Page 144 of Wolf's Mark

His challenge was duly noted. “It’s my understanding from stories offered from my mother than there was a group ofhumans who also believed in this ridiculous theory. They used their concern to band together, forming a malicious and deadly group that purposely hunted down members of my family and those they considered pack members. This town has seen far too much bloodshed, Agent Walker. I suggest you turn your attention toward those who are attempting badly to imitate what they believe would be a slaughter caused by a wolf.”

The three agents glanced at each other.

“Might I suggest that you check on the methods of foraging for food done by actual wolves? They are usually peaceful creatures unless provoked. I also recommend quite highly you don’t aggravate them.”

Yes, I was issuing a threat of my own in hopes they’d hear me clearly.

I could tell by the look on Agent Walker’s face he still felt somewhat embarrassed, but not completely convinced.

“Gentlemen, do I need to contact your supervisor or obtain a restraining order?” Parker arrived as if on cue. He waltzed into the room with full authority on his face, shaking his head as if the notion was nonsense.

Little did the agents know how dangerous the situation currently was.

“While I can appreciate your frustration,” Agent Walker stated with a smile on his face, “there are murders to solve.”

“Then I suggest you spend your quality time looking for the real killers,” I told them. As I stood, I sensed they knew the meeting was over.

“I know several judges in Chicago. I won’t hesitate to contact them to ensure you do not bother my clients again.” Parker was also having fun with this.

Agent Walker hesitated before nodding. “Please give my regards to Doctor Willis and tell her I hope she feels better.”

The three men walked out of my office, but not before Agent Walker gave me a hard stare. They would be back. But I would be ready.

Chase followed them out to ensure they left.

Once they were gone, I fisted both hands. “At least we know we managed to stop the activity for now.”

The activity. It was the only word I could think of for such devastating occurrences.

“How’s Sedona?” Parker asked.

“Not good. We won’t know for hours if not days if she’ll survive. I need you to stay here with Daphne watching Sedona’s daughter. Can you do that?”

Parker walked closer. “You’re not going to do anything stupid. Right?”

I hadn’t given him the details of our harrowing night, but he knew me well enough to realize I would never allow an attack on our community to stand.

Without retaliation.

“I don’t plan on it,” I told him.

“I’ll stay. Just remember you are human.”

No, I was not. I was Wolfen.

And I was the new leader.

The absolute Alpha wolf.

I would take my place, but only with my queen by my side.

The concept there was strength in numbers was correct.

The Warton house was just off the edges of the property the Wolfen owned, the former farmhouse once owned by a man who’d led the last group of humans in their attempt to eradicate us as a species. He’d been smart enough to realize that if the primal family was wiped out, disease and decay would follow the pack until extinction.

He’d died in a fiery death locked inside his barn.

The story was rarely told, the incident far too close to home, but my mother had provided the details. It was apropos Jeremiah had landed in the very spot where the last great attack had commenced.

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