a murder hunt by gillian larkin

Never, not even in her wildest dreams, could Ashina have ever thought she would be riding in a private jet. That was a kind of luxury she had never understood.

Yet, here she was on the Blood Moon Agency's very own plane. As Wilder had explained, this was for her protection. He didn't want her on a normal commercial flight where she could be an easy target for eight hours in a flying tin can.

Those were Wilder's words, and though Ashina didn't like to admit she was afraid, she definitely was. She'd be a fool not to sense that something else was happening. Something entirely more dangerous than she had bargained for when Nathan brought her the Vases of Destiny story.

If it weren't for Nathan, Kayla would have continued investigating cold cases and disappearances. This wasn't her usual type of story, and she was out of her depth.

Ashina had warned Nathan that this story would need more time to simmer before it could be attacked, but Nathan was adamant that if Ashina wanted to keep her show and listeners, she needed something more. Something with a wider and broader audience.

That Nathan had also threatened Ashina's life ... and her brother's too ... was immaterial to the other woman. All Nathan wanted was the Vases of Destiny story out in the open.

And that was how Ashina began her journey across Europe, looking for a murderer.

The private jet's flight attendant doted on Ashina, and every thirty minutes, the beautiful blonde woman came to ask Ashina if she needed anything.

"Perhaps some sparkling water?"

"No, thanks, Camilla," Ashina said.

Camilla, as her name tag read, smiled and returned to the cockpit with the pilot.

What kind of wealth did Wilder Wolverton have if he had this type of service at his beck and call? And, more to the point, what kind of family were the Wolvertons?

Ashina had never really heard the name, but that seemed insane now that she knew the kind of wealth and power the family had. From quick research on her phone, she saw that BMA, as Wilder had called it, employed many of the Wolvertons' own family members.

Wilder's younger brothers also worked for the company. One of these, Gonzalo, was of particular interest to Ashina.

He was the man she was on her way to see. Wilder had assured her that Gonzalo would protect her from whoever was after her.

This Gonzalo guy had better let her finish her research, or Nathan will have her ass. Of course, Wilder had already warned Ashina that she couldn't finish her report on the Vases of Destiny. It was too dangerous. She didn't accept that.

She would revisit the issue with Gonzalo just as soon as she landed. As the flight continued to slice through the night sky, Ashina continued research on Gonzalo Wolverton.

His picture was on the company website, and she'd been shocked to find that he was attractive. In fact, everyone with a Wolverton or Lupine last name seemed to be made for the runway.

They were a stunning bunch, but there was something in particular about Gonzalo. His eyes seemed to be looking at her in his picture.