Church sat on a barstool, wiping his palm against his camo pants. “I’m uneasy with the waiting game. While they plot and plan, we sit here like easy prey. Why not hunt them down and drive them out?”
Prince swiveled his chair toward Church. “And how will you prove to the Council which rogues have malicious intent? This city is full of decent rogues, and some of them—despite what animal they are—are our allies. But it won’t take much to change their minds, especially if we discriminate against every Shifter who isn’t a wolf or in a pack.”
Church tilted his head to the side. “Then what do you suggest?”
“I’ve heard scattered reports of kills,” Prince stated, gripping the armrests of his chair. “I’ve fought many battles, and it’s more advantageous to capture prisoners to gain information. We need to find out who their leader is and what their plans are. I know a local Vampire who owes me a favor. He can charm them for information and scrub their memory when he’s done.”
Austin grinned. “That’s against the law.” It was more of a statement than a warning; Austin had bent the law many times in the name of justice.
Prince arched one eyebrow. “A man who follows rules keeps the peace. A man who knows when to break them is a Packmaster.”
Church slid off his stool. “I like the way you think. Tell me, what can we do to bait them?”
Austin bit his lip; he knew where this was going. The rogues were testing the smaller packs, and that meant only Austin was under fire. “I’ll do it,” he volunteered. “But only with your help. I’ll be damned if I’m going to send out one of my kids, so maybe one of the women will volunteer. Izzy’s a tough bitch, and if a Shifter comes up on her, he’s going to have a hell of a fight on his hands.”
Church knitted his brows. “What about your mate? Is Lexi not a warrior?”
Austin gave him a cursory glance before looking at Prince. “Lexi’s pregnant.”
Prince’s strict features melted into a warm smile, and his mismatched eyes glittered with admiration. “Congratulations are in order.”
“Didn’t think you had it in you,” Church remarked.
“Shut the hell up,” Austin fired back. “I respect our alliance, despite the fact you’re a prick who’s always digging up the past. But the one thing you’re not going to do without an ass kicking is insult my mate—directly or indirectly. Are we straight?”
Church grinned and gave him a curt nod. “As an arrow.”
“We’ll only do this once,” Prince began. “I wouldn’t want to endanger your pack more than that. What kind of support are you looking for?”
Austin took a deep breath and stretched his legs out, crossing them at the ankle. This was a delicate situation, and Austin hoped Prince wouldn’t offer one of his men. As generous as that would be, it might disrupt the harmony within Austin’s pack and cause fights. Austin was still on the fence about accepting that offer, because if it didn’t go well, it might create friction with the one man he wanted to keep an alliance with.
“I don’t want to deal with the disobedience a new packmate can bring. I also have two cats, and they don’t put up with bullshit wolf behavior.” Austin glanced up at the clock. “Do you think your betas can take charge for a little while so we can take care of this rogue?”
Lorenzo huffed. “How long is a little while? Are you suggesting that Prince and I stay at your home?”
Austin scraped his fingernail against the upholstery on the chair. “No band of rogues would stand a fighting chance against three alphas, but I only need you there as backup and to help question anyone we capture. We’ll see if they take the bait, but it might take more than a day. If it doesn’t work out, you go home, no worse for wear. Your packs aren’t in any immediate danger, but if you want peace of mind, tell your second-in-command to keep women and children inside until your return.”
“Are you not considering packmate donations?” Prince asked, switching back to the previous topic. “You’re in a position to request, or do you not trust my men?”
Austin had given it a lot of thought. Probably too much, and he’d lost sleep over it. “That’s something we can discuss later. For this particular job, it’s better if we’re all involved. Driving him off the property poses too much risk, and I don’t know your Vamp well enough to invite him inside unless you’re present. If the Council gets wind of what we’re doing, then trouble comes to all parties involved. Let’s keep our packmates out of it.”
“Agreed,” Church said. “Regardless of what’s to come, I’ve worked a long time to gain the respect of my elders, but these situations are a necessary evil.”