“Yeah, I know, unlikely. But stranger things have happened.”
Michael wanted to get a closer look. “We could go knock and say hello.”
“No, Arch. Not without backup.”
“Come on, what—”
“Arch. Just wait till the shifters get here. They’re bringing an extra beta, so we can send someone over to join you.”
“Don’t you need us back there?”
“Arlington just called. Alpha Wallace is almost here. I think we can handle things without you two. But just wait for me to send you some backup.”
“Yeah, okay.” No point in taking unnecessary risks. Who knew what weapons Blake had in that house. Better to have someone who could sense where he was. “How long?”
“Five minutes tops.”
“Fine. We’ll wait. Message received. Out.”
He turned to face Miller and was about to suggest they go back down the road a bit when a twig snapped by the side of the house.
They both spun around to see Blake appear from the shadows.
Fuck.
Michael went for his gun as Miller yelled, “Police, stop!”
So much for waiting for backup.
* * * * *
Isaac pulled in behind the two cars already parked, Nick copying him. Members of the SCTF stood on the pavement along with people Aaron didn’t recognise. The two members of the alpha council were with them.
As soon as Isaac turned the engine off, Aaron had his seatbelt undone and the car door open. Harry caught his arm before he could get out and nodded to the car behind where Sam had just opened his own door.
Shit.
“Thanks,” he whispered and waited for their alpha to exit the car first as pack etiquette dictated under these circumstances.
Sam waited on the pavement for the rest of his pack, and finally, Aaron got out, subtly looking around for Michael. His scent lingered in the air but fainter than the others, as though he’d been and gone.
“Alpha Wallace, Alpha Jones.” He smiled in greeting and inclined his head.
Alpha Wallace returned his smile. “Alpha Thomas.” She then addressed Detective Sergeant Coldwell. “How do you wish to proceed, Detective?”
Aaron was desperate to interrupt, to ask where Michael was, but he stood silent, waiting to be told what to do.
Coldwell glanced at the other police officers, then at Sam. “DS Archer and DS Miller are over at Blake’s property. I’d appreciate if you could send a couple of your pack over as backup. There’s someone in the house, but we don’t know if it’s Blake or if they’re alone.”
Aaron was already stepping forward as Sam looked over at him and Harry. “I’ll go,” he said quickly.
“Okay.” Sam turned to Isaac. “Go with him. Let me know what you find.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
“Where’s Blake’s house?” Aaron asked, directing his question to Coldwell.
Coldwell walked over to him and held out his hand. “Give me your phone and I’ll type in his address.”
