let alone act as if they anticipated her arrival.

That was her second surprise. The guard at the gate was her first. He was gorgeous. Were all the men working for Marcus Lincoln beyond drop-dead movie star gorgeous? Maybe Marcus was gay, if so, that would explain a few things.

The man who opened her car door was no less striking. His hair was the same brown as her rescuer but that was where the resemblance ended. His eyes were green and he had a body built like a Mack truck. It took every bit of nerve not to flinch when she recognized him as the man with the hypodermic needle. Before she could react, the largest dog she ever saw pushed beneath her hand and dug its nose into her crotch.

She had always been an animal lover, though the size of this dog made her nervous, they were her favorite pets. The man behaved as if it were a dog but she thought it was more. It was a hybrid wolf at the very least. She would almost swear it was full-blooded. She rested her hand on its head and received a quick lick before "Hypo Man" said something in what sounded like Russian.

As man and dog stepped back, Amy got her first glimpse of the house. Since she hadn't seen the city house, she couldn't make a comparison. With its amazing arches and three stories, it didn't look like any ranch house she'd ever seen.

Shoulders back, spine straight, she followed Hypo Man into the house as the wolf dog trailed behind her.

He motioned her forward. "Please have a seat."

Entering the large comfortable room, she moved to the corner of an oversized sofa and sat with her back to the wall and the hybrid curled at her feet.

Hypo Man settled on the sofa facing her and glared at the hybrid. "My name is Ivan. How may I help you?"

"I'm actually here to see Mr. Lincoln."

"Yes, we know why you're here, Miss Cox. However, we didn't expect you until later this afternoon. Mr. Lincoln is tied up with business and unavailable until this evening. I was directed to offer you a room. You are welcome to stay for the night."

Amy wasn't sure what to say, not knowing if she was entirely safe with this man. Yes, he'd drugged her, but he hadn't molested or killed her. "The last time we met, it ended with me unconscious and placed back in an alley. I'm not sure staying here is in my best interest."

Ivan hesitated but then shrugged. "You are under Mr. Lincoln's protection as long as you are in residence. Even if I wanted to hurt you, which I don't, it would cause me great pain when I had to face the consequences of disobeying the boss's orders. I assure you; you are in no danger while you are here. I would also point out that you made a friend and Al would not let anything happen to you."

"Al?"

"That is the name of the bitch you have at your feet. She is pregnant and we will do nothing to upset her. You have obviously brought out her protective instincts and Al will watch over you."

At that moment, Al glanced up and growled slightly at Ivan. Amy could swear Al understood every word Ivan said and didn't like being called a bitch.

"In that case, seeing as it's no imposition, I'll be happy to be your guest."

"It's quite an imposition, but you don't really care, now do you?"

A smile played in the corners of her lips. "No, I don't, I came for some answers, and I don't plan to leave until I have them."

"It would do you well to remember the old adage, Miss Cox: Be careful what you wish for... You may not like the answers you are given. I have a feeling you will discover all our secrets, then the rest will be up to you."

Amy wasn't sure what to make of hypo's words. Were they a threat or not?

"I will show you to your room. Columbus has already brought up your bags. You may rest in your room. Lunch will be served at noon. I can have something sent to you now if you are hungry."

"No, I don't need anything at the moment, but I do have one question."

Ivan only looked at her.

"Am I a prisoner?" His semi smile didn't reassure her.

"No, Miss Cox, you are our guest. If you wish to leave, you may get in your car and drive away. Columbus will happily retrieve your luggage."

Al growled at Ivan again only to have him speak to her in that foreign language.

"Is Al a hybrid wolf?"

"Yes, Miss Cox and we have several. Don't be surprised if you see them around the property. They will not harm you, but I suggest you don't get between them and their food. That causes them to become a bit irritable. Come this way and I'll show you to your room." Ivan stood.

Amy shook her head. She followed as obediently as Al followed her up a flight of stairs and down a long hallway. The house was obscenely large. It was at least twenty thousand square feet. Hell, the room she just left was twice the size of her apartment. At this rate, forget writing an expose, she'd be lucky to learn her way around the house, not to mention a ten-thousand-acre property.

Entering the room, Amy realized that it, like the other room, was larger than her apartment. The bed was enormous and took up more space than her small living room back in the city. Her bags sat on the bed.

Amy had never had servants. Maybe this was what well-trained staff was all about.

Ivan scowled at Al and she'd swear she heard him make what sounded like a low growl.

"You may rest or take advantage of the writing desk across the room until lunch is served."

"I brought my laptop. I need to finish an article and get if off to my editor."

"We have wireless Internet, but it's down at the moment. It's hard to keep it functional due to our location. With luck, it will be up and running by this evening. Your car is being moved to the garage. Please request it via the house phone if you should decide not to accept our hospitality."

He stalked into the hall, turned, and stared at the hybrid. Al walked to the open door and used her nose to shove it closed in Ivan's face, making a soft bang, and what sounded surprisingly close to a snort.

Tongue lolling out in a laugh, Al flopped down in front of the closed door, as if she were guarding it. Grinning, Amy rubbed the soft fur on her head. Al rolled over slightly, exposing her stomach and allowing access for Amy to scratch her. "Al is a horrible name for a beauty like you. Maybe I will think of a better one."

Al let out a soft whine and licked her hand. Amy eventually left her side and lay on the soft bed. She curled up on her side, facing the door and looked at her large guard dog companion. Amy moved slightly to gain access to her cell phone. She might as well call Brian and tell him she'd arrived.

The phone had not a single bar.