Chapter 7

Chapter

Seven

H e'd lost her. How the hell had that happened? Simon backtracked to the spot where he could pick up her scent again. A heady fragrance of peonies mixed with the perfume of her arousal. Putting his head down, he sniffed the ground. One minute it was there and the next it was as if she had simply disappeared. Where the bloody hell had she gone?

Simon looked up, focusing on the hedge. Standing on his two hind feet, he balanced against the wall of the maze and took in the scent of the yew… and her. The little minx had gone up the side of the barrier! He was certain he hadn't heard a crash, which meant that she'd found the ladder and walkway that the gardeners used to see to the health and shape of the foliage. She had escaped the maze.

He'd spent his boyhood learning every twist and turn of this maze. He was willing to bet there was no one who knew it better. He galloped down the path that led to the fastest way out and then circled the labyrinth, searching again for her scent. He found it and looked up. She'd used the height and unobstructed view from the top to find the most expedient way off the estate. He'd heard a lorry while he was in the maze rumbling down the cobblestone drive used for deliveries.

Instead of trying to track her specific movements, he ran to the edge of the drive and worked his way down to the gate that was operated either by entering a specific code or by calling the main house. He finally picked up her track and as he suspected it would, once again it vanished. Mariah had found her way onto the vehicle before it left. Now there was no time to waste. He wanted her under his control sooner rather than later.

Simon made his way back to the house, entering through the rear door and using the staff staircase. Once in his room, he shifted, took a quick shower, and dressed in more comfortable clothes. He didn't plan to stay for dinner so opted for linen trousers and an elegant broadcloth shirt. Once he was dressed, he made his way back to the sitting room where his mother had taken their guests for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

He entered the room, crossed to where his mother was sitting, and kissed her cheek.

"My apologies for the delay in dinner," said Simon.

"What have you done with her?" snarled Riley. "I won't stand idly by and see you..."

"Riley," growled her mate, "that is enough. It's clear that Mariah is Simon's mate. I'll make you a deal. If you stay out of it so will I." He turned to Simon. "My apologies for my mate's outburst."

"Not to worry, Cameron. It is obvious that she cares for Mariah, as do her friends. I know you all are concerned about her. And the answer to your question is I have done nothing. I fear my mate has outfoxed me and made good on her escape."

All five visiting she-wolves began laughing and applauding, and Simon's smile went from ear to ear. "I couldn't agree more. I underestimated her. I won't do that again."

"Aren't you the least bit worried about her?" asked Jed, who had spent considerable time with Simon over the past few days, bringing him up-to-speed on the Darkness, the havoc it had caused in the States and their fear that it had infiltrated the Hunters. As a member of that organization, it would have far more information and support to strike at the wolf-shifters.

"A bit, but this is not Mariah's first trip to London. If she chooses to stay wolf, she'll stick out like a sore thumb and end up in an exhibit somewhere. Purebloods have been extinct in Great Britain for centuries. But if she shifts back to her human form, she has no clothes and no way to pay for anything. I'm going to leave you all in my mother's care. I need to go see if I can't track down my wayward mate. I would appreciate any ideas you might have for where she could have gone, other than the Savoy."

"How do you know we're at the Savoy, and not at the Four Seasons?" asked Piper.

Simon grinned again. "Because I checked. The limo picked all of you up at the Savoy and your quick response indicates I've hit the proverbial nail on the head."

"Simon, what'll you do if you can't find her?" asked Micah.

"I will have to trust that she is smart enough to keep herself safe, and I'll catch up with her at the gala."

"If she knows you're intent on taking her to mate," said Travis, "she may well not show."

Simon shook his head. "A slim possibility if it were just a regular opening, but this is for a worthwhile charity. She won't let any concern she has for dealing with me prevent her from helping those children. My Mariah has an altruistic streak a mile wide."

"I am only on the planning committee because Lloyd's is sponsoring it. There are far more worthwhile charities," said Simon's mother with a sniff.

"Depends on how you define worthwhile," he answered. "Mariah tends to favor more grassroots operations, leaving the more affluent organizations to fend for themselves."

"How do you know that?" asked Piper.

"I read several interviews she's given over the past few years and made note of the causes she's supported. For the most part, they are all small, unique charities that deal either with children or women in peril. Now, as I said, I'll leave you with my mother and see if I can't find my naughty mate."

Simon headed toward the front door and was followed by Micah.

"Look, Si, as you pointed out, I owe you. I'm not sure you would have won that fight, but I have always been deeply appreciative that you didn't press the issue. Oliver is one of my dad's closest friends. Don't let the urbane, sophisticated mask fool you. He is all wolf, and his daughter inherited her mother's fire and her father's ruthless determination."

Simon put his hand on Micah's shoulder. "I appreciate the heads up, but I believe I can handle both my mate and her sire. Oliver isn't the only one whose public fa?ade has little to do with who he is at his core."

Micah chuckled. "You aren't just a polo playing insurance underwriter, are you?"

"Aren't I?" said Simon laughing.

"Between Jed and me, we should be able to give you some cover with the girls. But they are the daughters of those who brought DeMoncada down. They've all been looking for a cause to unite behind."

Simon grew serious. "They may well have one. I am assuming all of you know about the Darkness. I know Travis and Skylar had a kind of showdown with it in New Orleans, but it escaped. I've been meeting with Jed and Kat, we've come to some rather nasty conclusions about where it fled after San Francisco and what it might be up to. I was hoping to speak to all of you in detail after dinner, but right now I'm a bit concerned as to how Mariah is going to handle the whole naked and no money problem.

I was going to meet with my assistant first thing in the morning, but I think perhaps a meeting with you, Travis, Skylar, Abriana, Kat, and Jed would be a better use of my time. I have a meeting with Oliver in my office at eleven. What do you say to seven at the Savoy? I'll ask them to put us in the Iolanthe Room. If they can't accommodate us there, I'll have them change the location to your room."

"So that's why Kat and Jed came early?"

Simon nodded. "It is. I'd like to get everyone up to speed. Can you pass the word? I'd prefer to keep my mother and Cameron Nichols out of it, at Travis' request."

"Done. We'll see you in the morning and good hunting. My wish is that your mate brings you even half of the happiness mine has brought to me."

Simon thanked Micah and left the house to retrieve his Range Rover, making short work of tracking down the delivery truck that he believed Mariah had used to avoid him. A ten-pound note made the driver forget about his objection to letting Simon see the truck. The minute they opened one of the back doors, the driver started swearing about a missing pair of coveralls and Simon smiled. Mariah had found a way around the human and nude problem. That was confirmed when he took a deep breath and could still detect her human scent.

On his way to the Savoy, Simon called Noel. "I'm a horrible boss. Something's come up and I need to postpone our breakfast."

"That's not an issue. Should I push back the meeting with Oliver Halsey?"

"No. In fact make a lunch reservation for one somewhere close to the office. I'd like to take Oliver to lunch privately. And I'm making dinner reservations for you and George for tomorrow night. I know you wanted to attend that gala event."

"Yes, but the tickets are out of our price range. We're trying to save money with an eye toward buying a flat."

"Good. Then dinner and tickets are on me. I'll arrange for a car service, so you won't have to worry about a thing."

"Simon, that's completely unnecessary."

"I realize that, which is why I would appreciate you allowing me to do this for you. I know you've been doing a lot of work that is off the books. You won't let me pay you, so please, at least let me do this."

"Okay, I've made the token protest. We'd love it."

"How about that Mediterranean place we went to last year for my birthday?"

Simon's next stop was the Savoy. As he was handing his keys to the valet, the general manager, Felix Spenser, was just exiting.

"Sir Simon, what a delightful surprise. Were we expecting you?"

"No, but if I might presume to call on our friendship for a favor?"

"It's never a presumption," Felix gestured back to the hotel and escorted Simon inside.

Felix was a legend at the hotel, having worked his way up from bellhop to the front desk to concierge and finally into upper management. There wasn't a job he hadn't done or didn't know how to do. His staff was impeccably trained, and it showed.

"Mr. Spenser?" said the desk clerk. "Is something wrong? Good evening, Sir Simon."

"Everything is fine, Darwin. I ran into Sir Simon outside and convinced him to have a drink with an old friend, the emphasis being on old."

"You're not old, Sir; you're timeless," replied the clerk with a cheeky grin.

"Could one of you check to see if Mariah Halsey has returned?" Simon asked. "We were to have had dinner together at my family's townhouse and she changed her mind. I'd just like to make sure she made it back safely."

"Darwin, has Ms. Halsey returned?"

"No Sir, not to my knowledge. Her roommate called not long ago and also asked us to check. Should we be concerned?"

"No," said Simon. "I'm sure she's fine."

"Thank you, Darwin," said Felix, leading Simon into the hotel's famed American Bar. "Are you sure we shouldn't be concerned?"

"No, truly. Mariah is quite capable. She just took me by surprise, and I wanted to check on her." Simon hadn't expected her to return to the Savoy, which would have been far too easy.

"Mr. Spenser, Sir Simon. Good evening, gentlemen," said the hostess.

Felix waved and guided Simon to a quiet table in the back. The waitress came and took their drink orders and brought them some food as well.

As the waitress walked away, Simon quirked his eyebrow at the mysterious appearance of snacks on the table, and Felix smiled. "You looked like a man who needed a drink and something to eat, and I make my living anticipating people's needs. Now, how can I be of assistance? If you're worried about Ms. Halsey, I have a friend at the Yard and another one who can do some very discreet checking of any electronic trails she might have left behind."

"It doesn't warrant bringing in the Yard, but if you could have your friend check for any activity she has on her cards over the past few days, I would appreciate it."

Felix removed his phone from his pocket, tapped in some information and set it on the table. "Consider it done. I sent him your private cell number."

"I swear, Felix, I think if I asked you to find me Anne Boleyn's B necklace, you'd know just who to call."

"I'd have to disappoint you on that one. I'm afraid that was taken apart and melted down a very long time ago," Felix said with a sly smile.

Simon shook his head, as he polished off the duck sliders. "I know it's incredibly short notice, but I need to host a breakfast for eight or nine people tomorrow morning in the Iolanthe Room, if it's available. Nothing formal, they're just friends, so a large buffet would be lovely. Once it's set up, we can serve ourselves. Most everyone is American, so they'll need lots of coffee of course."

Felix consulted his phone. "That won't be a problem. What time?"

"Seven?"

"No trouble at all. They can check in with the front desk and we'll bring them through."

"Actually, they're all staying here, and I already told them to meet in the Iolanthe Room unless I let them know different. I appreciate it," said Simon, taking a long sip of his ale. "God, Felix, these duck sliders ought to be illegal."

"I knew they were a particular favorite of yours."

"You know everything about everybody and forget absolutely nothing."

"Unless instructed to, Sir Simon," said Felix with a sly wink. "We pride ourselves on our service here at the Savoy."

"And for good reason. That is why I knew if anyone could set up this breakfast meeting, it was you, but you could have fobbed me off on someone else."

"No need for that, Sir Simon. Saoirse had already called to say she was running late. It seems that when a woman has a pack of girlfriends, the chances of their being on time for anything is slim to none."

Simon laughed. "Well give Saoirse a kiss from me and tell her that poultice she made for Oz worked like a charm. The vet was completely perplexed by his swift recovery and decided it was some kind of magic potion."

Felix chuckled. "He's probably not far off the mark."

Simon was just leaving the hotel when he spotted one of the top salespeople from the Savoy's exclusive jewelry store. It was Simon's preferred jeweler. Their designs were always unique and incomparable, and he knew the best salespeople to work with. He'd been thinking about a ring for Mariah. There was, of course, a traditional ring for the Mistress of the pack, but he knew his mother cherished it. He also knew it wouldn't suit Mariah at all.

"Sir Simon," called Destiny as she showed a customer out. "Any chance you were coming to see me?"

Simon smiled. He'd done everything he could practically do to locate his wayward mate. London was too large a city to just begin randomly searching for her, but small enough that word should get back to him from the inquiries he'd put out all around the city. With nothing other to do but sit and wait, perhaps shopping for Mariah might help him deal with the stress. What did some females call it? Ah yes, retail therapy.

Destiny was a lovely girl and was also a submissive at his favorite club, Baker Street. They had done several scenes together and he enjoyed spending time with her, but she was far too submissive to be someone he'd want to collar.

"That wasn't my original thought but if you don't have plans, I wouldn't mind looking for something special."

"New girl?" she teased.

He relaxed when he noticed the collar around her throat. "I take it Tim finally pulled his head out of his ass and realized he was about to screw up the best thing that ever happened to him?"

Destiny smiled and held up her left hand. "He did, and he got me a ring to go with it," she said after watching him eye her collar. "Please, come in the store."

She escorted him in and locked the doors behind them.

"What can I show you?"

"I need a unique engagement ring and collar."

"Engagement ring?" she said with genuine enthusiasm. "Who's the lucky girl? Do I know her?"

"I haven't spoken to her father yet."

"Simon, you know we are the soul of discretion here at Boodles and I personally would never betray a confidence. But the more I know about her, the more help I can be."

"You probably know her by reputation if nothing else. It's Mariah Halsey, the sculptor."

"Mariah? Oh God, she and several of her friends have privileges at Baker Street."

"Oh, that's right," Simon said covering his surprise at learning Mariah had privileges at the prestigious BDSM club.

So, his mate liked to play, did she? Well, that might give them common ground on which to start their relationship. It also might be a place she would seek refuge. The club had a reputation for being protective of its subs.

"I have a couple of things that might be of interest, but I want to be respectful of budget."

Simon grinned. "No, you don't, you just want to make sure I don't choke when you bring out the big guns."

Destiny laughed. "Well, it wouldn't do to have a member of the nobility keel over in the store."

"Does Tim have any idea what a sassy sub he's marrying?"

"He does, Sir, and he likes me just the way I am. Let me go in the back and get the tray I think might have just what you're looking for."

Once she left, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and texted one of the bartenders at Baker Street. If Mariah was safely tucked in at the club, that would lessen his worry considerably. He asked him if he was working and if he knew whether Mariah Halsey was playing this evening. The text that came back was interesting to say the least—Ms. Halsey was upstairs alone in a privacy room and was expected to spend the night without coming downstairs.

Simon thanked him for his help. He was able to breathe more easily now that he knew where Mariah was and that she was safe. What he'd thought might be a mild distraction, now became far more important. Mariah was safe and he could put his own people in and outside the club to ensure she stayed that way.

"Here you go," said Destiny, placing a large tray on the glass counter and peeling back the velvet covering. "There are some new things and some vintage things. As Mariah is a rope bunny, I think she might love this. It reminds me of some of the bindings I've seen you use at the club."

Destiny pulled a stunning collar made of strands of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires wound together with a strand of platinum beads so that the entire thing resembled a rope. He grinned. Destiny was right, it was perfect. Knowing she enjoyed Shibari was a good thing; he was a master in that particular art.

"As you can see, there's a place to hang either a lock or a pendant."

"And?" Simon asked, knowing full well Destiny had something specific in mind.

"The other day, she and Piper Nichols were in here and saw a gorgeous piece of scrimshaw done back in the early eighteen hundreds. It's been stained with several shades of indigo and has the silhouette of a woman with long hair along with stars, a moon, and some twisted trees. But what attracted them the most was the image of a howling wolf. It's quite an expensive piece, especially if combined with the collar."

"I'd like to see it."

Destiny unlocked a special drawer and took out the valuable piece.

Simon smiled. "It's exquisite. Can you have it attached to the collar first thing in the morning? I have a meeting here from seven to about nine and I can come by after that."

"Not a problem. I'll see that it's ready for you to pick up. She's going to be over the moon for this, no pun intended. No way she will say no to you."

"My dear Destiny, I didn't plan on giving her a choice," said Simon wryly.

She giggled. "You can be such an evil Dom when you try."

"Do you have a ring that rivals this collar?"

"Would I show you that collar if I didn't?"

She opened a ring box, took a deep breath, and turned it toward him. The large center diamond was pear-shaped and appeared to be flawless. On either side of the brilliant stone were sizeable smaller stones in ruby, sapphire, and emerald—one of each, all of them set in a stunning platinum band.

"There's a double band wedding set made to match, with diamonds that fit on either side of the engagement ring."

"Destiny, your taste may be expensive, but it is impeccable. I'll have to get you her ring size."

Destiny smiled. "No, Sir, she bought a gorgeous freestyle ring for her index finger to wear tomorrow night. She couldn't decide between it and one for her ring finger, so I happen to have her sizes for both."

"I don't suppose the engagement ring could be sized by tomorrow morning."

"That won't be a problem either, Sir Simon."

He chuckled. "Of course not. Thank you, Destiny. I think you know I'd like to keep this quiet."

"Mum's the word, Sir. I won't tell anyone at all. In fact, if you like, I can simply have the bill made out anonymously and you can transfer funds at your convenience."

"Perfect. I'll see you in the morning and I truly appreciate your assistance." He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Do be sure to invite Mariah and I to your wedding."

"We'd love it if you could attend."

Simon left the Savoy in a much better frame of mind than when he had entered. He knew where Mariah was and that she was safe. He had the meeting with the American shifters set for the morning and had already managed to purchase Mariah's collar and ring. Things were definitely on the upswing. Now to plan his beautiful mate's comeuppance. He would set his people on the club before morning to make sure that if she left, he would know about it. She could have her night tomorrow, but after that, he planned to put a ring around her finger, a collar around her neck, and a delightful sting in her backside.