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It was a female she recognized, Matilda Blakes. She hadn’t gotten to know her well but knew she was one of the few females in Xavier’s pack. She’d been a latecomer to the barbeque on the first night.
“It’s just Matilda,” Sara called to Veronica. “She probably heard the news and wants to see how I am, like everyone else.”
“Okay, sounds good. I’m gonna use the bathroom and be right back.” Veronica brushed the crumbs off her clothes and walked out of the living room.
Sara opened the door. “Hey, Matilda. Come on in.”
Matilda smiled, and Sara closed the door behind the visitor. “Before you ask, I’m fine. The baby’s fine. There’s no need to worry, but you can join …” When she looked at her, Matilda had a deadly look in her eye and had not stopped watching Sara.
A wicked grin played across her lips.
“It’s too bad they couldn’t finish the job themselves.” She let out a dramatic sigh. “Who would have thought those shifters couldn’t take care of a pregnant human before her alpha showed up to the rescue? Oh, well. I guess that just goes to show that you can’t send a man to do a woman’s job.”
NINETEEN
XAVIER
Xavier, Carlos, and the entire battalion of warrior shifters arrived at the rogue’s den, where Veronica thought they would be. Shifters were positioned on Xavier’s twelve and six and either flank. Coming into a rival den could be fraught with danger, even on diplomatic grounds. Invading an attacking foe … deadly.
It took time for Carlos to triangulate the location, for the den was situated in a deep ravine, nestled among great lodgepole pines. Shifter sounds from inside the den were easily drowned out by the raging river which sat alongside.
With torches lit, Xavier’s pack moved forward, streaming through the woods. It would be just a matter of time before the rogue’s lookouts caught sight of the invaders.
“Who goes there?” called out a disembodied voice.
“Xavier D’Point of the D’Point pack. Tell your beta I’m the one your wolves shoved off the road and who took my mate hostage.”
Xavier heard the sounds of shuffling. Lantern light shot out of the cabin when the front door opened with a sonorous creak.
Muffled words and staccato-like shots from inside the cabin were heard, especially with his wolf senses. Moments later, the same disembodied voice came again.
“Come forward. Only you and your beta. Get your pack to stand down and stay back.”
Xavier nodded to Carlos, and Carlos sent the word. The pack remained back but remained at the ready. One call from Carlos or Xavier would be all it took to storm the den.
The guard met Xavier and Carlos on the front porch. Torches, which were lit to find the way, were extinguished.
“Follow me. The beta will receive you now.”
The big hulking brute lumbered over the threshold, followed by Xavier and his trusted friend. Inside were a half dozen shifters, all donning bandoleros and leather vests. They populated what chairs sat in the front room, save for the solitary shifter sitting behind a gnarled wood-carved desk.
“I don’t have all night. Tell me your purpose,” barked the beta. Even after his words ended, he did not close his mouth. A thin line of teeth still showed. Xavier knew it was a resting threat.
Carlos stood by the door, his hands at the ready by his holsters.
Xavier strode up to the beta, his chest puffed out. His head was held high, his shoulders erect.
“My purpose? That’s odd coming from you. I came here to ask you the same thing.”
“You are lucky I let you into our den. I could have had you shot on sight for killing the alpha.”
Xavier took another two steps forward and leaned forward, his chest creating a shadow over the man’s desk.
“Me and my pack could have killed you all for your unwarranted attack on me and my mate. Consider yourself lucky you’re still alive, and I only took down your alpha.”
The beta sat back in his chair. His body posture was relaxed enough to act as a cue for Xavier to stand down as well.
“Fine. State your business.”
