Page 48 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Franco says. “Thank you for coming.”

Ironic since they undoubtedly had no choice.

“As is our monthly custom, we’ve gathered today in a show of peace and goodwill among our pack and its leadership.” He glances at Vincenzo, and I swear his lip curls up in disgust before he goes on. “For fifty years, I’ve ruled as alpha of this great city, and you’ve all served me loyally in return.”

Another ironic statement. Loyalty must be earned not forced. But I guess no one told him that.

“It’s because of that loyalty that we’ve prospered and grown strong as a community.” He pauses, and there’s some murmuring in the front few rows. “But there are some who’ve become dissatisfied with their current position. They want more. And they’re willing to step on their brothers if that’s what it takes. They want to betray and backstab their way to the top. And ultimately, they want my seat.”

The murmurs get louder.

Worried, I glance down at Vincenzo in the front row, but he’s not moving or speaking. His shoulders are stiff and straight. Beside him, Alvaro is equally still.

When I glance back at Franco, I find him staring up at Grey.

Dread slams into me.

Does he already know our plans? He must know something, or he wouldn’t have asked me to spy. Then I realize Ramsey’s likely already fed him something, and that he’s chosen this moment to call it out. In a room full of men who would happily bay for someone’s blood if it meant saving their own skin.

“This kind of unchecked greed is a blight on our pack’s legacy and must be dealt with swiftly and strongly,” Franco says.

The room is completely silent.

My thoughts race. What can I possibly do if Grey’s singled out?

“Anthony Greco, come forward,” Franco calls.

“What the fuck?” Grey says, and for a moment, I think he’s going to get out of his seat.

“Careful, Jericho,” Dom warns. “You go to battle for that asshole, and you’ll end up on the chopping block too.”

“What the fuck is this?” Mia hisses.

From the second row, Ramsey’s dad gets up and makes his way to the stage where Franco waits. When he gets there and turns around, his face has flushed bright red. He glares back at the crowd, eyes narrowed on Franco’s generals.

“Anthony, do you have anything to say about the charges against you?” Franco asks.

I watch, wide-eyed and frozen, trying to understand why this is happening. Is Franco fucking with Ramsey and me? Because the only traitors I know of in this room are us. Yet none of Vincenzo’s generals have said a word in Anthony’s defense.

“I’ve done nothing against your leadership,” Anthony says tightly. “These are all lies.”

Franco reaches into his jacket pocket. Anthony tenses, but Franco pulls out a piece of folded paper. With obvious fanfare, he unfolds it and holds it up.

“This is a bank receipt with your name on it, isn’t it?” Franco asks.

Anthony looks at the receipt and pales. He doesn’t answer, but Franco turns to the crowd as if the man’s silence is admission enough.

“This receipt shows a significant transfer of money from the city treasurer’s office…to you.”

A few gasps and murmurs go up.

Grey makes a sound of fury. I grab his hand, willing him to be quiet.

Anthony looks at Vincenzo, but the alpha doesn’t say a word.

“This is so fucked up,” Grey says through clenched teeth. “That money went to the Giovanni Foundation, and Franco fucking knows it. This is a setup.”

Dom’s smile slips, and he looks sharply at Grey. “What the hell makes you say that?”

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