“Reno says you know the wolf.”
I tugged the blanket tighter around me and softened my voice so only Reno and Austin could hear. “His name is Fox. He’s been the second-in-command of my father’s pack for longer than I’ve been alive. Something must have happened. I haven’t spoken to my father in months; we’ve never had a close relationship, but I’m sure he’d want to know about this.”
“I’ll give Ivan a call.” Austin rubbed his mouth, deep in thought. The fire cast shadows over his face, making the small cleft in his chin more noticeable. “Did you recognize the others who were with him?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m not sure what to make of it. Fox was always loyal to my father. Those wolves closed in on me as if Fox were their Packmaster, but he’s not an alpha.”
Reno cleared his throat. “I’ve heard of a few rogue packs led by betas. There’s more dissension, which is why they never last long without an alpha to lead them. Too many try to pick off the man in charge.”
Austin sat back and looked up contemplatively. He turned his head to the side to address Reno. “Tomorrow I want you and Wheeler to search the immediate area where Jericho’s wolf came from. Look for any bodies. Three’s a pretty solid number. Let’s just hope that’s all there is.”
Reno pinched his chin. “If not, that could be problematic. They’re staking their claim by marking our land. We need to prepare. If they’re rogue, the Councils have no authority, and you know they don’t do squat to help packs that are singled out.”
He spoke the truth. That’s why Packmasters built relationships with each other. Most Breeds were a step ahead of us because they’d had centuries to form laws and Councils, whereas we Shifters had only recently gained our freedom. Aside from that, we were granted independence without land, money, or employment. Many packs became corrupt—desperate to partake in illegal activities in order to quickly increase their wealth. Councils were helpful for legal affairs, but they simply didn’t have the reinforcement to do anything for a situation of this magnitude.
I wondered why Fox had defected. Had my father kicked him out? Maybe he was here to seek revenge by taking me down. I shuddered at the thought.
“Austin, there’s something you need to know.” The blanket slipped away from my shoulders. “Fox is a man to be feared. It’s why he was ranked so high. Ask my father what happened between them; it’s our business to know what his intentions are. I can’t imagine what could have happened, but if they didn’t part on good terms, Fox might be here for me. What better way to exact revenge than to kill the firstborn of a Packmaster? Fox would place me at my father’s doorstep like a lamb on the altar, perhaps with the hope it might influence my father to do something foolish and bring his pack to ruin. I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” he asked gruffly.
“My presence brought him here. He can only be here for me, and now that he’s appraised your land, he’s probably testing your weaknesses. We’re a strong pack, but by no means a large one.”
I bent forward and touched my forehead to Austin’s knee, shamed by the man who sought to hurt the ones I loved.
“Jesus, this animal is going down,” Reno growled, stalking out of the room.
Austin touched the back of my head. “You don’t have anything to worry about, Ivy. You’re part of our pack, and if it’s you he’s after, then he’s up for a fight.”
I rose to my feet and clenched my fists. “I’ll fight alongside you if I must, but he’s not destroying this pack.” Tears stung my eyes and I wanted to tell Austin everything, but my heart held me back.
Fox was a temperamental wolf who thirsted for power and coveted all things unattainable to him. When a member of the pack received punishment, he was the man who carried it out. Fox was more than just the second-in-command of my father’s pack—his most trusted and loyal wolf.
He was also the man who had cruelly pressed my face into the dirt and stolen my virginity on a moonlit night.
***
Lorenzo descended the stairs of his home when he heard one of his pack members shouting. His bare feet brushed against the wood floor and concealed his approach. When he turned to the right and entered their main room, two of his highest-ranked men were facing off, fists clenched and muscles tense. Four other members of the pack sat in their chairs, watching as if it were a form of entertainment.
“It’s bullshit that you get to drive a BMW while the rest of us have to buy our cars based on our rank,” Caleb spat out. “I’ve paid my dues and I want my Jaguar.”