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“There’s no cure for this disease?”
“If there had been a cure thousands, even hundreds of years ago, do you not believe our scientists wouldn’t have altered our DNA?”
My father had a point. “Understood.”
“However, you can’t be certain that’s what we’re dealing with. If this wolf is from another pack, they do not have the same desire to maintain their full humanity, but you are correct. We need to hunt the wolf quickly and only you have the capabilities of leading that cause without drawing unneeded attention to our people and our city. You must return home to Roselake and take your rightful place,” he commanded.
“Let’s not start this, Pops. I have a life and a career I love. However, I’ve been assigned to work with the Denver police to help find the murderer. That will allow me to work closely on this.”
“That might not be good enough.” Blackhawk lifted his head, inhaling as he walked closer. “It would seem you also have a woman that has become special to you.” He snarled, baring his teeth.
“My personal life is not why I haven’t returned home, and you know it,” I snapped, instantly regretting the harsh tone. He knew I’d avoided any concept of a personal relationship my entire life. “Look, I have a job to perform. If there is a rogue Wolfen, he will be brought to justice one way or the other. I promise you that.”
“Justice,” he said as he glanced up and down. “The wolf needs to be absolved of his sins.”
I knew the code of honor within our pack. We handled our own indiscretions. The wolf would need to be killed in a manner where his spirit animal couldn’t find another host—at least according to my father’s beliefs. The truth was that every Wolfen was terrified of the disease, necessitating the burning of the body after its execution. Bile formed in my throat at the thought. “The pack must be careful with this case unless you want the police department to learn of our special skills. We also don’t need to anger the Nightwalker pack with accusations. You know how volatile they can be.”
“You are correct, the Nightwalker pack is also a concern, Max, as it would appear they hunger for more control.”
“Stone Keeler is challenging the Wolfen?” I spit out laughter until I noticed the change in his eyes. “You’re serious.”
“Yes, although they do not have the numbers at this point to be able to challenge us.”
At this point. “Have you spoken with theirleader?” I should have known Stone was up to something.
He closed the distance, moving around me in a complete circle and I could tell he’d gathered even more of Kathleen’s scent covering every inch of my body.
“I have had no occasion to talk with Mr. Keeler because there has been no solid evidence they are involved, but I am aware that you have spoken with Stone recently.” He gave me a knowing grin.
“I can’t put anything past you,” I said, laughing softly. “Yes, a former human friend of his remains a fugitive.”
“Then you will talk to him when the time is right, Max.”
“I will do what is… necessary.”
The tension was palpable. The ways of the Wolfen and the requirements of law enforcement had always been at odds.
“At this point, we must hunt our own as required. This female is… unusual, Max. She is human, yet you have already begun the mating process with her.” He reared back, his eyes narrowing. “You must weigh your decisions carefully. You are by all rights the next leader of the entire Wolfen species. You must act accordingly. You are fully aware of Gregor Fenton’s attempts at usurping your control.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. The man was a pompous asshole, although his number of pack followers was growing. “I’m aware of his activities, Father.” The three amigos. I allowed the past to enter my mind, a time when Stone, Gregor, and I had been so damn close. The ways of our people had forced us apart but our collective desire for power had taken on an entirely different meaning than when we were younger.
“He is formidable, son, and not the same man as you knew. Something for you to keep in mind.”
“Much like Stone Keeler has changed, I suspect.” I was already tired of the banter.
“Stone is… angry. That will fuel him.”
I had no idea how to counter that. Stone had been given a raw deal in several ways, but he’d stepped up to the plate. How things had changed. “How can you be certain Kathleen is my mate?”
“Don’t kid yourself, Max. You are hungry for her, the kind of famished needs that you’ve never experienced before?” he asked.
I weighed the answer. “Very much so.”
He pressed his hand against my cheek, closing his eyes. “Your eyes are different, my son, the rings of fire surrounding your pupils burning brightly. In turning to fight the beast, you tasted his anger as well as experienced it, but I suspect he also tasted yours. That also means this wolf is well aware of her possible importance. The scent of her disturbs me. I do not like what is happening. The timing is… bad.”
The timing. The entire situation was horrific.
“You once told me that we don’t choose our mates, that they’ve already been preselected for us. The ancient ways of our heritage. If she is truly my mate, how can I deny what I am hungering for?” I threw the words back at him. I didn’t believe in what so many of our young people, including myself called the true curse of our people.
