Page 139 of Court of Evil

“If she’s what I think she is,” I explain. “I saw this place in my vision. I need to be here, but I need you all to stay back. One sniff of you and they’ll try to kill us. I’ll go alone.”

“Very dumb,” Fang repeats.

“What if she orders her wolves to kill you for trespassing on her land?” Zeev asks, but he doesn’t seem overly concerned.

“Then I’ll get the fuck out of there, and I’ll have my answer either way, but she won’t.” I shrug. “I saw her video. She’s an alpha through and through, which means she’s more than brawn. I have a good feeling about her.” Slipping my gloves on, I grin at them. “I’ll be back soon. No killing any wolves.”

I nod at them and head into the forest alone. It’s the first time I’ve been by myself in a long time. My instincts rise sharply, as if enhanced now that they aren’t at my back. My heart pounds, but I ignore it and the urge to reach for a blade that isn’t there.

Instead, I walk slowly and loudly. I don’t sneak or hide, and my hands are held out at my sides.

I can feel their eyes on me and sense the wolves hiding in the trees. It’s a good sign that they don’t instantly leap out to kill me though.

I’m about two miles in when two wolves step into my path. One changes back to a man with beautiful auburn hair and bright green eyes. He’s definitely attractive, but I prefer my men more . . . crazed. “You are trespassing.”

“I wish to see your alpha, Quinn. I come as a friend,” I reply carefully.

He frowns. “You’re a hunter.”

“So I am.” I smile. “But I’m not her enemy.”

I see him debating what to do, and I let them choose. His eyes go far away for a moment before he says, “Follow us. We will escort you. I’m not saying she won’t kill you on sight though.”

“Her land, her choice.” I shrug as I lower my hands and follow behind them.

We stop a mile in. “We will be there soon, but I have to check for weapons.”

I press my hands behind my head and let him search me. He is thorough, checking every inch of me, even the seams of my coat, and when he steps back, he shakes his head. “You really are unarmed. You’re either crazy or stupid.”

“A bit of both,” I admit. “I’ll keep my hands here, less intimidating.”

“I have a feeling you wouldn’t need weapons to kill us. Come on,” he says, but he’s smiling happily.

Strange wolf.

The other wolf who has been stalking us in the trees moves closer—a female, if I’m not mistaken. She circles me before walking at my back. I don’t like it, but I have no choice. The walk is long, and when we reach the tree line, the male wolf lets out a sharp whistle. It cuts across the sprawling, luscious green grass leading up to a bustling area where there seems to be a house of sorts. I see many wolves there, but I search for the familiar face, finding her in the crowd in the distance.

I recognise her from the video. She’s in a man’s arms, but she pulls from his embrace when she hears the whistle, turning to see us.

“Come on,” the male wolf says. I follow them across the land, seeing the other wolves in human form peeking out at me. A crowd begins to gather as I am led over before stopping in front of her.

Quinn looks exactly as she did in the video. Her eyes are sharp, intelligent, and strong, and her body is muscular, letting me know she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. She’s kind, I can tell it instantly, but the way she checks on the wolves and the way they defer to her with respect tells me she has earned their loyalty. I’m even more sure now that this is where I should be.

We eye each other for a moment.

I know I’m surrounded by enemies, but I remain calm and collected. If need be, I can slip away, but I have a feeling this is exactly where I should be right now. The male wolf carefully pushes me to my knees, not unkindly but with intention. I kneel before her, but we both know I’m not helpless if need be.

“Who are you?” she asks, her voice sultry but strong. This is a woman who’s used to getting her way. I can respect that, plus we both had a common enemy.

“Tate, but some people call me angel,” I reply.

“Shit.” The man at her side groans, and I eye him carefully. He’s human, and he also seems familiar, but I can’t place him. The way he moves speaks of training though.

She glances at him with a frown, clearly trusting his instincts and advice. Interesting. The look they share is filled with more than friendship though.

“I know her,” he says, answering her unspoken question, and leans in with a familiar, easy movement. He lowers his voice, but I hear him as he explains. “She’s a sector leader from up north. She was rising through the ranks quickly last time we heard. I think she might have even been with Black. She’s brutal, but I also heard she’s fair. Rumour is Black didn’t like her because she wouldn’t listen to him and even let some monsters go. That’s how she got the scar.”

“Her own people?” Quinn frowns, the idea troubling her.

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