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Cole was still watching me expectantly. I cleared my throat, trying to focus despite how much I wanted to eavesdrop. “In the rugged forests of Alberta, Canada, a battle was fought and a victor declared. On a peaceful summer night, a fierce struggle between wolves erupted to secure a new pack alpha.”
Cole snorted. “Tale older than time.”
I went on, still trying to listen to the other conversation. “Jericho Pierce, the alpha wolf, had led the pack for years. But his position was challenged by Hayden, an ambitious younger wolf who had recently joined the pack. Hayden sought to prove his dominance over the older and more experienced alpha.”
“You want me to go into the Weston pack and take their alpha’s second? What about the alpha himself?” Shaw sounded cheerful. “Sounds like a chance to kill these assholes or be killed.”
“Get in and get out, Shaw,” Stone ordered.
“Oh, I wasn’t complaining.” Shaw spoke lightly as usual.
“The two wolves faced off in a classic display of dominance,” I continued reading. “Pierce’s strength and agility were put to the test as Hayden sought to overpower him. Even with his years of experience, Pierce was nearly overcome by the younger alpha’s strength. Hayden wrapped his jaws around Pierce's throat. Pierce collapsed, blood ringing his throat and soaking his fur. For a moment, Pierce seemed to have died.”
“Maybe he really did die for a moment,” Cole suggested. “Maybe that’s the key.”
“That still doesn’t explain why I could be bound to…” I didn’t want to say it. I had the feeling Stone and Shaw had paused too and were eavesdropping on me, which was odd when I just wanted to eavesdrop on them.
I cleared my throat and went on. “Alison Pierce, Pierce's mate, charged into the fray. Drawing on a deep reserve of courage and strength, Alison fought fiercely, but Hayden overcame her. She finally submitted. As they shifted back into their human form, the two of them were still locked together. Overcome with the heat of the battle, Hayden marked Alison, taking her as his own mate. It was his right as the new alpha if she had not been mated, but the mating mark seemed to take and the bond between them was established.”
“When the dust settled, the outcome was clear. Pierce barely clung to life, but eventually made a full recovery. Alison’s brave act had earned her a place of respect and honor in the new alpha’s eyes and as his bride. All three wolves were as honorable as they were indomitable. Pierce allowed Hayden to remain not just in the pack, but to live with him and Alison. Alison Pierce-Hayden bore four children and no one was certain which wolf fathered either.”
“Take a team,” Stone was saying to Shaw. “And be careful for once.”
“I’m always careful,” Shaw said, and Stone groaned, which was my internal reaction too.
Shaw was many great things, but he was not careful.
“Is there any real evidence that she was with both wolves?” I asked, tapping my fingernails absently on the page. I could barely think straight, worrying about Shaw. “According to this, it happened seventy years ago. That was before you could find everyone on the internet.”
Before Cole could answer, I twisted in my seat. “Are you really sending Shaw to deal with the Weston pack when they just came this close to killing us all?”
“That’s why I know Shaw is motivated,” Stone answered. “And it is very hard to motivate my little brother.”
Shaw ignored him. “Are you worried about me, Amelia?”
He sounded pleased with himself.
“Not particularly,” I teased, knowing he’d see right through it.
Shaw wandered over to me, his hands in his pockets. “Don’t worry. I just have to get close enough to snatch my target.”
“Close enough to people who already almost killed you and know your face.”
“Do they?” Stone disagreed. “After all, Shaw was unconscious for the fight.”
Shaw pulled a face.
“I just have to get close, and I can charm anyone.” Shaw turned that irresistible smile on me.
“Except me,” Teresa called over.
“I’ve never tried to charm you. I assume you’re like a black hole, given your own sparkling personality. Charm goes in, but it never comes out.”
“You think you’re charming,” Cole leaned back, crossing muscular arms. There was a playful, bantering tone between them all, no matter how rude their words might be. “But you’re actually insufferable, and everyone pretends to find you charming, because Stone is alpha.”
Shaw scoffed. “Please. I don’t need Stone to fight my battles—everyone knows I can take them. Including you, Cole.”
“I’m always happy to spar with you, but I notice you never show up. Miss a few more training sessions, and Amelia’s going to be able to kick your ass.Shehas a work ethic.”
