“People can change.Shifterscan change. There are plenty who aren’t happy with the way the Shifter Alliance went back on all their promises.”
She sighed. “I know. And we’re grateful for those that already help. But a lot of humans suffered to get the Alliance in power, only to have it thrown back in their faces. You’re asking them to risk everything again and go up against the largest packs in London.”
Cole was way out of his depth. This was supposed to be a quick introduction, not an in-depth discussion about their plans. “They won’t be on their own.” It was all he could think to say.
“They’re coming,” Smith murmured.
Val nodded. “We’ll be in touch.”
Paul burst through the door as the radio on his belt crackled to life. Cole hadn’t even noticed he wore one. He unclipped it and spoke to whoever was on the other end. “Well?”
“There were three of them. Two escaped in a car at the back, but we have the third.” Cole didn’t recognise the voice on the other end.
Paul smiled, cold and smug. “Bring him here.”
“Sir.”
Cole glanced at Smith, but he was looking at the door, his whole body stiff with tension. This couldn’t be good.
The four at the table glanced between each other, looking far less composed than they had only seconds before.
Paul came to stand beside him and Cole forced himself not to flinch.
This isn’t about me.
“Do you think we’re so fucking stupid?” Paul asked, slipping his gun back into its holster.
No one answered him.
“You knew we were coming.” He shrugged. “Because we wanted you to.”
Smith’s soft inhale made Cole’s stomach drop.
Oh fuck.
Val sat back in her chair, seemingly unaffected. “I don’t know what you mean.” Cole couldn’t imagine how scared she must be with so many armed shifters in her house, but she returned Paul’s gaze without flinching.
“You’re all CEG.” Paul gestured around the table. “But you know we can’t prove it. So you sit there all fucking smug thinking you’ve pulled one over the HRU.”
Val shrugged. “We’re just having a poker night.”
Paul laughed. “So you are. And it looks like you’re winning.” He sounded almost impressed, and Cole’s head spun from his mood changes.
His expression changed again, all traces of humour gone. “But then we didn’t come here for you.”
The front door burst open, snarls and growls sounding in the hallway.
Four HRU members walked into the living room dragging a golden-brown wolf between them.
No. No no no no no no.
Cole didn’t recognise the wolf, but he’d know that scent anywhere.
The wolf had a thick metal collar that reeked of iron and silver and two ropes around its neck. Blood dripped onto the carpet from a wound in its back leg.
“He fucking shifted.” The first guy spat. His T-shirt was torn and matted with blood, claw marks covering his arms. The others hadn’t fared much better, but they were all healing.
Unlike the wolf.
