“You have an answer for everything,” I mumble.
“I try to.” Heath smirks. “Tomorrow is just a meeting. We’ll agree to the terms. I want to liven up my business. My reputation is a bit ruthless, so it’s not out of the ordinary. He’ll come back and bring his pack. You won’t have to wonder where he is or if he’s looking for you. He’ll come to you, and he won’t know it.”
“When were you going to tell us?” Bane asks softly.
“Now.” Heath tilts his head. “I know it’s strange for both of you to stay behind.” He looks at Bane and then Hunter. “All of you will be at home with your mate, enjoying her, and convincing her to complete the bond. We will be here meeting Frank, and trying not to kill him on sight.” He meets my stare. “I know what he did to you.” I flinch. “Do not feel shame. I spent years helping yourbrothers look for you. I have my ways of getting information, and luckily, we brought you home. We help each other here. I know, it takes time to accept it. I was the same way.”
“We all were,” Bash says. I haven’t spent much time with the powerful vampire. His frame alone is enough to deter anyone who thinks to fuck with him.
“It doesn’t feel right,” I grumble.
“It makes sense,” Bane admits reluctantly. “Heath knows what he’s doing. These aren’t humans we are dealing with. It’s a group of feral shifters of every species. They may be more organized than you expect. You lived with them. Think about it.”
Shit. “You’re right.”
“Is there anything you can think of that will help us?” Quinn asks.
“Frank is manipulative. He's ruthless, and if he brings his wife, don’t underestimate her. She uses any asset she has to get the upper hand. In some ways, she’s worse than he is. She makes you want to trust her,” I grit out. “He’ll probably bring his most trusted men. Five of them. He looked to them to patrol the lands and run the fights. Big shifters. Coyotes. Lions. A wolf. They are loyal to him, and especially his wife. They aren’t mated, and she sleeps with the others in the pack.”
“That helps,” Heath hums.
“So, expect at least seven of them,” Bash says.
“Easy,” Micah says, grinning.
“Don’t assume it will be easy,” I warn.
“I’m not, but I know what I’m capable of.” He looks around. “I know what my friends can do too. Don’t worry about us.”
“Go home to your mate,” Heath says. “We have work to do. I’ll call tomorrow after the meet.”
“Heath—” I step toward him.
“No need. Go.”
“I want updates frequently,” Hunter says, and Heath nods.
Bane and Hunter nod to them and walk away. I stare at Heath a moment before following. I’ve never had anyone fight my battles for me. I can’t decide whether to be grateful or pissed.
“We need to make sure there isn’t any weakness in our security,” I growl as I get out of the car.
“I agree.” Remy steps out of the shadows and stands at the top of the stairs.
“What happened?” Hunter asks as we join him.
“Haven’s father called,” Remy hisses, crossing his arms. “She makes light of his abuse. I heard what he said, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he came here.”
“How does he know where she is?” Bane asks.
“I told him my name.” We stare at him. “It may not have been the best move, but I was making a point.”
“Your control slipped,” Hunter says.
“Slightly,” he grits out.
“How did she take it?” I ask.
“She wasn’t angry,” he mumbles, and I smile.
