Page 56 of Wanted
The scared look on Emery’s face when she first saw those bastards coming after her, makes me decide that his death won’t be quick.
“Your brother died quickly, though,” I tell him. “You, unfortunately, won’t have the same good luck.”
He screams as I slice an X across his chest with the silver knife. I don’t cut deep enough to kill him though. But agony etched in his face speaks to the pain coursing through his body.
I undo his chain and drag him outside of the cave. A few yards away, a committee of vultures circles overhead. I sniff the air, scenting the decaying mule deer they recently finished off.
Lucky for them, they’ll soon have a new feast to fill their bellies.
I toss the bastard to the ground. He sprawls out, writhing in pain and bleeding underneath the hot New Mexico, afternoon sun.
It doesn’t take long for the vultures to begin circling over his body. Finally, one dives in, taking its first bite of flesh. Soon, the rest follow suit. I imagine him screaming in pain as he’s literally plucked apart by the greedy savages.
Exactly what he deserves.
My wolf approves.
As I head backtoward the commune, I spot Mike. “I spoke with Emery for you,” he tells me. “Maybe I’ll grab Marshall to bringwith me to the construction site. He spends too much time inside.”
With a nod, I tell him, “No, I need Marshall. Where is he?”
Mike lifts an eyebrow. “Likely attached to that damn computer. Just like Christop—” He stops, his eyes widening as he stares at me.
Everyone in this pack knows not to mention the name of my younger brother. Especially not around me.
If Reese hadn’t begged Chael to spare him, he’d be dead now. Instead, he’s sitting in some cushy shifter prison for the rest of his life.
The usual anger at myself for not seeing the signs of his betrayal before it was nearly too late, rankles me. How I missed it, proving evidence of my failure to protect my pack.
“Head over to the site,” I tell Mike. “Let me know if there are any issues.”
I start off in the direction of Marshall’s home. Since Christophe’s banishment Marshall has become the pack member with the best computer skills.
A few feet before Marshall’s home, my phone buzzes. It’s a text message from Chael.
Brother:Thank you for the updates on the construction work. Any discoveries around the Alliance or if there’s something I should know about?
In the two days I’ve returned home, I’ve spent hours being updated on the various construction projects we have going on. I’ve relayed the updates to my brother, but that was it.
Aside from telling him that I discovered a potential wolf in trouble and brought her back to the commune with me, I haven’t conveyed much about my findings in Florida.
Mainly because there isn’t much to tell just yet. But also, because there’s a deep urge to keep everything about Emery tomyself. I want to be the one who knows any and everything about her.
“Shit,” I curse out loud realizing where my thoughts were going.
Chance: I’m following up on a few leads.
The reply is one of my typical short and sweet responses.
Brother: Does that mean you’ve found something? I have decided to head North once our honeymoon finishes in a couple of weeks. Reese and me both. I’ll meet with various Alliance members. I would like to know if there’s something I need to know beforehand.
Chance: The wolf shifters on the Alliance may have a vendetta against the lone wolves.
I tell him of the exchange I had with the wolf who tried to hurt Emery.
Three dots appear and then disappear on the screen.
My brother doesn’t hesitate and he’s not one to mince his words. None of us are.