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“It’s looking that way,” Violet agreed.
“Okay,” Daniella said, “let me make sure I have everything straight. The attack in Frankston wasn’t actually a wolf attack; it was a gas explosion, and we think it was schemed up by your dad and Kane to take out the leaders of both communities and put them in power?”
“Right,” Violet agreed.
“And the old lady from the bookstore gave you two the mating bond elixir, which explains why you survived the blast, and also proves beyond doubt that he”—she gestured to Mikel—“is the actual alpha.”
She nodded.
“So, what do we do about it? Go to the council?” Red asked, hanging on Dani’s hand, looking expectantly at her.
“No,” Dani and Mikel said in stereo.
“This is dangerous territory,” Daniella explained. “Kane has proven he’ll do just about anything to stay in control. We tip our hand too soon, and we’re on the chopping block. Some of us already are.”
“But can’t you talk to your dad?” Red suggested, but Dani shook her head.
“He won’t hear it. He and Kane have been friends for years. The rest of town will be the same. It’s going to be almost impossible to convince anyone of anything unless we have solid proof, and right now, we don’t.”
“I tried to go back to Frankston,” Violet spoke up. “I tested, and they told me I was on the list, but when I got to the exit, they said they couldn’t find me. Magnus, my dad, he has dirt on everyone. Somebody who knows as much as Kane knows about how he came to be the mayor? I guarantee he kept something big on him, if I could just go get it.”
Dani’s brown eyes narrowed in thought. “Are we talking a file or—?”
“Yeah, in his office.”
“Mikel can’t go, they’ll be watching him. I could, but I don’t know about breaking and entering and how on earth I’d find what we need.”
“You wouldn’t have to.” Hope bloomed in Violet’s chest. “My sister will help us for sure.” Her brain was already racing ahead, galloping across the miles between the Bluff and Frankston, slotting together pieces. “How about you take a note to Lila? I’ll explain enough to get her to help and ask her to grab the file. Then you go back in like a week and pick it up.”
“Disclosing anything to a human is a risk,” Mikel spoke up from where he’d been a statue beside her.
“So’s getting blown up,” Violet reminded him.
“And living in a pack led by an imposter,” Red added. “If he cheated to become alpha, then what other shady shit is he doing?”
Mikel clenched his jaw but didn’t say anything else.
“So how do I find Lila?” Dani asked, leaning forward over her knees, already looking intent on the plan. “I agree with Ruby, a pretender is too dangerous to stay in power, and neither of you”—she gestured to Mikel and Violet—“or us, or the entire community by proxy, are safe until he’s removed.”
That Mikel would take his place remained unsaid but heavy between them.
“Uh,” Violet started carefully. “Well, it would be easy to catch Lila at school. I know the code, and it’s not unusual for my dad’s staff to drop off a lunch or give her a ride. You can say you’re bringing her lunch, give her the letter, then do the same again when you go back for the file.”
It hurt her heart to be so close, to imagine Dani waiting for Lila in the lobby of the high school, speaking to, seeing, and having the ability to hug her—okay, it was doubtful she would—but Violet ached for the chance. She would just have to make the letter enough, and as soon as Kane was removed, she was going to Frankston. Maybe Lila would even want to move to the Bluff when she got done with school.
“Hello?” Red snapped her fingers, and Violet blinked, realizing she’d missed a chunk of the discussion.
“Sorry. Just thinking.”
Mikel’s thumb brushed her knee, and she could feel him watching her, concerned.
“So, when do you want to do this?” Red asked again.
“Tomorrow?” Dani suggested. “The sooner we get something, the better. Right now, Kane has the upper hand. He can’t try anything else too soon and risk it starting to look intentional, but I don’t like the idea of playing sitting ducks until he realizes more than just Violet is on to him.”
“I hate that you’re risking yourself—” Mikel started.
“I’ll be fine.” Dani waved away his concern. “Besides, this is my town too. This affects all of us. Kane’s dirty, and right now, he has ultimate power over everyone here. None of us are safe until this is fixed.” She paused for a moment, studying him. “Are you ready to step up when this goes down?”
