Page 24 of Savage Trap

I want to rush to the window to search for him, but there are a bunch of hotels around here, and it’s not like he’ll be hanging over a balcony waving at me. Instead, I sink onto the padded stool in the corner of the closet and bite the edge of my nail. I’ve got so much to tell you. When can we meet?

Soon. Loup left eyes on you. I’m sorry he approached you, princeshë.

You know about that? Of course, he knows. I doubt there’s anyone who’s entered my orbit in the last six months he doesn’t have a mental file on. You know he’s hunting you, right? He says he’ll give you immunity if you meet with him, but I don’t trust him. I think he’s looking for a scapegoat for the Tower.

Arben grunts, sounding unimpressed. He’s dancing on someone else’s strings. When I find the master, the puppet will cease to matter.

I shiver, staring blindly at the dresses pooled in my lap, thinking of what my dad said about the European Liaisons. And if that’s not the end of it? What if the master has a master? How far will you take this, Arben?

There’s a pause and then his voice growls down the bond. Until every last threat is gone, and you are safe, princeshë.

I clench my hands into fists, even though I’m crushing the delicate fabric. You can’t promise me that, Arben. No one can.

There’s an even longer silence, and I know he’s wrestling with some pretty dark thoughts. But he finally says in a more subdued voice, When the council is in place, you will have more security. I will be able to stay closer.

But near enough isn’t good enough for me anymore. Just stay, Arben. Stay with me and our pack. That’s what will make me feel secure. Right now, I just feel like you’ve left me.

I didn’t expect to say those last words, but they’re honestly how I feel. Like maybe being part of our pack isn’t what he wants. He spent his whole life either under my granddad’s rule, or posing as Roan Bisha’s assassin. And like he told me, he can’t whitewash his reputation. He has lived a life of bloody retribution, even though he joined the Dark River Pack to help the Omega Underground. And maybe he needs that kind of danger and conflict. Maybe he’s got so used to the underbelly of our world, he doesn’t want to come back into the light.

He must feel my turmoil through our bond, because he sends a bolt of possessive heat straight back at me. I will never leave you, Elvana. Even if it was the best thing for you, I could never give you up.

I sag onto the stool, both relieved to hear it, and disappointed in myself for giving in again. Okay, but just tell me that in person. Not right now, if it isn’t safe, but tomorrow. I’m in meetings all day, but I can step out any time. Promise me, Arben.

You have my word, princeshë.

I have to be satisfied with that, but I’m still fighting a mood as I enter the rooftop party. The area where it’s set up is covered in a glass dome, keeping out the elements, while the pool is at the other end, with a breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline laid out all around us.

It’s a private function, just for the alphas and the members of their pack they’ve brought with them, so even Link was roped into coming. He looks undeniably hot in his black blazer and dark jeans, but from the moody look on his face, I know he’s as keen as I am to get back to the suite. Although, my plans change a little when I see our host arrive, his sons at his side.

I stand on my tiptoes to whisper in Kelly’s ear, “You want to put a smile on Link’s face while I go say hi to Nate?”

His eyes warm as they settle on the beta, who’s hanging back and half hidden by a potted palm. “Didn’t you spend all day with him?”

“Same room, but we didn’t get to talk.” I shrug, not bothering to hide my frustration at the arrangement. Getting to chat to Nate would have made all the blather about bylaws a lot more bearable. “I want to thank him for his help last night.”

That makes Kelly’s smile dim, and I’m worried I’ve stirred up some bad memories, but he’s clearly got something else on his mind. “Cam confirmed those bruises on his neck were from Randall Trench. Seems the Head of Security has a thing for Nate, but it’s not reciprocated.”

Rage burns through me, so hot I actually gasp. I glare at Cam, who’s standing with my other mates and my dad. Why the hell didn’t you tell me about Trench abusing Nate?

Cam turns his head slowly, his mouth pulled into a thin line. He asked me not to. Said he has it under control.

I gape at him, and I can see the wince from ten feet away. But you told Kelly. You know I care about Nate, too.

Oh, I’ve got a fair idea how you feel about him, babe. A touch of heat fills Cam’s eyes, his mouth curling up an inch. And when you’re ready to act on that, we can talk about making it work. But right now, he’s not ours.

Ours? I ignore the tingle in my belly at the word. Maybe some of Arben’s possessiveness has rubbed off on me, because I like the way that sounds. Not that I’m ready to admit anything to Cam. I never said he was. But he still deserves our protection.

But Cam gives a subtle shake of his head. We can’t step into the middle of another pack’s problems. Especially when Nate asked us to keep out of it.

Don’t give me that diplomatic crap, Cam! I’ve put up with enough of it today to make my head throb. And I don’t believe for a second you won’t react the next time Trench puts his hands on him. I raise my brows in victory, since Cam is now visibly grinding his teeth. You’re just as invested as me, so don’t act like you aren’t.

He gives the subtlest of nods, letting me know I’ve hit the mark. Yeah, I care. But I’m not gonna torpedo this council week by picking a fight with the Head of Security.

I will. A dark, deadly voice enters the conversation, and I realize Link is piggybacking off our bond. I look his way and he shrugs, making the holster on his back pull tight against his jacket. Just saying. Happy to go sort him out now, if that’s what you want.

Before I even realize it, I’m giving Link a grateful smile. Okay, he’d be playing to his strengths by shooting an asshole like Trench, but I still appreciate the offer. Cam mutters something under his breath, but I turn my back on him.

“I’m going to talk to Nate now,” I tell Kelly. “If I were you, I’d go give Link a kiss, because I’m pretty sure he’s the only alpha around here with his head on straight.”

---