Page 33 of A Love Bite

As I move through the bar, my thoughts drift to Alex. Her determination to uncover the truth is admirable, but it also puts her in danger. I need to find out more and fast, to keep her safe and get ahead of whatever the rival pack is planning.

I spot Barrett at the far end of the bar, his head down, keeping to himself. It’s a smart move, especially since he’s been lying low with Amelia after she was attacked by Elias.

I make my way over to him, nodding to a few regulars along the way. “Barrett,” I greet him, taking a seat next to him. “How’s it going?”

He glances up, his expression serious. “Hey, Jake. Just trying to stay out of trouble. Amelia’s still shaken up, and I don’t want to risk anything else happening to her. She’s with a friend right now. She’s still… adjusting to everything.”

“Understandable,” I say as I pour myself a scotch. “Have you heard anything more about the rival pack? Any new intel?”

Barrett shakes his head. “Not much, but everyone’s talking about the recent attacks. People are scared. They’re worried about more violence.”

I nod and take a sip of my drink. It burns all the way down. “I’ve been trying to piece together what’s going on. Alex has been digging into it too, and she’s finding some connections, but it’s dangerous.”

“Amelia mentioned a reporter coming around.”

“That would be Alex.”

“Amelia seemed to like her. Seems like she’s a tough one,” Barrett says, eyeing me.

I lift my chin, grinning despite myself. Barrett chuckles, and I notice that he seems happier than I’ve seen him in a long time. Amelia has a lot to do with that, I’m sure.

“But yeah, it’s risky,” he continues. “We need to figure this out before things get worse.”

I lean in, lowering my voice. “What about Elias? Have you heard anything about his movements?”

Barrett’s expression darkens. “He’s been keeping a low profile too, but he’s still out there. We need to be ready for anything.”

“I agree,” I say, feeling a sense of urgency. “We need to stay vigilant and gather as much information as we can. Every little bit helps.”

Barrett nods, then looks around the bar. “I’ll keep my ears open. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks,” I say, appreciating his support. “And keep Amelia safe. She’s been through enough.”

I nod to him, grab my drink, and continue making my rounds, talking to various patrons and trying to pick up any useful tidbits. The atmosphere is tense, and it’s clear that people are on edge, but they’re also willing to talk, hoping for some semblance of safety and normalcy.

As the night progresses, I gather bits and pieces of information. Whispers of plans, mentions of meetings in secluded areas, and hints at power struggles within the rival pack. It’s not much, though.

Lila asks me to do an inventory in the back, and I comply. It’s just as well. I’m not making much progress at all, and I’m frustrated. I just want to let loose my wolf and howl out all of my rage and anger.

The pieces are slowly coming together, but we’re still missing crucial parts of the puzzle. Worse, Alex is putting herself in danger, and I’m not in a position to guard and protect her.

I need to talk to her, to share what I’ve learned and see if we can make sense of it together, but most importantly, I need to keep her safe.

There’s a storm brewing, and we need to be ready for whatever comes our way.

28

Alex

The following evening,I decide to return to Luna’s Moon, determined to gather more information about the escalating crime in the southside. Armed with my notepad and recorder, I hope that by talking to the regulars, I can uncover more details about what’s happening and who might be behind the attacks.

As I step into the bar, the familiar atmosphere greets me, but there’s an undercurrent of tension I can’t ignore. I scan the room, noting the usual patrons and a few new faces. Determined, I start making my rounds, approaching the people who might have seen or heard something.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?” I ask a group of regulars gathered near the bar.

They glance at each other, then at me, their expressions wary. “Sorry, we’re busy,” one of them mutters, turning away.

Undeterred, I move on to another table. “Do you have a minute? I’m trying to get some information about the recent attacks.”