Page 66 of Escalating Alpha

I threw an elbow and he was out before he even hit the ground. I glanced between the aunt and uncle. “A pack isn’t a democracy. You are born wolves and know that. School your son better or next time I won’t hold back and will snap his neck. Now get the fuck out of my sight while I’m still being kind.”

They believed me and listened.

Wonderful.

I talked to Antony and Galvin about the situation in Indiana and what I was doing with Summer. Galvin was less than thrilled as the director of the FBI… But he understood as Scott and having seen how much I’d put up with.

“We’ll make sure you can see any clips or parts that remotely have any mention of the FBI or affect her professionally,” Dain told him. “HBO already understands that and is willing to sign pretty much anything for this chance.” He smiled at me. “Andthey’re willing to donate a hefty amount of money from the viewership for your new scholarship program.”

I raised an eyebrow at that. But then I snorted. “You’re turning it into that? I was just going to pay for people—”

“Of course, I’m going to protect you better than that and get you all of the tax breaks you deserve. More than that, I want people to chip in as well. Too many complain everything is broken or enough isn’t done while not doing anything to help.”

I wasn’t sure what I was going to reply, but Emilio handed me my phone and I sighed when I saw the message fromDavis. “The ME’s office can’t get us today with their rushes and pressing backlogs. Not when this has already been delayed. Best they can do is start tomorrow.”

“I’m not surprised,” Galvin sighed. “But they are the best option given it’s the Midwest for your office.”

“We asked Haton if they had any investigators who have ever seen anything so weird but…” I trailed off and gestured towards Antony.

“You wish me to review something on a case?” he asked, trying to keep his tone even.

“It’s something the ancients haven’t ever even seen or heard of,” I told him quietly. “It’s something that shouldn’t be possible, and—my gut is telling me this is the time to ask everyone.”

“Haton says your gut is ridiculously accurate.” He nodded. “If you’re heading to Chicago—I could stay a night and see whatever in the morning. Of course.”

I caught the hint and it was fine. Really, it was.

Demi was ready to take instruction and get things going with Freddie until help came from Greece. She understood there would be a legal side to start and Gere and his team were on our side for this to help the wolves.

But if they found a bad guy in their midst, not to stop them or get involved. We didn’t know these wolves to protect them.

I was impressed she immediately navigated what we’d laid out and set perimeters where she would be able to question anyone in those instances before they were hauled off. She wanted to know for her own conscience that they were actually guilt because even if acting Alpha, she took that seriously.

A woman after my own heart.

He agreed and she relaxed when he told her that he already knew this routine after New York and New Jersey, also having worked with Melicent.

I managed a bit of sleep on the helicopter ride home, worried about Indiana since I wasn’t there or someone like Demi wasn’t in charge. Reagan was more than capable. He was amazing and could handle it. I just… There was a risk always and I’d put him there.

It made me nervous to pass off danger. I had too much to do and I didn’t really have anyone to blame but myself this time.

Well… Mostly.

There was a situation beyond what I could have ever fathomed when I arrived home, and instead of addressing who I should have, I wasfuriouswith the ancient at the desk. I couldn’t even hide how bad it was and cranked up my power.

“No one from the government being allowed in here without my authorization meansno one,” I seethed as I moved closer. “Did Christos explain that? How could you be so stupid to—”

“I apologize, Mistress—Master, but having them wait out on the sidewalk seemed like a security issue too and something that could become a spectacle which is the last thing we need. I immediately informed the right people, and they agreed they would not leave this lobby.”

I tried to tone back my anger. “That’s not legally binding. Once they’re in the building or on the premises, they have…” I sighed. The lobby was more of a gray area since the door wasn’t locked. The individual units were seen as the homes, but sometimes nothing was sacred. “Next time, you have them wait in their vehicles with the blacked-out glass.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do and not make it worse in the moment.”

No, he didn’t, and he was one of the ones who left the council’s employment so he didn’t have to deal with high-stress situations like this. I moved closer and ran my hand over his hair. “I know. I’m sorry. We’ll come up with new scenarios and update procedures for you all to not have to guess.”

“Thank you.”

I turned my anger on the right people now. “You knew I wouldn’t have liked this if you had half of a brain and—”

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