Page 57 of Virtually Guarded

“Where is the wolf who did this?” the Anax demanded, his voice tight.

“In the basement, Anax,” Laurits said. “Confined, with Davion and Yovanny standing guard. Yovanny was injured in the attack on the way here but insists he needs no treatment.”

The Anax nodded. “Gregory Malkin will be dealt with once I question him.”

“With respect, Anax, there were a number of humans present when we arrived to contain the situation,” Mandeep said. “Neither Gregory nor Ren had shifted, but Gregory was close. We were able to convince all humans that we were law enforcement, enabling us to remove Ren and Gregory, but there still may be questions.

“I’m sure there will be” The Anax sighed. “This is a fucking mess, but I think we can contain it. I’ve requested Dave Walden, Peacekeeper of City Pack, to handle questions from Revere law enforcement. He’s a Boston police officer, and he has experience smoothing things like this over. He’ll make sure the situation’s covered up.”

I didn’t see how even a police officer could cover up the nightmare that Ren had experienced in front of that bank, but it wasn’t my place to question the Anax. Nor was covering things up my problem.

“I’ll interrogate Gregory,” the Anax said. “Xavier, with me.”

“Anax?” I gestured at Ren. “My mate.”

“I want you to see what happens with Gregory.” The Anax let out a long breath. “So you can tell Ren when he awakens that we’ve dealt with his attacker.”

I didn’t want to see what happened. I just wanted the man who had harmed my mate to die. As long as his life ended, I gave no shits about anything else. But the Anax stood, regarding me, and I couldn’t argue. “Yes, Anax.”

Dr. Gumendo and Laurits helped me ease off the couch without disturbing Ren. Seth preceded the Anax down the basement stairs, and I followed.

In the cell, a wolf lay, glaring, breathing heavily. “He hasn’t tried to shift back?” the Anax asked, approaching the bars. “Did you tell him to?”

“No, Anax,” Davion replied. “We thought it best to wait for you.”

The Anax nodded and stood straighter. “Gregory Malkin.” His voice rang with compulsion. “You will resume your human form now so we can speak.” He tilted his head and paused. “If you disobey, your death will be immediate. I give you this chance to convince me to spare your life.”

There was no chance. The Anax had already declared the death sentence. The wolf in the cell, evidently aware that his life would end regardless, rolled to expose his belly.

“Then answer me this,” the Anax said. “Why did you attack Ren Torres tonight?”

He leaned closer to the bars, his scowl deepening. The wolf whined softly.

“Some wolves cannot survive without their packs. But that doesn’t excuse nearly killing another.” The Anax stepped back. “He says Enzo Pereira ejected him from Connecticut Pack. Enzo neglected to declare Gregory packless, so Gregory came to speak to Justin Ruel about joining City Pack. He had permission to be in the territory for that meeting.” He narrowed his eyes. “He was expected to leave the territory after Justin refused his request.”

“He just happened to be in the same place as Ren?” I demanded.

“Gregory?” The Anax focused on the wolf again and waited. “No. He was coming here to find Ren and spotted Ren in East Boston. He followed him. Waited for an opportunity. The attack was planned. The location wasn’t.”

His tone hardened, and he stepped back further. “Gregory Malkin. For attempting to end the life of Ren Torres, attacking my men while in wolf form, and risking exposing your true nature to humans, and for planning to invade my territory, you will die here and now.” He turned to face me. “Xavier, as Ren’s mate, I give you the opportunity to end Gregory’s life. This is not a command. It’s your choice.” You don’t have to, he added through our bond. But it’s your right.

“Thank you, Anax,” I said slowly as I considered the decision. No question, I wanted Gregory dead. I wanted it a little too much. My rage built as I looked at the man who had done so much to destroy my Ren, and I couldn’t trust that I wouldn’t tear him to shreds if I shifted into wolf form to carry out the sentence. “I am honored that you would trust the task to me. However, I believe it is best done by you or one of the other guards.”

Are you sure? he asked.

I wouldn’t only kill him. Speaking privately through the bond, I could admit the truth. There’d be nothing left to bury. I can’t let myself be that violent. I’d seen too much violence in the home where I’d grown up, and the dark, bottomless rage I carried in the deepest parts of my mind was something I’d fought to keep under control since childhood. I could use that rage now to avenge what Gregory had done to Ren…but I wouldn’t be able to face Ren knowing I’d allowed myself to go so far.

I understand. His expression didn’t change, but I sensed concern. “Very well, then. Xavier, you may return to your mate. Gregory, I will carry out your sentence myself.” Go upstairs, Xavier. Best that you don’t see this.

Yes, Anax. I wanted to watch Gregory die, but the Anax was probably right.

I left the space and went back to the parlor, where Dr. Gumendo was zipping his bag closed. “It’s all right to move him to his room. Someone should stay with him. I’ll be in the house.”

“I’ll sit with him.” I spoke more forcefully than I intended, and I felt like an asshole when the doctor flinched. “Apologies, Doctor Gumendo,” I said quietly. “I’ll bring him upstairs and stay with him, and I’ll let you know if he needs you.”

The doctor inclined his head and left the room. Gently, I lifted Ren from the couch and carried him up to his bed, where I settled him carefully on his side as a sharp cry, not quite a howl, abruptly cut off in the basement. Gregory Malkin was dead.

I stayed with Ren through the night, seated on an uncomfortable wooden chair next to his bed. Mandeep brought me water, which I drank, and a couple of slices of pizza, which I ignored. The Anax and Kyle came in to check on Ren but didn’t try to speak to me, to my relief.