Page 31 of Claimed By the Alien Warlord

“Sure, we could pound the shit out of this rich asshole,” Jack says, his voice dripping with mockery. He gestures at me like I’m some sideshow freak. “But I’d much, much rathersuehim for millions of dollars!”

The gang erupts into laughter, though I can tell some of them don’t get the joke. Boneshaker’s still glaring at me like he wants to rip my arms off, but he doesn’t move.

“Sue me for what?” I sputter, my fists clenching at my sides. I’m still itching for a fight, but the smug look on Jack’s face makes me pause.

“For assaulting me in front of dozens of witnesses,” Jack says, spinning around to address the gang like he’s performing for an audience. He clutches his jaw dramatically. “I might need surgery! Not to mention mental anguish, and loss of work!”

“Loss of work?” I growl, stepping forward. Jack doesn’t flinch, just spreads his arms wide like he’s inviting me to hit him again.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to have to call off my security shindig tomorrow on account of my injury,” he says, his smirk widening. “In fact, I might have to go on disability. That’s even more I can sue you for, Irons.”

I grit my teeth, my fists trembling. Every instinct in me screams to take him down, to make him regret every word, but Reily’s hand slips into mine, her grip firm and grounding.

“Gary,” she says quietly, her voice low but urgent. “Not like this. He’s baiting you.”

I glance down at her, her blue eyes steady and unwavering. She’s right, of course. Jack’s playing a game, and I’m about tohand him the win on a silver platter. I exhale sharply, forcing myself to relax.

Jack grins, clearly enjoying himself. “Go ahead,” he says, spreading his arms wider. “Make me a rich man, Irons.”

Reily tugs my hand, pulling me away from the bonfire. Boris and Barfbag trail behind us like lost puppies, their wide eyes darting between me and the gang.

“Let’s go,” Reily says, her tone leaving no room for argument. “This isn’t the time.”

I let her lead me away, my jaw clenched tight. My anger simmers just beneath the surface, hot and unrelenting. Jack thinks he’s untouchable, hiding behind his human disguise and legal threats. But he’s not. He’s a grolgath, and I’m going to make sure everyone knows it.

As we reach the Range Rover, I glance back at the bonfire. Jack’s watching us, his smirk sharp and victorious. My hand tightens around the car door.

“Reily,” I say, my voice low. “I need to expose them. Once they’re out of the shadows, I can take them down.”

She nods, her expression thoughtful. “We’ll figure it out. But not tonight. Tonight, we get these idiots home.” She gestures to Boris and Barfbag, who are still staring at Cold Slither like they’ve just witnessed something legendary.

I grunt, climbing into the driver’s seat. My mind races, plotting and scheming. Jack’s not going to win this. I’ll make sure of that.

CHAPTER 14

REILY

We stride into Boss Hoag’s office like we own the place. The man himself is perched behind his desk, a mountain of paperwork and cheap bourbon bottles cluttering the surface. His hairpiece is crooked today, a tuft of synthetic hair flopping to the side like a wounded bird. He scrambles to his feet, his jowls jiggling as he scurries around the desk with a smile plastered on his face that doesn’t reach his beady eyes.

“Mr. Irons,” he says, his voice dripping with a syrupy fake charm that makes my stomach turn. “What an unexpected pleasure.” His eyes dart to me, and the smile falters for a split second. “And who’s your lovely friend… Reily Dawson?”

Gary doesn’t respond right away, his stance towering and unyielding, his red eyes narrowed. I can feel the tension radiating off him like heat from a forge.

“Boss Hoag,” I say, crossing my arms and leaning slightly against Gary’s side. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Hoag’s eyes flick between us, his confusion turning to something darker as he pieces it together. His grin tightens, but there’s no humor in it now.

“What’s this about, Irons?” he asks, his tone sharp. “Why are you consorting with the enemy? This woman led the protest against the dam project you and I are so heavily invested in.”

“I think you mean thatIam so heavily invested in.” He takes a step forward, and Hoag instinctively takes one back, bumping into his desk. “The truth is, I’ve decided to no longer pursue this hydroelectric project. I’m looking into alternative methods to stimulate the local economy instead.”

Hoag’s face turns a shade of red I didn’t think was possible. His hands clench into fists.

“You can’t back out on me now, you long-ass sumbitch!” he spits, his voice rising to a near screech. The charming mask is gone, replaced by raw, unfiltered rage. “This dam project will finally make me mean something!”

I step forward, my own temper flaring. “Makeyoumean something?” I snap. “What about the people of Coldwater? The dam would’ve destroyed Silver Creek and Mirror Lake—everything that makes this town what it is. If you really cared about the people you’re supposed to serve, you never would’ve agreed to the dam in the first place.”

Hoag’s eyes narrow, and he turns to Gary with a sneer. “The poon tang pie must be really?—”

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