Page 86 of Faith and Fury

“Obviously.”

“What makes it so obvious?”

He shrugs. “Betas don’t bid that high.”

Well, that’s astute enough. Only alphas have the kind of pride—and stupidity—it takes to bid six figures on a trafficked, half-feral omega.

“One other thing,” Axe says. “Now, I’m doing you a favour here, so you better keep your end of the deal.”

Maverick growls behind me. I ignore him.

“Tell us,” I say.

Axe smirks.

“That target on F-7’s back—” his eyes glint, “—it’s getting bigger. And my bosses are getting impatient. My advice? You don’t stand in their fucking way.”

Maverick, still rumbling with barely contained rage, snarls, “We stood in your way just fine.”

“You’re not listening. They’re gonna take her, one way or another. She’s everything they need.”

“Need for what?” I demand, knowing I’m playing right into his hands but unable to stop myself. “The ring is already going down—what could they possibly need her for now?”

“What else?” Axe’s voice deepens, the room filling with his bleached, stunted pheromones. “The money.”

“More,” Maverick growls, slamming his palm down on the table. This asshole is getting to the both of us, and we’re letting him know it, but right now neither of us seem to give a damn. “Tell. Us. More.”

Axe leers. “That’s all I know.”

“Or you’re talking out of your ass,” I rumble.

“Also possible.” He leans back in his chair. “But I held up my end of the deal. You want to hear anything more from me, I suggest you go through my lawyer.”

Lawyer.

Fuck.

Piece of shit was waiting for this—luring us in just long enough to get what he wanted, then pulling back right when we were getting somewhere. He’s an idiot, sure, but he’s learnt how to survive, no matter the system.

As Maverick and I file out, Axe rattles on his chains—trying and failing to stand.

“Hey—what was she doing down there, anyway?” he asks. “F-7.”

I bristle, but it’s Maverick who stops—shooting Axe a knowing look over this shoulder.

“Isn’t it obvious?” He smirks. “Arresting your sorry ass.”

With that, the two of us take our leave—Axe’s pissed-off pheromones barely following us through the door.

We’re collecting our weapons when Maverick sighs, “Aren’t you gonna tear me a new one? I didn’t exactly keep my mouth shut.”

I chuff, strapping my gun back in its holster.

“Actually, I was thinking it’s about time the RDF gives you a promotion.”

Chapter Forty

Jaxon

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