Page 91 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“Do we have a deal?” Vincenzo asks.

I take a deep breath and nod. “Deal.”

Triumph flashes in his gaze, so vicious it sends a shudder through me. But then he’s rising, and the moment changes. The darkness clears. Still, I have the distinct impression I’ve just negotiated my life away to the devil.

Vincenzo walks over and opens the door. On the other side is a man I’ve never seen before. For a second, I think he called a doctor after all, but the man simply hands Vincenzo a case then walks away.

Vincenzo closes the door and returns to his seat. He shoves the file aside and sets the case down between us, flicking it open. Then he spins it so I can see what’s inside.

A single syringe filled with what looks like blood is nestled in foam.

“What’s this?” I ask, fear squeezing my throat so the words come out a little breathless.

“The antidote.” When I meet his gaze, he explains, “It’s a mixture containing wolf venom. Injecting it will be the same as being bitten except that it’ll force the change slowly over the course of a few days rather than all at once.”

Trepidation fills me. “You want me to inject this into my body?”

“This is less dangerous than a bite. It contains venom for the change, a gene booster to activate the LAG, and the antidote to the wolfsbane.” When I don’t respond, his eyes flash with impatience. “Do you want to walk down the aisle with a broken arm?”

Every cell of my body screams at me that this will end badly. If I do this, I can’t take it back. Not even if Grey decides to forgive me.

Silence hangs between us for a long moment. Then two. My heartbeat thunders in my ears as I stare at the syringe. It could be a trap. Poison or some other lethal substance. But why go to all this trouble to kill me slowly when he could just shift and rip me apart in seconds?

What he’s offering is insanity.

It’s also the only thing standing between me and death. The only thing that will provide me protection against these predators. A way to become like Grey. No longer weak. No longer human. A true equal. A mate.

Assuming he still wants me.

With my heart racing, I pick up the syringe and empty its contents into my arm.

29

GREY

Ipress my foot to the gas, accelerating around the final curve before the familiar turn-off comes into view. Stone pillars mark the address with an iron plate. The massive gate sits open and welcoming—something that would never happen if my father were here. But he’s locked up in his Pine Hill fortress. With Lexi.

The drive out to the lake house used to be one of my favorites. Today, I’m too consumed by my own dark thoughts to appreciate it. In my rearview, I catch sight of a familiar SUV trailing me. Honestly, I’m surprised Elio has kept up. My father’s keeping close tabs on me, and his loyal little dog hasn’t disappointed.

Ignoring him, I flick my gaze back to the road in front of me and narrowly miss clipping the mailbox as I turn in a bit too fast and drive through the open gate. Thick trees obscure the house on my right, offering shade and privacy. Just ahead, a large, detached garage is bordered by evergreens lined with bright pink rhododendrons. I scowl as I remember how much Lexi loved the landscaping out here. This was the first place we found common ground. The place we agreed to work together.

Did she mean it? Or was she working for Franco even then?

My tires squeal as I come to a stop beside my mother’s car. My phone buzzes, and I glance at the incoming call. Dutch. Again. If it’s not him, its Mia.

They all want to know what we’re going to do.

I have no fucking idea.

I’m out of moves.

Maybe that’s why I’m here instead of back in the city, preparing for my wedding.

Leaving my phone in the car, I climb out and head for the front door. My mother meets me on the porch, dirty gardening gloves clutched in one hand. Her linen pants are a bit smudged with what looks like potting soil and her cheeks glow with a sun-kissed flush. She looks relaxed, though I suspect that has more to do with her husband being miles away than having her hands in the dirt.

“You made it.” She smiles, pulling me into a hug.

I wrap my arms around her, clinging tighter than I have in years. By the time I release her and step back, her forehead is pinched with worry.

---