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Dannika looked down at the young man. “It looks that way.”
Riley found it hard to look at the fallen cougar clan member. His blond hair was matted to his neck where it had been severed from his body. Dark blood pooled between his neck, and torso. It had a crimson sticky consistency, alerting her to the fact that the murder had occurred less than two hours ago. “Is there a specific reason he was targeted?”
Steel shook his head. “Aaron is only thirty. He is barely past his fledgling years. He was a receiver, but we have dozens of those. I believe this was a crime of opportunity. Aaron enjoyed Daniel’s company. His father died five years ago, and I believe he took comfort in Daniel’s presence. As many of us do.”
Riley was thankful the clan had accepted her father with open arms. In some ways, they were more accepting of him than her. “If they hiked in here, then they may have taken a pathway once they were farther away.”
Colton nodded. “I agree. I would like to track the pathways surrounding our territory. Riley and I will look for the perpetrator.”
Steele growled. “Riley is not going near this killer. We know the demons want her. This could be a ploy to expose her. Do not fall into their trap.”
Black smoke rolled off Colton’s shoulders while he warred with his alpha. “I would never let any harm come to Riley. I take offense at you suggesting I cannot protect my mate.”
Steele shook his head. “That was not my intention. We need to discern what killed Aaron.”
Dannika’s eyes narrowed on Steele. “What? Not who?”
Steele’s eyes flickered with black smoke. “I want to know if this was a reaper or a demon. Or worse, a clan member.”
Dannika’s eyes widened. “You think a clan member could’ve done this?”
Steele glanced toward the forest. “I have no idea, but the priestess is the only one who can identify the species of the perpetrator. She probably can’t tell us who did it, but she can read the energy. She should be able to tell us if it was a reaper or a demon.”
Colton glanced at the cougar clan members gathering around them. “The clan doesn’t trust the Haitians. I hope you are not suggesting we bring her here.”
Steele growled. “I am still the leader of this clan, and it is my decision. The priestess has proved invaluable. If we expect to utilize her talents, we need to show them the respect they deserve. She will be invited to our territory.”
Dannika stepped closer to the fallen clan member. “I agree with Steele. Anaisa has shown us nothing but respect. If we wish to utilize her talents and seek her counsel, then she must be treated as an equal.” She turned to Ferguson. “Would you invite her to investigate Aaron’s murder?”
Ferguson’s eyes roamed the gathering crowd. “Of course, my queen. If anyone disagrees with your decision, please inform me so I may have a private discussion with them. I will not tolerate dissension.”
His eyes flickered with red before he dissolved.
