Page 22 of Mated into the Mob

It was heart-wrenching last night leaving him in the basement. When he’d screamed at me earlier, it was better than silence and quiet loathing. Tony filled that empty part of me, the hole I’d stuffed with work, the pack, traditions, and making our family intact while keeping the world at arm’s length.

Tony examined each mouthful of food, as if he suspected Dad of poisoning him, while his eyes darted between us. But as he ate, the phone buzzed. Emilio. I stepped out of the room again and closed the wooden sliding doors that separated the kitchen from the rest of the house.

“Boss, we have a problem.”

Yeah, one that landed on my office floor last night, but Emilio filled me in on trouble brewing within the pack. The gossip was rife that I’d apprehended a human trying to infiltrate the pack and he was at the house. The rumors were that I was doing a deal with humans and making them partners in the business.

I groaned at the ridiculousness of that, but I also understood “mob mentality.” Not us specifically, but any group of people that got hyped up because of real or imagined reasons.

“They’re demanding a meeting at pack headquarters with you and the pack council present.” He paused. I’d known Emilio since I was a kid, and we’d worked together since my father died. I braced myself for what he was about to say.

“People are really worked up. Text messages are flying back and forth. You’ll have to meet them, boss.”

Firebrands I called them. There were a group of them who resented I’d been made pack Alpha instead of it going to a vote. They pushed against the old rules, complaining we had to change as society did. And we had, but not as fast as they expected. I couldn’t take a group of wolf shifters whose wayswere fashioned centuries ago and drag them into the twenty-first century overnight.

“They see the human as a threat to their existence and their ability to work and provide for their loved ones.”

So instinct had kicked in and they were acting as our ancestors did, harking back to the old ways, circling the wagons as humans would say. So much for wanting to change.

“I have to go.” I strode into the kitchen.

Tony paused, the plastic fork halfway to his mouth. “Where have I heard that line before?”

“I’d like to come with you, but maybe I should stay here.” Dad twisted a dish towel in his hands, the diamond ring on his finger my father gave him for one birthday glimmering in the sunlight filtering through the windows. He would’ve heard my part of the conversation

“I’d like that.” Tony’s face brightened. I didn’t trust him. He might trick Dad into letting him stay in the main house or go outside. “Where are you going? Somewhere nice?”

My mate licked toast crumbs from the corner of his mouth and glowered at me, a contrast to the simpering grin he’d given my dad. He was up to something, but I couldn’t stay and couldn’t take him with me. Him being sassy didn’t surprise me anymore. I was exasperated every time he opened his mouth.

My mind went to the pack and what I’d be facing when I stood before them, explaining the human wasn’t finagling in on our business. But if they believed me, there’d be the inevitable questions of who the human was, why he was at my house. They’d demand answers. What I did on my own time was nothing to do with the pack. But my life was entwined with La Luna Noir, and I couldn’t untangle it.

The phone buzzed again. Emilio said they were gathering at pack headquarters, some of the more junior members of La Luna Noir were ramping up the crowd with outright lies. Metelling them to mind their own business wouldn’t fly with a bunch of young wolf shifters determined to revolutionize our way of life.

My brothers called saying they were on their way to headquarters and would take charge until I arrived. I couldn’t let them take the heat for something I’d done.

There was a solution that would protect Tony and allow me to keep him with me. Not one I favored and one that went against everything I stood for. It would bind me to him, but as he was human, he would be free to live as he chose, with or without me.

My eye caught Dad’s, and maybe he sensed a quietness in me after the nervous energy and the fear that I might not be able to protect my mate. His brows shot up, and he nodded.

You said you couldn’t. My wolf didn’t understand my about turn.

I know, I know. I’d be doing something that couldn’t be undone and might leave me alone until I went to the goddess. But even if we didn’t mate, I would never be free of him.

Dad took Tony’s hand and led him to my side. “This is going to seem strange, but we don’t want to hurt you.”

“Hmmm.” Tony gulped a mouthful of food. “Sounds ominous.” He aimed the fork at Dad and the knife at me.

“My son brought you here against your will.” Dad flashed me a glance, but I had nothing to offer. “But you won’t come to any harm. I will not allow it.” There was a strength in my dad’s assurance that I hoped Tony would hear.

“Ummm… okay.” My mate’s tentative voice had my heart aching.

“Slip your robe down and expose your shoulder.”

“Huh?” Tony couldn’t hide the fear in his eyes, though he lifted his chin and stared at me. “Strange doesn’t begin to explain it.”

“Please. This will keep you safe.” For now. There’d be meetings and explanations, questions would be raised about my leadership, and maybe someone would challenge me for the role of Alpha. But I hoped I could contain any opposition today and stem a possible uprising.

“No, tell me why.” He hugged the robe tighter.

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