Page 161 of Shadow City: Silver Wolf

“Based on finding both you and Julius, finding more wouldn’t be that farfetched at this point.” Rosemary shrugged. “If it was one of Julius’s buddies, they’d be loaded up.”

“Maybe we should turn around,” Killian said uneasily. “Maybe having them pop up is fate’s way of telling us to stay away. We could stand to catch a break.”

“No. I need to see them.” Julius climbed into the center aisle and out the driver’s-side back door. “There might not be another chance.”

Everyone grew uneasy, which was affecting our logic. We couldn’t let emotions rule our decisions. That was how mistakes were made. “If there are more silver wolves, they could be allies,” I said.

“But they might not be,” Griffin countered, and pointed at Julius, who surprisingly hadn’t marched toward the neighborhood.

A little bit of self-preservation was bleeding through his eagerness. Good, I didn’t need him running headfirst into a bad situation.

“He has a point.” Killian fidgeted in the back seat. “Julius is a silver wolf, and he was definitely working against us.”

“I get your concern,” I told him. Everything we’d experienced had taught us to be cautious, especially around new people. Every time we turned around, somebody else was trying to kill us. “But I think we have to check it out. If there are more of us, we could have a hell of a lot better chance of surviving and overcoming my would-be kidnapper.”

“You can’t guarantee they’ll work with you,” Rosemary said, and nibbled her bottom lip. “I didn’t take you as overconfident.”

Her words stung. Dick and Luna were overconfident; I’d never want to be lumped in with them. “I’m now the silver wolf alpha. My dad was the ultimate alpha, and his abilitiestransferred to me. My light silver hair signifies that. Worst case, I make them submit to me.”

“And if they attack all at once?” Rosemary’s forehead lined with worry. “I don’t think we can hold off fifteen of them.”

“If I challenge their alpha directly, it’s against wolf nature to organize an attack.” Only a coward would refuse or organize a group attack when faced with the alpha challenge.

Griffin swallowed and scowled. “If they’re silver wolves, that doesn’t mean they’ll be ethical.”

But it kind of did. I could feel the turmoil in Julius when he was solidly working with the other side. He was in constant conflict, and our bond only added to the chaos. It didn’t create it. Like Dad had explained, our race was inherently good. I had to believe that. And if that was my uncle, maybe he’d have some answers. “Let’s drive through the neighborhood. If we spot them, I can roll down the window and feel them out. If they charge or act shady, I’ll tell you, ‘Let's roll.’ They might be fast, but they can’t outrun a vehicle, especially for a long amount of time.”

“Don’t even bother trying to argue.” Killian sighed and leaned between the center console yet again. “You know you’re going to cave, and she does have a point. If there’s a slight chance they’re good—that they’re on Sterlyn’s side—we’d be stupid not to try.”

“I know that.” Griffin tapped his finger on the steering wheel. “But that doesn’t mean I’m happy about the situation.” He jabbed the button that rolled the window down and barked, “Are you getting back in the car or not?”

“Are you going down there?” Julius asked warily, but he opened the car door as he waited for a response.

Griffin groaned. “Yeah, she’d kick my ass if I didn’t.”

“I’ll take to the sky and make sure nothing strange happens.” Rosemary stepped back as her wings spread behind her. “If I see anything, I’ll holler and let you know.”

“Thanks.” Every conversation I had with her always seemed to end the same way.

She took flight as Julius got back into the car. As soon as the door shut, Griffin rolled into the neighborhood.

He gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. “The first sign they might attack, I’m getting our asses out of here.”

“Okay.” If I fought him, he’d be even more hesitant to go. And honestly, he had a right to be wary. “But let’s at least give them a chance.”

“All you have to do is tell me,” Killian grunted. “I’ll roll the damn window up for her.”

Those two were insanely protective of me. If I didn’t love them as much as I did, I wouldn’t be able to tolerate being around them.

“You do realize she can take care of herself, right?” Julius didn’t sound amused. “If it weren’t for her and the angel, you two would’ve been killed by now.”

Not helping matters,I linked to Julius.Let’s not threaten their manhood when they’re already going into a situation they aren’t thrilled about.

Agitation rolled off Julius.If they can’t handle the truth, they need to learn how to. Sometimes, the truth hurts.

Says the guy who exploded on everyone last night when you learned about your past.Youdidn’t know how to handle it.He had no right to get all high and mighty. Every single one of us had flaws, and in this instance, Griffin’s and Killian’s was that they cared so much about me.Maybe some self-reflection would go a long way.

He remained silent. In fairness, he couldn’t have a good retort.

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