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“What brings you here?” He poured himself a mug of dark liquid.
I picked mine up, not wanting to be rude. “Do you remember the guy who came in here a couple of years back? He asked about finding some wolfsbane?”
“Tall guy, dark hair, dark eyes. Had a chip on his shoulder. Jaxon. Why do you ask?”
I tapped the side of my throat. “Scar?”
He half-closed one eye, then nodded slowly. “Yes, but real hard to see. Not a normal one.”
“Did he smell like a dog?”
“Yep. Trying to hide it, he was. But it was there under the surface. I couldn’t tell if he was one or just hung out with them. Why? What’s all this about?”
I took a sip of the coffee and stood. “I have to go.”
“Fair enough.”
I ran out, the impression I’d made of little matter when Dominic’s life was in my hands.
If I didn’t get to Dominic quickly, it might be too late.
THIRTY-SIX
DOMINIC
Vin entered the room with certainty.
“I know there is someone plotting against me.” The weight of the words crushed me. I’d trusted Laura with all that I was.
“But it’s not who you think it is.”
“I know,” my words clipped. I wasn’t trying to be short with him, but this was already hard. “I know who it is.” My heart was heavy with the words.
“I can assure you, you do not.” Vin’s tone challenged.
Every head in the room snapped toward him. He didn’t speak, which put me on edge. He picked his words carefully, but to burst into a room and leave us hanging on his very presence tried my last nerve.
“Speak,” Rafael demanded.
“What? So you can see if you need to run?” Vin’s tone gave away more than his words.
I turned on my brother. He didn’t speak, and neither did Vin.
“Excuse me, does someone want to let me in on what’s going on?” Laura asked.
“I’d like to know the same.” Rafael’s words were short. He kept his emotions close to his chest, too, like he knew what Vin spoke of. “What are you here to say about me, Vin? Are you trying to sow distrust? Maybe you should put your mate in check, Dom.”
What was I missing? Did he and Vin share some secret?
“What is this?” I turned my back on my brother, dismissive. I didn’t have time for games today. “Vinkettin?”
He didn’t say a fucking word, but he didn’t have to. Somehow, I knew. The pieces put themselves together in my head. All the minor details. But how long had it been going on? He must have seen something in my face because he nodded, and it was enough to confirm he was sure. My heart broke. I’d never doubted his loyalty. I’d never doubted my siblings or Vin, but I’d stood here and doubted my best friend. My second.
“I’m sorry,” I said, pressing my eyes closed, letting my head hang. A moment of grief for the life and loyalty I thought I’d had.
All I could allow myself. I didn’t have time to grieve the loss. Not if I wanted to remain alive.
“I understand,” Laura said, and her tone was entirely genuine. It hurt. I’d nearly accused her of being disloyal; she’d known the direction I was headed, and still, she stood steadfast, which made it hurt more.
