Page 46 of Deadly Wolf Bite

Smart.

“So, Sonesta is Dutch’s mom?” she asks.

I nod. “You look surprised.”

“I guess I just didn’t realize those assholes had managed to find a woman to stick with them.”

My lips twitch, because in a room full of shifters, I can guarantee her words are carrying. But I still explain, “Divorce isn’t exactly an option in this pack.”

“I see.” She frowns, her forehead creasing in thought.

“Whatever you’re imagining, I can promise you it’s worse,” I say quietly.

“What about Mia and Ramsey’s dads? Are they married?”

“Charlie and Anthony are both single. Mia’s mom died from an illness when Mia was young,” I explain. “As far as I know, Charlie’s hasn’t even dated since.”

“And Ramsey’s dad?”

“Anthony’s wife Kim was killed several years ago.”

“Killed by who?” she asks. And then in a lowered voice, “Franco?”

“No,” I say grimly. Again, I don’t bother sugarcoating it. Anyone listening already knows. “Anthony found out she was having an affair.”

“That’s awful.” She swallows hard, and I wait, wondering if she’s heard enough. But then she clears her throat. “And the women behind Franco’s generals?” she asks. “Are they generals’ wives too?”

“Yeah, the brunette, Gina, is married to Conrad,” I say. “The blonde beside her is Andy. She’s Toros’s new wife.”

“She looks my age,” Lexi murmurs.

I don’t correct her. The truth is, Andy is barely twenty years old. I’ve never spoken to her, and I can only hope she chose her marriage willingly—a valid concern considering her groom is a mafia general twice her age.

The room finally begins to fill up as various lieutenants and other leaders join us.

Meetings like these are designed to include the generals’ regimes, to give them a glimpse into what they’re a part of. Franco says it inspires community and loyalty, but I know what he really uses this gathering for. Fear. It’s his favorite motivator, and one I’ve seen both him and my father wield like a weapon whether we’re in a boardroom or a brawl.

I notice the moment Franco walks into the room.

My eyes are drawn to him like they would be to any predator who’s just entered my environment. My blood pumps harder and hotter. My wolf strains against the leash of my human body.

The alpha in me thirsts to spill his blood.

Is this what my father feels all the time? Has the thirst driven him slowly insane after all these years?

Lexi tenses, and I realize she’s seen Franco now too.

I reach over to reassure her, but movement in the aisle draws my attention. I look up just as a body drops into the empty seat on Lexi’s other side.

“Hello, Jericho.” Dominic Albero grins at me, a flash of white teeth that’s more snarl than polite greeting. He doesn’t wait for me to say a word before turning to Lexi. “Hello, beautiful. Is this seat taken?”

15

LEXI

Words stick in my throat as Dom makes himself comfortable beside me. His suit is spotless, his cologne so thick it clogs my throat. He angles himself so that he’s leaning his arm against mine. For a second, I’m too surprised and terrified to react. Ramsey warned me Dom would find me. But is he stupid enough to ask me for information right here in front of Grey and Vincenzo? I’d never make it out of this room alive.

Maybe that’s his goal.

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