Page 8 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“No. He doesn’t want to be there. But he wants us to go somewhere public, where the paparazzi can photograph us. Keeping us in the headlines as a happy couple reiterates to the public that Franco’s dynasty is now merging with our bloodline. It furthers my father’s attempt at a political takeover.” He shrugs. “Or so he thinks.”

“Why did he ask about me being sick?”

His expression clouds. “He heard about you not making it to dinner last night. He was…concerned.”

“He thought I ran away.”

He shakes his head, moving away to pace. “I don’t think his ego would allow that idea, but yeah, he was worried. Told me to keep you on a tighter leash.”

I catch myself before protesting. That…might actually work. “Maybe you should.”

He stops pacing and gives me a dubious look. I can’t blame him. It’s not what either of us expected me to say. But I double down on what’s probably an incredibly stupid idea.

“You should,” I repeat. “Keep me close, I mean. We need to show the world we’re a happy couple, right? So, let’s paint the picture for them. Show them what a good idea it is to merge our families.”

He gives me a wary look. “We’d be giving my father what he wants.”

“It’s not your father people will be watching.”

He doesn’t respond, so I press on, latching on to the only lifeline I can think of right now. “If we can bring the people to our side, won’t that help when it comes time to make your move against him? Even our odds?”

He nods slowly, though he’s clearly not quite convinced. “It’s true. We can’t afford a pack war without bringing some of them to our side first.”

“Maybe we can use these public appearances to do that.” And I need to be so glued to Grey’s side, I won’t be able to get away long enough to give Franco any information.

It’s a flimsy plan, but it’s all I’ve got. At least until I think of something better.

“Okay.” He still looks a bit unconvinced, so I smile, hoping it comes off as genuine and not as terrified as I feel.

“What’s on our agenda today? So I know how to dress.”

He frowns, clearly distracted as the wheels in his head turn my words over and over. Finally, he seems to make some sort of decision.

“Wear a bathing suit,” he says, “and your ring.” Then he walks out, looking at his phone as he goes.

4

GREY

Idial Dutch’s number, my brain kicking into gear in several directions. Lexi’s idea is a good one. We’ll need numbers if it comes to a war—though, hopefully, it won’t. But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to it than that. She’s hiding something. I just don’t know what.

Dutch answers as I step into my bedroom and shut the door behind me.

“Yo,” he says. “How was the big date?”

“It didn’t happen.”

“What?”

“She never showed.”

“Shit. Is she okay? Did Franco hurt her?”

I stop cold, my gut twisting at his words. “Franco? What the fuck are you talking about?”

There’s a long pause. “I’m talking about how Dom dragged her off the street and into the restaurant for some kind of conversation,” he says as if this is information I should already have.

Blood pounds in my ears, my veins lacing with fury. Not just for what Franco might’ve done but the fact that I’m the last to fucking know about it.

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