"That's why you helped him?" I did wonder if there was more to the story than a 'strategic alliance.'
"Our pack values strength, but as we reevaluate how we approach things, we should consider what we use our strengthfor. We should protect not only ourselves but those who can’t defend themselves."
I smile. "Sounds amazing."
"Oh yeah?" She raises an eyebrow. "You gonna stay and help us?”
"No, I don't think so."
Marlow and I haven't had a chance to talk about it yet. Until Dodger found us, we weren't even sure Marlow would have a future. But it's safe to say the Iron Pack isn't where either of us belong.
I thought the pack needed me around to help show them a different way forward beyond tradition and aggression, but it seems Adelaide has taken this new direction to heart. She's found more purpose than just being the biggest and strongest or the best fighter. I think they're gonna do just fine without me.
Eventually, the detective wraps up his conversation with Marlow and Dodger and leaves first. Adelaide and Cierra relax, which has everybody breathing a sigh of relief. This house wasn’t big enough for the three of them.
The Alphas walk Marlow and me to the front door. He clears his throat while dawdling by the door, glancing uncertainly at the women. “Look, uh. Hopefully we can put all this behind us. Sorry I put you through so much trouble, but now you know I was innocent.”
Aww, he’s trying to make peace with them. For my sake, no doubt. He really is a keeper.
Adelaide doesn’t find the words as impressive as I do. "You were a pest,” she says gravely, expression as hard as stone.
"And you tried to set me up in the interrogation room," he fires right back.
“You thought we were aiding and abetting a killer.”
“You thought Iwasa killer!” Marlow coughs when I nudge him. “Which I totally forgive you for, no hard feelings.”
“Some hard feelings,” Cierra mutters.
"We all did what we thought was right,” I jump in. “Let’s move on.”
Marlow and Adelaide may hate each other on principle but nobody punched anyone else or tried to arrest my mate. I can’t ask for more.
After a moment of stony silence, my cousin thrusts her hand out towards Marlow. The motion is so sudden that he flinches instinctively, raising both hands as if expecting her to take a swing at him.
“Oh! Handshake,” he realizes a second later, hastily reaching forward to clasp her hand in his own. “Sorry—sorry about that. Didn’t think it would be that easy.”
Is he blushing at his mistake? I’ve never seen Marlow blush before. My cousin is a miracle worker.
To my demon’s credit, he manages not to wince from her crushing grip as they shake hands. Adelaide pulls her hand away with the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth—was that almost… a smirk? Cierra notices too and smirks outright, clearly entertained by the whole exchange.
“Since you’re a free man now,” Adelaide begins slowly, “and you can’t go back to Brighton quite yet… are you sticking around Concordia?”
“Yeah,” he says. “That’s a safe bet.”
“Good.” Oh, she’s definitely smirking now, anevilsmirk. “That means you’ll get to meet the rest of Wynn’s family.”
Wow, it’s impressive how she made that sound like a threat.
“Of hard-to-impress deadly wolf shifters who will be sizing up your every move,” Cierra adds cheerfully, “and making sure you’re good enough for our sweet Wynn.”
Yep. Definitely a threat.
“No, I’m not worried,” Marlow tries to laugh it off, but a slight crack in his voice betrays him. “We’re true mates. If you aren’t happy with Wynn’s partner, blame fate, not me.”
“You’re destined for Wynn, not his family.” Adelaide crosses her arms. “Jury’s still out with the rest of us.”
For once, Marlow looks genuinely flustered as he turns to me for backup. This is the gift that keeps on giving. “Wynn, I’m getting the impression your family doesn’t like me.”
