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Stan’s smile turned feral. “You’re all alone, wolf. There’s a dozen of us and one of you.” He sniffed and his lip curled. “And a human. Care to introduce your little friend?”
This was why the lone wolves avoided the packs. The alphas always felt the need to challenge, to try to prove they were stronger, more dominant.
Between one breath and the next, he was behind Stan, arm locked around his neck, and a long claw pressed against his jugular. “No, I don’t care to introduce her.”
Chairs crashed to the floor as the pack members jumped to their feet. Several shifted and slunk toward them, snarling and growling.
“One step and he’s dead. I didn’t come for him or any of you. And if any of you think you’d like to be the one to kill the white wolf, a word of caution. If I die, the gray and black wolves will be coming for you.” Stan stiffened as he continued. “That’s right. We’ve decided it’s long past time we start working together. Take down one of us and the others will come for all of you.”
Taking a chance, he shoved the alpha away and moved closer to Zoe, who’d stayed nearby throughout it all. They’d discussed the possible scenarios, planning for each. It wasn’t perfect, but it was all they could do. His main advice had been for her to stay as far away from the others as possible and stick to his side.
Stan rolled his shoulders and waved off his beta. “There’s no need for this to be unpleasant. Let’s talk in the office.”
Devlin shook his head. “Let’s talk here.” No way did he want to go further into enemy territory unless necessary. This pack was tough, their wealth underpinned by their construction company, which had been in operation for more than a century. They were a physical bunch, quick to anger, fast to fight.
He didn’t want Zoe around them any longer than necessary. It was why they’d started here. The night was young, and not many pack members had gathered yet.
“How about a drink?” The alpha headed to the bar.
“Not for me, but you go ahead. I’ve heard rumors of a wolf and mage working together.”
There were some low grumbles among the other wolves. Stan paused with the whiskey bottle held over a glass. “A mage?” He filled it halfway with the amber liquid and deliberately set the bottle back down on the bar. “We have nothing to do with those bastards.”
There was a rumble of agreement from most, but there was one male trying to fade into the shadows. “Some of you do.” He canted his head off to the right.
Stan slammed his glass down. “The hell you say. Jacobs, get your ass front and center.”
The male began to saunter forward, but at the last second he bolted, making a break for the door. Anticipating the move, Devlin leaped toward the entrance, slamming down in front of it just as the male reached it. Grabbing the wolf by the neck, he lifted him off his feet. “Going somewhere?”
“Put him down,” Stan ordered.
As much as he wanted to interrogate the little shit, it would be better coming from the alpha. He pitched Jacobs forward. He hit the floor, sliding to a stop at Stan’s feet. “Talk fast, I have places to be.” Without looking at her, Devlin was aware of where Zoe was at all times. He hated exposing her to all these wolves.
The younger wolf scrambled to his feet and glared at Devlin. “You gonna let him get away with that?”
Stan had him by the neck a split second later. The guy must have a death wish. Challenging the alpha, especially in front of the pack and outsiders, would not go over well. If anything, Jacobs had just proved he was stupid enough to involve himself with a mage.
“What did you say?” Stan gave a menacing growl. He applied pressure until Jacob’s face began turning blue. The other male clawed at the alpha’s hands. Blood dripped from his shredded skin but he didn’t bat an eye. Tough bastard, but he’d have to be to keep control over this bunch.
“Ah, I don’t think he can breathe.” Devlin wanted to swear the second Zoe spoke. It had been too much to expect her to stay out of things.
Stan’s grip tightened. Shit, he was going to kill the guy. “She’s right. I need answers. You can kill him as soon as I have them.”
“No one tells me how to run my pack.”
Fuck, this was going to turn into a bloodbath.
“We would never do that,” Zoe interjected. “But I’ve already survived two attempts on my life. All by wolves who seem to be involved in a larger plot.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Against the lone wolves. It would seem to me that it would be in everyone’s best interest to get to the bottom of this before things escalate. Otherwise, all three of the lone wolves will be tearing the city apart searching for answers.”
Stunned silence. She did have a way about her. He bit the inside of his mouth to keep from grinning. He had a reputation to uphold.
Stan loosened his grip and glared at the male gasping for breath. “Talk fast.”
“I don’t know anything.”
The alpha’s grip tightened for several seconds before easing up again. “Why did you run?” He leaned forward and sniffed. “I can smell your fear.”
“Fuck you! We’re working our asses off. For what? We’re strong and better than humans. We should have it all, yet we hide like cowards. We can be rich and powerful, maybe even immortal.” He pointed toward Devlin and Zoe. “They’re the key. We hand them over and we can have everything.”
