Rhian

**Erick's POV**

Before he could even speak the two of them were distracted by the sound of a car driving up the long gravel road. Erick recognized Doc's SUV and looked back at Rhian, "Don't worry that is the Dr. I told you I called. For what it's worth I trust him fully."

Rhian nodded, I could still see the apprehension across her face but when I took two steps toward her closing the distance between us she didn't seem worried. He debated within his head if he should push his luck and try to touch her again. Robin was panting eagerly in favor of the contact, praying she wouldn't repel from his touch I placed my hand on the middle of her back, gesturing with the other in the direction of the house. "Let's go inside we can talk more and I am sure you are starving."

Was that a smile? Well maybe it was more of a polite grin but she wasn't repulsed by my touch. Maybe she was beginning to trust me? Was she as drawn to me as I was to her? Maybe that is what she meant by saying I was her mate. Whatever the reason the only thing I know is I want more.

**Rhian's POV**

His touch sent shivers down my spine in the best way possible. Would I ever get used to that? "Thank you, yes I am very hungry. Will you stay with me while I talk to the Doctor?"

"Anything you want." He responded so casually, but I felt like he was looking into my soul with the look in his eyes as he said the words. Goddess help me, this man was going to ruin me for any others.

"Thank you," As we turned toward the house I couldn't resist the urge to grab his hand. His hands were strong and calloused but they seemed to perfectly fit around my own. I stole a glance pleased with myself when I saw the gesture brought a smile to his face. The Dr. was exiting the vehicle as we approached. Erick never let go of my hand instead reached out with the opposite to shake his; thanking him for coming so quickly and inviting him inside so we could talk.

"Coffee?" Erick asked us both we were sitting at his kitchen table.

I looked up and nodded my mouth already full of the now cold eggs he had prepared earlier. Despite the temperature, they were delicious and the bacon was cooked to perfection extra crispy my favorite. So not only is this man gorgeous, he can cook?

Erick was making small talk with Doc as he brought over coffee for us all. As good as the food was it didn't keep me from noticing how often he would glance my way and smile. I could feel little butterflies every time I caught a look and I know I must be smiling like a fool too.

Doc looked at me, "The Crescent Moon pack? Hmm, I have heard they have been dealing with an awful lot of tragedy lately is that true?"

I begrudgingly stopped eating to answer, "Yes, it is true. My father the previous Alpha died almost a year ago. My stepmother was able to convince the pack to allow her to lead as my stepbrother grew into the role." I stopped myself. I didn't understand it but I knew in my heart I could trust Erick but, I didn't know Doc. Should I tell him what I discovered?

Erick must have seen my face as the debate going on in my had me puzzled. As if he could hear what I was thinking he said, "It's ok, you can trust him."

I nodded and with a new resolve began again, "That's only part of the truth though. I was uneasy about my father's passing. With my background and schooling being investigative journalism I started asking questions. Those questions led to answers that quickly put my survival in jeopardy."

Both men were looking on intently she didn't sense any skepticism to their stares so she opened up more. "In our pack, unless a werewolf dies during a fight an autopsy is done. You know as well as I do werewolves don't typically die from disease or illness. Our healing capabilities surpass modern medicine making us stronger and healthier than most. My father was no exception and despite my stepmother's protests calling it unnecessary, an autopsy was performed. The published report listed the cause of death as arterial damage that was beyond healing. Suggesting that a training spar incidentally caused severe internal damage that wasn't seen visibly causing my father to bleed out internally."

"While I suppose it is possible I wasn't satisfied. While looking through employment records, I also noticed that an intern within the morgue was let go shortly after the report was published. I don't believe in coincidences so I sought her out. The problem was I couldn't locate her almost as if she had disappeared, so I kept digging."

"I found out that her sister was in my grade and was able to track her down. It took quite a bit of convincing but she ended up confiding in me that her sister had been threatened and gone into hiding. She agreed to help me and was able to get word to her sister. She set up a secret meet at a neutral destination well outside of pack territory. My stepmother it seems had a very loyal group of informants and we couldn't risk being exposed.

It all made sense why she was being secretive and ran when she showed me a copy of the autopsy report she had managed to sneak out. It was nothing like the published report, it listed the cause of death as poisoning. Someone had slipped my father aconitum napellus, wolfsbane. Someone murdered my father."

As the words came out of my mouth it was like the floodgates broke and tears began streaming down my face. It was a cathartic release, but what brought me comfort was how quickly Erick crossed the room and wrapped me in his arms. I buried my head in the crook of his neck feeling the warmth of his arms holding me tight.

Not releasing me but pulling away enough to look at my face he asked, "Do you want me to continue?"

I shook my head no and looked back at Doc. Erick moved to the chair beside me edging so close to my own that they were touching. Protectively he wrapped his arm around me and I instinctively held his hand as I continued.

"I immediately went to Eliza enraged and told her what I discovered. I accused her of the murder and said she would never get away with it. I was going to the elder council and she would be put to death for what she had done."

" If I had only known then the level of her schemes and powers I wouldn't have been so rash in revealing my discovery. Her guards were loyal and immediately seized me I was locked in a room at the far end of the packhouse. It was primarily used for storage and was too far away to hear my cries. One of my guards took the slightest bit of pity on me and I was able to send for Chase to come to see me."

"She had claimed that the loss of my father had sent me into a state of shock and depression. I was a danger to both myself and others which is why I had suddenly disappeared. I have to give it to her with how close I was to my Father I understand why no one questioned her story. Chase while he wasn't ready to accept his Mother's wrongdoings; Chase was torn between his loyalties to us both. He agreed to help me escape."

"Chase brought me books and some of my things in a bag tucking a rope at the bottom. As long as the guards didn't search too hard he just appeared to be a caring brother. Later that evening he created a distraction drawing the guards far enough away from the room while I slipped out the window. I don't know what went wrong but I was discovered much sooner than I anticipated and had to run for my life. I ran through the night, I ran until I crashed into you."