Page 74 of Hunted

Penny and Tina still haven’t shifted to their human forms yet. They have their backs to us as they watch for any approach from behind us.

Warren is also still a wolf, and he hasn’t stopped scanning the forest since I told him to let my old packmate go.

“Lester,” I say slowly. “That’s your name, isn’t it?”

He studies me, saying nothing.

I sigh. “My patience is thin. It’s cold, and you’re keeping me from somewhere else I’d rather be. Your name is Lester, and you were a Raleigh. What are you doing here?”

I briefly regret leaving my cell phone in Bennett’s car, even knowing there was no way I could have kept hold of it. I’d have liked to warn Aerin and the others back at the house what wefound, and maybe even have Aerin call her dad and tell him what’s going on here.

Because something tells me if Lester is here, and unknown shifters have been snatching omegas, then it might have something to do with this old packmate of mine. Are more Raleighs involved or has Lester joined another pack who is behind all this?

He licks his lips. “I’m here to deliver a message.”

“And the message is?” I prompt.

He glances around. “Send them away and I’ll tell you.”

“They are going nowhere. What is this message you came to deliver?”

“An invitation.”

“You’re being deliberately vague,” I say, watching him closely. “And you’re giving me the distinct impression that you’re drawing this out. Possibly so whoever else is out here has a chance to attack us while we’re distracted.”

“I’m not here to attackyou,” he says.

“What’s with the strange emphasis?” Bennett says, stepping up.

“Exactly my next question,” I say.

Lester stares at me.

“You’ve been involved in grabbing omegas from packs across the country, haven’t you?”

He shakes his head. “Not me.”

“But someone you know?”

Silence.

“That was a question.”

He lifts his chin, still looking at me, as if no one else here matters. “Make your threats, but I know you won’t hurt me. We’re pack.”

“Incorrect.” I lean into him. “We areformerpack. The Raleighs are dead and gone. I have a new pack now. And you are here, causing trouble.”

“Mack…” Colton drawls.

He doesn’t need to say a word. I hear it. The sounds are faint, but it’s clear what they are. The vibrations of footsteps headed this way.

“You said you’re not here to attack,” I say, getting to my feet.

“And I meant it.” Lester smiles. “But like I said, they’re not here to attack you. Your friends, on the other hand… they’ll be lucky to survive the next five minutes.”

I shove myself to my feet. “Attack!”

But I didn’t need to warn anyone. The rest of my pack is ready, Bennett already dropping into a crouch and shifting as wolves burst out of the forest.

---