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He studied me for a full thirty seconds before nodding. “Understood. If that wolf believes Vanessa to be his mate, then the girl’s protection is far more important at this time and you are right that we need information. What she knows could possibly end this.”
I was surprised as fuck at his change in attitude and I wasn’t certain I was buying it. “I do agree. She has more knowledge than any of us realize. I felt it within her, could read a portion of her mind. She’s on a mission that brought the Wolfen into this.”
“You really believe her to be your mate.”
“Yes. Strongly.”
Gregor shook his head. “Well, then I guess there’s a reason given she’s human, but I still don’t like the odds. First Max and now you. That’s not what’s supposed to happen.”
“Perhaps the ancient texts are wrong, the elders keeping something from us.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“You saw Markel’s face, although what I believe doesn’t really matter.” I took another pull on the beer.
“Then we question Markel,” Gregor suggested.
Sighing, every portion of my body ached. “You know, that wolf came to the Montenegro office looking specifically for Vanessa. He knew she was there, had sensed her presence. I would bet anything on that.”
“Maybe his presence had nothing to do with Montenegro. We have to explore the possibility.”
“Agreed. The attack felt… personal with the beast.”
Sighing, Gregor stole a glance at the hallway. “What are you going to do now?”
“I have a plan in mind, including finding out everything she knows.”
“Why do I have the feeling you’re going to do something stupid?” Gregor studied me intently, taking several gulps of his beer.
“I know what I’m doing and it must be done. I am still alpha of my pack. I must protect them as well as keeping the Wolfen safe.”
He finished off his beer, moving past me and dumping the bottle in the trash. “You know there’s going to be an inquiry as to why we didn’t bring the wolf back for judgment.”
“I’m aware of that. I’ll take the full blame.”
“Don’t be a martyr, Stone. It doesn’t look good on you. I’ll have your back. Let’s just hope there aren’t any additional murders based on our decision.”
“Why did you help me, Gregor? After all the shit you’ve given me, why did you bother?”
“I have my reasons just like you have yours.” He walked toward the kitchen door, gripping the doorframe. “I admire you more than you know.”
His words caught me off guard. “And why is that?”
“After you and your pack were banished, you never retaliated. You also made certain the Nightwalker soldiers didn’t either. You took an honorable path while I allowed myself to fall into despair for decisions I’d made, consequences I’d been forced to face. You have a level of strength in you that I will never have.”
I heard his heartfelt words, perhaps the only ones he’d ever said to me, and contemplated what he was saying. Honorable. I’d never felt that way in my life. “The Wolfen are strong and you are no exception. You will find your place, but it’s not in Max’s shadow.”
He laughed softly, tapping his fingers on the wood. “I hope you’re right, my brother. I really do. I’ll let Max know what transpired. I’m certain we will all have a discussion in the morning.”
I knew that to be true.
I said nothing as he walked out, merely standing in the same place, sipping on liquid that suddenly had no taste. Another round of anger boiled deep inside of me, haunting me in ways no one would ever be able to understand. I’d never really belonged. Not to the Wolfen. Not to the Nightwalkers, no matter my father’s position as leader.
I gripped the counter, the adrenaline biting. I wanted nothing more than to live a normal life as a human, even though I honestly was no longer certain what that meant. As I closed my eyes, I could see the look of shock on her face.
“Can I get one of those?”
I snapped my head up, the sound of her voice chilling as well as yanking on my hunger. “You mean a beer?”
