Page 70 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“No, why? Should he have?”

Inside, a roar of laughter draws his attention. Vincenzo watches them with narrowed eyes, but when he speaks again, it’s clear his thoughts are far away. “Franco’s not nearly as powerful as he wants you to believe,” he says in a low voice. “I’m not worried about that feeble bastard. And you shouldn’t count on him either. He doesn’t give a shit about you.”

His reaction throws me off, and I lose some of my helpless act as I say, “Believe me, I’m not on Franco’s side any more than I’m on yours.”

His gaze swings back to me, his mouth pinched. “I don’t need you to be on my side. I just need you to serve your purpose. Don’t forget your fucking place.”

He shoves past me and through the balcony door, leaving me alone and empty-handed. Through the window, I see him stalk over to the bar where Grey and the others are still serving up drinks.

I sigh, debating whether to go after him and try again. Before I can decide, Charlie Reyes walks out, joining me on the balcony. He’s wearing a fresh shirt and holding a half-empty glass of something dark. His eyes are glazed over, making me wonder if Grey or one of the others made him that drink.

“Hello, Lexi,” he says, coming to stand beside me.

“Hi.” I eye him warily.

“Where’s Ramsey tonight?” he asks.

“Home, I guess. He’s not himself.”

My answer sounds awkward even to me, but Charlie nods. “He’s better off staying away for now.”

Through the window, I watch Vincenzo snap something at Grey.

When I turn back to Charlie, he seems to be watching their exchange too and his expression has clouded. He takes another sip from his glass and sways drunkenly. “What d’you know about a Dr. Severin?”

I can't help blinking in surprise. Not what I'd been expecting. “Nothing.” I frown at him. “Why?”

“Oh...” He flails his hand in a wobbling circle. “Not important. Just a name I read in your file.”

“My...” I put my hands on his shoulders to steady him. Steady myself. Make him look at me. “I have a file?”

“You sure do.” He smiles blearily at me then adds loudly, “Everyone does.” I glance through the windows, making sure no one’s paying attention. “But yours...” When I look back at him, his eyes on me are clear and focused. Intent. “Yours is the only one locked away. In his office. Downstairs.” We stay like that for another moment then he nods once, almost imperceptibly, and puts his mask of drunkenness back on, reeling away when someone calls his name.

“Charlie!” Alvaro pokes his head out the balcony door. “Get your ass in here, we’re doing a fucking toast for Anthony!”

Charlie hurries to join them, his steps zig-zagging, but I stay where I am, my pulse quickening as I think about what he’s just said. A file. With a doctor’s name I’ve never heard of. Whatever Vincenzo knows about me or my wolf, I’m willing to bet it’s in that file.

I bite my lip. The fact that this file is in the same building I’m currently standing in isn’t lost on me. Nor is the fact that Charlie chose tonight to tell me about it. Grey said Charlie didn’t approve of Vincenzo’s methods when it comes to me. Maybe this is his way of helping to make it right.

I slip back inside and spend the next fifteen minutes helping Grey and the others pour shots. Judging by the unfocused gazes of every guest here, the drugs have already begun to affect them. Grey’s focus intensifies as he continues to work the crowd.

Across the room, the doors are shoved open so wide the security guards step aside to avoid being hit. Ramsey stands in the opening with a lopsided smile. He’s wearing a suit, though the tie is crooked and his white shirt is stained. “Did I hear something about a party?”

He saunters into the room, pausing long enough to shake hands with some of the other guests before making his way over to the bar. He stops in front of Grey, his eyes narrowing. “You threw a party for my old man and forgot to invite me?”

“You were invited.” Grey flashes a laid-back smile. “Although, you might’ve been a little inebriated when I told you about it.”

Everyone waits, watching to see what Ramey will say or do. But he just throws his head back and laughs. “Hell yeah, I am,” he says and pulls Grey into a hug. “Let’s fucking party,” Ramsey calls out when they step apart again.

The room cheers, and more shots are poured.

Everyone but me crowds around the bar.

I keep my gaze trained on Vincenzo and Grey as I take a step toward the door. Then another. The two security guards standing at the door glance at me as I pass.

“Just going to get some air,” I say, but they ignore me.

Apparently, they only care who enters.

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