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“He has no idea where he was being kept,” Rick asked—for the third time—sounding frustrated.
Quinten rolled his eyes. “Oh yes, that’s right. He does, and I just forgot to mention it.”
Kincaid growled, but it didn’t impress him like it used to. “I’m just asking—”
“I know.” He sobered, wanting to make sure the alpha knew he was taking things seriously. “If I find out anything new, I’ll let you know. I promise.”
Rick grunted. “This new, helpful version of you is hard to get used to.”
“I’ve always been helpful. Just not to you.” He leaned back in his desk chair, glancing out the window to see the sun was starting to set. His mate would be waiting for him. They’d come out to the house for the weekend and had plans for how they’d spend the evening. The freshly charged runes on his arm fucking tingled like they knew.
“That’s been the problem, yeah.”
Quinten rolled his eyes. “You didn’t need it.”
“You don’t have to act like you’ve turned over a new leaf for me, Amato. Just, you know, keep your hands out of the bloodiest stuff, and we can come to an arrangement.”
Frustrated, Quinten pushed to his feet, ready to be done with the conversation. “This isn’t a new leaf, Kincaid. This is who I’ve always been.”
“You’ve always helped—”
“Yes, you condescending—” He stopped himself. “Look, people assuming I was the devil personified used to benefit me and the things I do, but the world is changing.”
“I’ve heard,” Rick muttered.
“So it’s time for the Amato Pack to come out of the shadows and take our place with everyone else. Whatever you think of me, my people deserve that.”
There was silence on the line for a while before Rick finally said, “Do you traffick people?”
“What?” He scowled at his desk.
“Do you traffic people?”
“Of course not. What the hell, man?”
“There have been rumors…” Rick said mildly.
“Yeah, because I smuggle vampires in and run shifters out,” he said, huffing. “I can’t believe you were thinking about letting us join your do-gooders club when you thought I was a human trafficker.”
“I wasn’t sure—”
“Honestly, I’m shocked, and I’m not sure your Guardians are the right fit for us anymore,” he added, grinning when Rick growled at him again.
“Alright, alright. You’ve proved your point. What about the one about how you force people to pay you for protection?”
“That one is true. It’s a service we provide for small packs and covens.”
“But you make them pay you,” Rick said like he was proving some point.
“Yes, Rick. It’s called running a business, not a charity. Seriously, man, how have you not bankrupted your pack?”
“Listen—”
“Actually, I have to go. My mate’s waiting for me.”
Rick huffed. “Mine too. I’ll let you know if my people come up with any new information.”
“I’ll do the same.”
