Page 41 of Pack and Forth
Given her past, it was a miracle she was able to trust at all. A pride that didn’t want her had truly set a bad tone for her self-esteem. But Rex wanted her. Nash wanted her.
They were determined to show her that she wasn’t alone anymore. That she had a place with him and Rex. A family.
A ping from his computer drew Nash’s attention back to the task at hand. He scanned the message, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“Well, well, well,” he murmured, drawing Kira and Rex’s attention. “Looks like our friend Dupont just made a move.”
Kira was on her feet in an instant, peering over Nash’s other shoulder. “What did he do?”
Nash pointed to a line of code, his finger tracing the path of the digital intrusion. “He tried to access Gerri’s client database again. Probably looking for his next victim.”
Rex’s eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “Did he get in?”
Nash scoffed, shooting his alpha a playfully insulted look. “Please. Give me some credit.”
He’d fortified Gerri’s system as soon as they’d taken on the case, adding layers of encryption and security measures that would make even the most seasoned hacker weep. Franklin Dupont didn’t stand a chance.
“I redirected him to a dummy database,” Nash explained, his fingers flying over the keys as he spoke. “Fed him a bunch of fake profiles, just to see what he’d do.”
Kira let out a low whistle, her eyes wide with admiration. “You’re scary good at this, you know that?”
Nash preened under the praise, a pleased flush creeping up his neck. “All part of the service, ma’am.”
Rex clapped him on the shoulder, pride shining in his eyes. “So, what’s our next move?”
Nash’s grin turned positively wolfish. “Now? We set the trap.”
Over the next hour, they crafted their plan. Nash would create a profile for Kira on the Paranormal Dating Agency website, complete with an irresistible backstory and just enough vulnerability to catch Dupont’s eye. Then, they’d arrange a meeting, luring him out into the open where they could confront him and record his confession.
It was risky, Nash knew. Dupont was clearly a dangerous man, and there was no telling what lengths he might go to once he realized he’d been cornered.
But they were out of options. They needed hard evidence, something concrete that would stand up in court. And if that meant dangling Kira as bait...well, Nash would just have to make damn sure she was protected.
He could see the determination burning in Kira’s eyes as they finalized the details. This was personal for her, a chance to defend Gerri’s honor and put an end to Dupont’s reign of terror.
Nash knew that feeling well. He’d spent his entire life in service to his pack, using his skills to keep them safe from threats both digital and physical. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loved.
And Kira? She was rapidly climbing to the top of that list.
As they wrapped up their planning session, Nash couldn’t resist pulling her aside.
“Hey,” he murmured, his hand finding the small of her back. “I know this is a lot. If you’re not comfortable being the bait, we can find another way.”
Kira’s eyes softened, her hand coming up to rest on Nash’s chest. “I appreciate that, Nash. But I need to do this. For Gerri, and for all the other shifters Dupont has hurt.” She growled. “Besides, this guy’s a real asshole messing with all those poor innocent people looking for a mate.”
Nash nodded, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin. “I get it. Just...be careful, okay? Rex and I will be right there with you, but I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.”
Kira’s breath hitched, her eyes searching Nash’s. For a moment, Nash thought she might pull away, retreat behind her walls. But instead, she leaned in, her forehead coming to rest against his.
“I’ll be careful,” she promised, determination lacing her voice. “But I hope you know that goes both ways. You and Rex...you’re important to me. More than I ever thought possible.”
Nash’s heart soared at her words, a warmth spreading through his chest. He knew how hard it was for Kira to admit her feelings, to allow herself to be vulnerable. The fact that she was trusting him, trusting them, with her heart meant everything.
“We’re not going anywhere, sweetheart,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. “You’re stuck with us whether you like it or not.”
Kira huffed out a laugh, her fingers curling into the fabric of Nash’s shirt. “Promises, promises.”
From across the room, Rex cleared his throat pointedly. Nash looked up to find his alpha watching them, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.