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“Derek’s right. There’s no evidence. Just a couple of random attacks with no witnesses and rumors floating around about this pack dealing on the black market. If there was evidence of who was doing these things or accusing us, we would already be following it up, and you would all be informed. That’s why we are having this meeting.”
The faces started to soften and look as if they were more concerned than suspicious, which was a positive in Mason’s mind.
“Someone is framing not only myself but the pack. This is a personal hit for me because it is my job to protect and lead you all, including from harmful accusations like this. No good will come if these rumors aren’t stopped. The Interspecies Council will eventually force its involvement if we don’t get a handle on this.”
A worried groan fluttered through the room.
“No one wants that, including me. So, if anyone sees anything, hears anything, or knows where the source of these rumors originates, please see one of the enforcers, Derek, or myself. But don’t waste our time either,” he warned.
Mason walked back to the stage, holding the attention of his pack. He turned to face them. “Before I let you go, I’ll leave you with what we do know.” His eyes scanned the attentive pack, looking for any overly worried members. He knew Derek was doing the same.
“It’s clear, as I’ve said, that someone is framing the pack. The question we need to answer before we can answer the others is:why? It could be someone outside of the pack holding a grudge or even someone on the inside.” He let his words sink in. “Be careful and know that we are going to take care of this swiftly and effectively.” Mason let his teeth show so they were aware of what that threat meant.
Derek closed the meeting, and the attendees slowly filtered out, many talking in hushed voices among themselves about what they all personally thought.
Mason took a deep breath, trying to center himself from the persona he had to embrace for the meeting. It consumed him. The pressure of maintaining control over his pack was getting to him. He needed to get this handled.
Now!
THREE
ASH
Ash had chosen to hoof it in her human form into Mason Blackmoss’s territory instead of riding in a cab. It came off more roguish than formal.
She knew she wasn’t going to be treated warmly. No rogue wolf ever was. Not that Ash was much different than the story she was portraying. The biggest discrepancy between reality and her fake persona was the fact that she had chosen to be a lone wolf, and she was not some wandering rogue looking to find their purpose.
Her body tensed as she got closer, and she let her primal senses take over. This was always her favorite part … the initiation of her infiltration.
She smirked, proud of herself.
It was exciting for her to see if she got in, which she always did. She took pride in how well she was able to read and react to the spontaneous situation and go with the right attitude and story, which was always accurate.
Ash wasn’t one to boast, at least to others, but she thought highly of her skills, and to her, that mattered most.
She picked up the scents of a marked border around what must have been the edge of the pack lands. She was almost there,so that meant that at any moment, she should be approached. That was if they were as secure as they should be.
Ash froze as she caught a masculine scent. It grew stronger as she heard the owner’s soft steps approach.
“You must be lost.”
Ash turned toward the growing scent as a large and intimidating wolf shifter stepped out from a thick line of junipers. His neatly trimmed brown beard angled sharply against his features, making him appear even more imposing than he already was. If Ash hadn’t known any better, she would have assumed he was the alpha.
But her trained senses, along with instincts, told her that he wasn’t the boss. Plus, she knew what Mason Blackmoss looked like from his file. And from that same file, she knew that the man walking toward her was his beta, Derek.
“Actually, I’m looking for Mason Blackmoss. Do you know where I can find him?”
Derek halted nearly toe-to-toe from Ash and looked down at her with a cruel grin. “And why would you be looking for him, rogue?” He snorted as he nodded at the worn duffle bag she carried to accommodate her story.
He seemed to be enjoying his role and probably got off on the intimidation factor. She couldn’t blame him as he did intimidate her. But she also had seen this type before. She knew what he wanted.
Ash made herself small, including her voice. “I was just seeking refuge. I heard of him and the pack and was hoping to convince him to let me join. I’m tired of the lone trek. I miss a pack.” Even though it was all part of her cover story, the words burned her throat.
“What makes you think Mason Blackmoss would be willing to accept a lone wolf when it’s obvious no one else has?”
“This is actually the first pack I’ve approached since deciding what I wanted. I can wander elsewhere if I’ve offended you in some way. I assume you must be among his top men. You just have that …” she twirled her hand, “presence.”
She knew not to smile, but her ego glowed when she saw the beta’s own being stroked.
