Page 308 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Shifters from other packs visited every now and then, but the tight expression on Baker’s face told me this wasn’t social.

“Baker will explain. I’m heading to Timber Falls to meet with Rhett. I’ll call you after.”

Ash ended the call, and I shoved my phone back in my pocket. Shit must be real if Rhett, the Alpha of Timber Falls, sent his second in command to speak to us. My chest tightened. The last time that happened was the night we lost our parents.

Since Dad died, Ash became Alpha of our pack. Not that our pack was huge but being the eldest meant that responsibility fell on his shoulders. Plus, Ash was better at dealing with shifter politics.

Baker acknowledged Ivy with a chin tip, then turned to Liam and me. “You boys got a minute?”

The guy was lucky Ivy didn’t punch him in the face for excluding her. Being a human didn’t stop us from including her in shifter matters. Though, today she seemed content to stay seated with her fizzy drink.

“Sure, come out back,” I said, pocketing my keys.

Ominous clouds swirled in the pit of my gut as I led us passed the kitchen to a small office.

Liam followed and closed the door behind him. No one bothered sitting.

“What’s up?”

Baker got straight to the point. “He escaped.”

My stomach slammed against the floor.

“Fuck.” Liam glanced at the door, no doubt concerned for Ivy and their baby’s safety.

I clenched and unclenched my fists. “When?”

“Last night.”

“How the hell did he escape? I thought your pack had him locked up?”

“I’m investigating it. Listen, I doubt he’ll show his ugly face around here for a long time, but don’t let the wolves out for a bit just in case. At least until we know it’s safe.”

Easier said than done. I could control the shift, push my wolf back inside his cage if I needed, but when it came to protecting my family or someone I loved, my wolf didn’t always obey.

“Joan’s granddaughter claimed her estate.” I needed to say it, get it out in the open so we were all on the same page.

Baker’s expression softened. Pity was an understatement. I hated that look. I’d seen it for the past fifteen fucking years.

“Ash filled me in. I’m sorry, man.”

Great, now that another pack knew, news would trickle across to the neighboring towns until the entire shifter community sent me sympathy cards for the holidays.

“I gotta get back.” Baker slipped on his cap. “Let me know if that asshole shows up. Next time, we won’t be so forgiving.”

Baker gave me a curt nod and Liam a friendly slap on the back before leaving.

I glared at Liam, rage bubbling beneath my skin. “I should’ve killed that bastard.”

* * *

By the timeI pulled up in front of Joan’s place—now Mia’splace—Mia sat on the front porch in a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt, waiting. My chest squeezed with a mixture of excitement, anticipation. Concern and worry. Fucking dread.

I had less than seven weeks left to make this work with Mia. Creating opportunities for her to get to know me and to trust me was the first step. That way, when I told her the truth, she’d believe it and hopefully choose us.

Now that psycho had escaped, and no doubt sought revenge.

I couldn’t think about that right now. Mia was my mate, and I needed to focus on that connection for this plan to work. Ivy suggested I woo her, which was easier said than done. This shifter was out of practice in the wooing department. To be honest, I doubt I was ever in it.

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