Page 177 of Shadow City: Silver Wolf

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

I’d never metsomeone’s parents before. In fact, Griffin had been all my firsts in every way that mattered. With the way my luck was going, his mom wouldn’t like me, which would put even more of a strain on our relationship.

As if we didn’t have enough to deal with.

Are you okay?Griffin asked, emanating confusion.Your emotions were steady the entire time in the building, but now that we’re leaving, you seem like a hot mess.

Thanks.I could count on him to be honest.That makes me feelsomuch better.

We stepped outside, and the assortment of shifting colors made me almost dizzy. The air around me changed constantly, reminding me of the aurora borealis but surrounding me.

A Mercedes SUV waited for Killian at the curb, and the driver rolled down the window, waving him inside. “Let’s go.”

“Nope.” Griffin shook his head. “I already took care of his transportation. Thanks, though.”

The driver scoffed but took off, not even bothering to say goodbye.

It was time to get a hold on Griffin’s reign before he couldn’t take it back. Dick had been working hard against him for them to treat him so disrespectfully.

Killian turned toward us and lowered his voice so only Griffin and I could hear. “Are you sure I shouldn’t stay?”

“Honestly, I’m not.” Griffin pulled at his bottom lip.

I was. “You can’t. That will give them even more ammunition to make Griffin look bad tomorrow.” I was so damn tired of the broken link—something had to be done. “You two should try to connect like Bart and I did.”

“What do you mean?” Killian asked, his forehead lined with confusion.

“Bart submitted to me back at the house, but he retained his position as alpha of his pack. I’m guessing that the two of you can do the same since Griffin is ultimately the alpha of both Shadow City and Shadow Ridge.”

Griffin was stronger than Killian, but neither man had embraced their role in their pack until the past few weeks. “It’ll give you both an edge since clearly, your two packs have been at odds. If you can coordinate with each other through the link, that will give us an advantage over Dick. He won’t expect a full pack alliance.” Most likely, over time, the Shadow Ridge alphas had resented the wolves who were tucked safely behind the tall city walls. As the respect was lost, the relationship between the two packs had deteriorated more and more. At least, that was what I’d gathered during my time here when I’d overheard the grumblings in the coffee shop and from the glimpses I’d caught of Dick’s interaction with Griffin, Killian, Sierra, and his own daughter, Luna.

“But we’re equals,” Griffin said uncomfortably.

“Dude.” Killian arched an eyebrow. “We both know that’s not true.”

Their friendship had been forged after their fathers’ and strengthened by neither one wanting to step into their rightful place in their pack. “And because of your friendship, uniting the packs once more would make both packs stronger,” I told Killian, then linked with Griffin.Youarestronger than him—you were just sheltered more, and he wasn’t. In the past few weeks, you’ve grown and started to own your strength, but if you don’t take your place among your people, Dick will steal it from you.

Another Mercedes pulled up, but this time, Lars was in the driver’s seat. “Here I am, sir, ready to take your friend home.”

“One minute,” Killian said, then averted his eyes to the ground. I watched his body shake—he obviously didn’t want to submit. He was strong in his own right, so for him to willingly stand down, even for his best friend, went against every instinct.

A second later, Killian shifted his body toward me. His voice popped into my head.You both are my alphas now. Don’t make me regret it.He straightened, and his eyes glowed as his wolf recognized Griffin and me.

My throat closed as yet another warm spot filled my chest.I didn’t mean for you to submit to me.I hoped he didn’t think I was trying to manipulate him into that bond.

He patted my arm and spun around, climbing into the car.I know, but I never would’ve been willing to submit to Griffin until you came into the picture. It makes sense that I submit to both of you, as I consider you both my true alphas.

As soon as the door shut, Lars hit the gas, and the car lurched forward. Griffin and I stood there, watching the vehicle disappear from our sight, heading back toward the gate.

We better go before the council members come out.Griffin walked across the street, not bothering to look both ways. Granted, we would’ve heard any vehicles coming, but it unnerved me. I’d grown up near a human town where wedeliberately looked both ways before crossing the street as part of blending in. But in a strictly supernatural hub, I guessed no one had to pretend to be human. It would take some getting used to.

Following him, I hurried and crossed the street, unable to prevent myself from checking for cars. Some habits would take longer to break.

Wings flapped overhead, and I tilted my head as a familiar rose scent filled the air. Rosemary’s mahogany hair flew behind her as she descended and landed next to me. Her twilight-colored irises darkened. “What the hell is going on?”

Honestly, I wasn’t sure, so I needed Griffin to help explain things. “Why don’t you get in the car? We’re trying to get out of here before your mom, Azbogah, Dick, Matthew, Alex, and Erin leave.”

“Oh, great,” Rosemary groaned as she climbed into the back seat. She sat on the floorboard, hiding so no one would see her if they came out the door. “If those people are the only members involved and they’re here, that can’t be anything good.”

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