“Look, I’m grateful for what you did with Maximus. You could’ve just as easily agreed to fund his hell of a venture, leaving me scrambling in the dark to combat new competition.” Hiram took a sip of his own drink. “And to show you my gratitude, I wanted to give you a heads-up about something.”
“I’m listening.” My fingers tightened around the glass. This didn’t sound good.
“Let’s just say... hypothetically speaking, of course, if there was such a thing as shifter trafficking, and hypothetically, your Liza’s name might’ve come up.” Hiram paused, watching my reaction carefully. “Maximus has been running his mouth, claiming he’s witnessed things that prove Liza is... more than she seems. There’s talk of getting proof.”
My grip on the glass threatened to shatter it as my anger surged like wildfire. My wolf snarled within me, desperate to protect our mate. I fought to keep him under control, focusing on Hiram’s words.
“Before you lose it, I want you to know that I stepped in,” Hiram continued. “I told the underground communications thatMaximus is full of shit and just looking for money to fund his failed business ventures. It seems the others believe me, but remember, Ty, it only takes one to believe Maximus. Keep a close eye on your omega and Maximus. He’s working all angles, and I wouldn’t put much past the fucker.”
“Thank you, Hiram,” I said through gritted teeth.
He smirked. “Told ya I’d make a good ally.”
I forced a grin and slapped him on the back. “Yep, that you are.”
We finished our drinks and parted ways, with me saying I had a few more things to handle before going home. Once I was back in my car, I immediately pulled out my phone to call Isaiah. There wasn’t a moment to waste.
“Hello?” he answered.
“I’m sorry.” I clenched my jaw, wishing I didn’t have to ask my new employee for another favor.
“For what?”
“For putting more on your plate. I’m fully aware that you’re already swamped, but something’s come up.” I paused and rubbed my temple. “I just had a meeting with Hiram. He’s heard rumblings from the underground. Maximus is telling everyone about Liza’s powers, and he’s caught the attention of those who are interested in trafficking.”
“Fuck.” Isaiah was a man of few words, but he sure knew how to briefly summarize a situation.
“Fuck, indeed. I need you to look into this underground business Hiram mentioned. See if there’s any truth to it.”
“Of course. And don’t apologize. This is what you hired me to do. Try not to worry, and I’ll check in soon.” Isaiah hung up first, presumably getting straight to work.
I sat there, gripping the steering wheel, seething with rage. The message I wanted to send Maximus was simple: if he came anywhere near Liza, there would be hell to pay.
The thought of Maximus even thinking about touching Liza was enough to ignite a fury so deep inside me I was afraid I’d explode.
“You’re gonna pay, Maximus,” I said. Making a snap decision, I turned my car toward his residence, an hour away.
As I approached Maximus’s land, I marveled at the wide-open expanse. Presley Acres was more residential and commercial. Maximus’s pack territory was much more rural. A locked gate greeted me—a symbol of his arrogance and false sense of security.
I snorted in derision. That damn thing wouldn’t keep me out. Backing up, I revved the engine, feeling its power beneath me. With a surge of adrenaline, I accelerated forward and broke through the gate with ease.
I laughed maniacally. “Ready or not, Maximus, here I come.”
When I arrived, I observed the immense structure that was Maximus’s residence. The white house was solid and stood tall, giving off an imposing fortress-like appearance. The pristine windows and towering columns at the entrance were indications of the wealth and power exuded by every inch of the place, but they didn’t intimidate me.
Ignoring any semblance of decency, I marched up to the door and banged on it with my fist. Not waiting for a response, I pushed it open, striding in like I owned the damn place. Wide-eyed staff stared back at me, one of them frantically speaking into a phone, most likely contacting security.
I held up my hands, smirking. “Nothing to worry about, ladies and gentlemen. I’m just here to visit my good ol’ friend, Maximus.”
At the mention of his name, Maximus appeared at the top of the staircase, looking down at me with utter confusion. His council members emerged from an office behind him, their expressions equally puzzled.
I stared up at him, my eyes blazing with anger. “I know, I know,” I said nonchalantly. “You weren’t expecting me. But you know what? I wasn’t expecting you to make the stupid fucking mistake of trying to sell my mate.”
“Ty, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Maximus stammered, but his wide-eyed gaze told a different story.
“Cut the bullshit,” I warned. My wolf rose within me, urging me to protect Liza at any cost.
Maximus hesitated before slowly descending the stairs, his eyes locked onto mine, his fear flickering within their depths. He stopped a few steps above the main floor, his body tense as if he were afraid to come any closer.
