Total pages in book: 202
Estimated words: 193561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 968(@200wpm)___ 774(@250wpm)___ 645(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 193561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 968(@200wpm)___ 774(@250wpm)___ 645(@300wpm)
“He say why he doesn’t want the water tested? Why females aren’t allowed to shift?”
She shakes her head. “You can’t question him. His word is just… law. And it’s not just females that can’t shift. Nobody shifts without his permission.”
What the fuck? That’s fucked. And that’s an alpha who wants his people weak so they can’t challenge him.
She reads my reaction well and gives me a knowing look.
“Anything else you think I need to know? Anyone else in the pack I should look closer at?”
She shrugs. “He had me on a need to know basis. I didn’t want to cause harm to this pack, but he held things over my head. I wish I’d come and asked for help instead.”
“You didn’t know us.”
“I spied on you during some of your morning runs. I sensed something better about the way this pack is structured, but I…” She looks pained.
I grab her hand and squeeze affectionately. “Don’t do that. No point looking backwards, right?”
She doesn’t say anything.
I continue, “I’m gonna do what I can do to help this go a way that works out for everyone. No, he’s not gonna get to take over our pack.”
“I hope not,” she whispers.
“Believe me, it won’t fuckin’ happen. I’ll talk to him. Feel him out. If he’s open, I’ll offer to help him with his infrastructure. Is there anyone close to him with a good head on their shoulders that might have some sway over him?”
“Jimmy was his right hand, and Jimmy didn’t have any influence whatsoever. Greyson, I hate to say this and don’t want it to say bad things about me because Wyatt is my flesh and blood, but… he’s an egomaniac. The only way forward with him might be a fight because once he digs into something…he’s not the type to end something without a winner and a loser. He always craves a fight, and I would bet money he’ll fight dirty like he’s already done, using potions. He doesn’t care about honor or family or anything but himself.”
I measure my words, but she speaks again before I get a chance to reply.
“You have to do what you and your council decide you need to do, but whatever you guys do, please do it carefully. He could follow through with some of his threats. The people in my pack could come to great harm either because of what he does to them or what he forces them to do.”
She has no faith whatsoever in him. I’ve seen things like this when we’ve consulted for other packs. That pack needs a new leader.
“I’ll be careful, Blossom.”
There’s so much trouble in her eyes, in our connection. I lift her up and hold her on my lap while I purr for her for a few minutes. My phone interrupts this so I check it and see a message from my sister, who wants to know when she’s needed here.
As I reply, Stacy rises to clear the dishes.
15
Bailey Blackwood
When I pull up to the motel, I immediately see Nadia with her maid cart bumping into a parking lot pothole on her way to get to the next room on her rounds. Perfect timing.
I park, get out of my car, and give her a perky wave.
“Hey girl,” she greets with a wave before grabbing the handle with both hands and giving the cart a hard shove.
“Nadia, hey. Do you recognize her?” I flash my phone and the snapshot I covertly took of my new sister-in-law the other day.
“Sure, yeah, that’s Lily. Waitress at the diner.”
“Which room is she staying in?” I ask.
Nadia looks off thoughtfully and says, “Four. I was gonna clean it but the do not disturb sign is up. Haven’t seen her in a few days actually.”
“She’s not here,” I say, doing some fancy fast-talking. “I’m here to pick up her things and bring them to her. There’s a… family emergency.”
“Oh? You didn’t know if she was staying here though?” Nadia looks skeptical now.
“I knew it was here or the other motel, but forgot which. Um… to be honest it’s kind of delicate. But believe me, I’m on the up and up. Has anyone been seen going in or out of her room?”
Nadia puts her index finger to her mouth and then nods. “Haven’t seen anyone today. Yesterday? Yeah, late afternoon yesterday a guy was here, banging on the door. But I didn’t talk to him.”
“Yikes. Do you think you could let me in to gather her things for her?”
“Chica, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you I’m not supposed to do that.” She shakes her head looking disappointed in me for asking.
Nadia knows me, but not super well. We’re more than just acquaintances with how often we chat. We’ve never actually done more than chat over the counter at her job at the café. She works here because her mother manages the motel, but she also works the later shift at my favorite local café and since I love sitting in the corner by the fireplace and reading a good book with a cup of their incredible chai latte as often as I can, we’ve gotten well acquainted.