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"Whatever happens, I think it'll be during the conference. It's the only thing that makes sense. Everyone will be gone, someone has to show face or the pack will appear weak; and, leaving pack territory will seem too risky for Hayley."
A grunt is all I get but I can tell he’s paying close attention to every word.
"Dean has some men keeping an eye in town for anyone who might be lurking around or checking things out."
Silence this time.
In my mind, I can see Marcus frowning across the field in front of his house, staring into the trees. They're isolated up there. Alone. Toby had expressed an interest in getting his hands on Marcus’s pup. While it might have been Leon's idea, either way, it got to Marcus. He'd do anything to protect his family.
"I'll move Leila into the pack house and help shore up the defences there. Get Natalie to come, too. We'll keep everyone on site while the conference is on; there's safety in numbers."
Given the stunts they’ve pulled before, safety might not mean having everyone in one place at the same time, but without anything more than hunches, it’s a good plan for now. Nodding, even though he can’t see me, I trust Marcus to do whatever needs to be done. Much as he gives out about the wolves he looks after, they’re his family now; he has no loyalty to Leon after the fire.
“Thanks. And the second I find out more about what they’re planning, I’ll let you know.”
Another grunt.
I’m about to speak again, to ask about Belle just in case he’ll take pity on me, but he cuts me off.
“You’ve got your hands full with that one, Ethan, but she’s just doing what she thinks needs to be done. This isn’t what she wants. I can tell.”
Those are probably the nicest words he’s ever spoken to me, and I’d never admit to him how much I really needed to hear them.
“You better not fuck around while you’re there and do something you can’t take back.”
Staring at the tux I brought with me for the conference, I frown. If we get that far, we’ll be stepping out as a couple. Making a statement about being together.
How am I supposed to take that back?
36
BELLE
Deciding that, with a table full of angry bears staring me down, honesty is the best policy, I spill everything I know about Lucia.
I doubt that any of it is news.
Leon doesn’t react as I tell him about Toby repeatedly attacking Grey Ridge, escalating in both his viciousness and brazenness with each attempt to hurt the pack, and how Nathan practically gutted him before he fell into the river.
When I get to the parts about Lucia herself, it isn’t hard to act like the spiteful other woman. I explain how she ruined her pack by letting Toby blow all their money, and that she’s not strong enough to lead alone, which is why she wants Ethan. I finish by admitting that I’m not entirely convinced she wasn’t aware of Toby’s plans to get back at Grey Ridge, which makes my plan to take her out less repugnant to a sworn enforcer like me.
Toby and Lucia were fated mates. It’s very hard to lie to your mate. She must have known.
When I end things with how Ethan decided to move there with to the hope of becoming her mate and taking over the pack, my upset is genuine. Not at his betrayal, but my own. Will he understand that I’m doing this for him? Probably not. It’s a bit extreme, and I’ve hurt him badly. I couldn’t blame him if he never wanted to see me again.
“So, you’re not Lucia’s biggest fan then?” Leon comments dryly as he stares down the table at me.
“That’s putting it mildly.” Sniffling, I wipe my eyes angrily, annoyed that I can’t hide my pain from these hard men, watching me coldly.
“But if you think she’s involved in the attacks, and, hypothetically, you believe we’re helping her for a fee, why on earth would you think I’d take out one of my customers?” Leon looks genuinely interested, like I’m a puzzle he can’t quite solve.
“Steel is watching Lucia; her day is coming, and she knows it. She’ll sacrifice anyone who has helped her the second she’s caught. I thought maybe you’d be happy to be paid for the inevitable.”
Leon tilts his head, his black eyes dark and cold. The nasty scar that runs down his jaw and neck is a reminder of how dangerous he is. Not that anyone needs reminding. Everything about the way he talks, moves, even sits, screams at you to stay away. It’s taking every ounce of my willpower to remain sitting with my head held high.
“And what’s that?” he snarls.
“Getting rid of her. If you are helping her, she’s going to pin the blame on you entirely. It’s the only way she’ll get to keep her pack. You’d need to find a way to keep her quiet.”
