Page 78 of Consider The Lilies

I turn right as a jacked-up pickup truck swerves around the semis. They’ve probably been waiting there for a while now, just watching us. That’s fine. My men have been here since dawn, lying low in the tree line along the perimeter.

The truck accelerates toward us, followed quickly by two matching black SUVs. I stay firmly in place near our car, not moving an inch as they barrel toward us. Bear steps up next to me, glaring down the truck. The grill throws off a sheen, and the driver slams on the brakes, screeching across the worn concrete. Then it stops, rocking hard only a few inches from where we stand.

What a ridiculous show.

“Stanley!” Lappen flings open the driver’s side door, sticking his bald head in the sun. He smiles at me before hopping out. He hits the pavement with a grunt before quickly smoothing his hands over his big belly. I find it interesting that he chose to drive. It tells me he doesn’t really trust any of his men to get him to safety should he need to make a run for it. Or maybe he’s just shit with a gun. Either way, it tells me plenty about him.

“Lappen.” I keep my expression blank, letting him feel what a waste of time this is for me.

“How are things?” His steel-tipped boots clink as he walks, and I realize he’s wearing lifts.

Lappen is short for an alpha, maybe the same height as Yuki, but he carries all his weight in his gut. It takes a special kind of alpha to get fat. Our kind burns through calories fast and packs on muscle easily. He must be powering through handfuls of butter to carry that kind of weight.

“What do you want?” I ask forcefully.

“Hey now!” Lappen holds up his hands, laughing loudly. The sun hits his bald head, and I can’t help but wonder if he oiled his fucking scalp. It wouldn’t surprise me. Lappen is a weird one. “I know the great Jack Stanley is a busy man, but surely we have time for pleasantries.”

I scowl when he says my proper name.Everyonecalls me by my last name, even the random people I fuck. It might seem stupid to some, but it’s all about giving and getting respect. And I don’t have any respect for this fucker.

“You asked to talk.” I push my hand into the breast pocket of my jacket. “Let's talk.” I take out a piece of gum, slowly remove the wrapper, and pop it into my mouth. The mint flavor is too sweet, coating the back of my tongue.

“Romner’s missing,” Lappen says, his voice low with concern.

I don't even blink. “And?”

“Do you know anything about that?” His eyes narrow, and it’s clear he’s accusing me of something.

“He’s not my fucking problem.” I check the men behind Lappen. He has a dozen alphas with him, and they all look like children. Not a single one of them looks to be over twenty years of age. They all shift nervously as I assess them, looking at me like they’re terrified I’ll breathe too hard. One of them is already holding his gun. That would normally concern me, but it's clear from the way he’s holding it, he has no idea what he’s doing. It also helps that he still has the safety on.Idiot.

“Last time I spoke to Romner, he and I were talking about what happened up north in the bay area. He said he was going to meet with you about it.” Lappen rests his thumbs on his belt. It’s an enormous buckle, matching the silver tips on his shiny black boots. I can’t help but wonder if the “cowboy vibe” was intentional.

I will never understand pack alphas and their obsession with bizarre fashion. Suits are quick, simple, and classic.

“Do you know anything about that?” Lappen’s mouth pulls into a tight smile. He’s still acting like we’re old friends. It’sveryannoying.

I let out a long, exaggerated sigh, already bored. “Last I heard, the bay area was in flux. There’s no telling who will end up taking it over.”

Lappen’s smile falls, and he snaps, “Bullshit! We all know it was you.” He takes a step toward me, and Bear moves too. Lappen cuts a worried look at my packmate before turning his attention back to me. “I’m only here to deliver a friendly message,” Lappen’s voice drops to a whisper, and I have to wonder if he doesn't want his men to overhear.

“Back off.” He stares deep into my eyes. I know he’s hoping to look challenging, but he just looks scared. “If you aren’t careful, you’ll spread your resources too thin, Stan. And then you won’t have anyone left to watch your back.” His eyes flash like he’s delivering an impressive threat. “Stick to your own territory and leave the rest of us alone, before something bad happens to you.”

I snort, unable to stop myself. “Somethingbad?” I make fun of his weak attempt to intimidate me. “Like what?” I ask pointedly. “Are you or one of the other limp-dicked pack alphas going to overrun me with your half-dozen poorly trained guards?” I laugh loudly, loving the way Lappen’s face burns crimson red. “Because last I checked, I have ten times the men you do.”

Lappen’s heartbeat ticks in his fat neck as his rage builds. “Manpower isn’t everything,” he snarls.

“Manpower is the only thing that matters in a fight to the death.” I spit my gum out at Lappen’s feet. It hits one of his boots, sticking to the shiny steel tip. “Why don’t you and yourmen get out of here before I decide to end this right here and now?”

Lappen’s upper lip twitches, revealing his pointed white fangs. His men shift behind him, but it’s not the thrill of a fight that has them on edge. It's fear. I can smell it.

“You have a lot of attitude for someone who carries so many secrets,” Lappen growls. “Romner told me all about you.”

My hand flies out, gripping the fucker by his throat. He wheezes as I squeeze his airway shut. And not a single one of his men moves.Fucking pussies.“Let me be very clear with you, Andrew,” I growl into his fat face. “I’m going to warn you against spreading any rumors. It didn’t end well for Romner, and it won’t end well for you.” Then I shove the fucker away from me.

Lappen chokes and coughs, rubbing his neck. “You piece of shit!” he yells as he backs up, moving toward his truck. “Enjoy your cocky attitude while you can,” he snarls at me. “One of these days, someone is going to come for you. They’re going to destroy you where it hurts the most.”

“I look forward to it.” I force a smile then look around, addressing Lappen’s men. “If any of you want to work for a real pack alpha, my people are always looking for strong men.” My gaze travels over the young alphas, making sure to look each one in the eye. A few shy away from me, but a couple return my gaze. “I pay twice what this fucker does.”

Several perk at that. One even whispers, “Damn.”

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