Page 80 of Forgotten Arcane

“If you need backup, call. I will have a team on standby,” Eamon says.

Van nods, “You got it. Could you please do me a favor and call Ty and fill him in on the situation? If we get a lead about where Derek thinks he’s going to buy she-wolves from, then we’re going to need to put a task force together to handle it.”

Eamon once again smiles proudly, “Absolutely.”

“Thanks,” Van says again. He looks at our team and me, “Can I have a word before we set off?”

We move off to the side, but where we can see everyone, and without anyone having to ask, Ransom puts up a ward.

“We can see out, they can’t see in. Just in case any of them are good at lip reading, and of course, it’s soundproofed,” Ransom explains as soon as it’s up.

“Great. Thanks, man,” Van says. “River, are you comfortable taking the lead?”

River nods, “Surprisingly, yes, I am. I want to help this pack and deal with the asshole that’s abusing his power.”

“Good,” Van replies. He then looks at me, “Is there any way that you would consider staying behind?”

I shake my head and smile, “Nope. I get that it’s dangerous, but if we’re right, and I am assuming that we’re all on the same page here and think that the Blue Fucker is behind the wolves’ attack, then he’s not there now. Derek was supposed to call him, and I would imagine that Derek wouldn’t have the time to do so by the time that we arrive. Especially with River doing his sexy alpha thing.”

“All good points,” Raiden agrees. “I still don’t like it.”

“I know, and I’d feel the same if you were in my position, but I’m not going to let him dictate my life. And I am certainly not going to let him stop me from saving those women and children,” I explain.

Evander nods, his expression, “I get it. Let’s do this.”

Ransom drops the barrier, and everyone looks at us curiously, although they keep their questions to themselves.

“Let’s go,” River orders.

“We can show you a way to get in that won’t be detected,” Logan offers helpfully, and I have to say that despite the fact that he was trying to kill us moments ago, I like him.

River’s smile is sharp as he replies, “Nah, I think we’ll go in through the main gates.”

“Are you sure?” one of the other wolves asks, looking nervous.

River’s smile widens, “Absolutely, let’s go. Logan, lead the way.”

“Yes, sir,” Logan replies.

Before River can correct him, all of the wolves shift back into their animal form, and River shifts into his kitsune.

I know enough about kitsunes to know that they should be smaller than the wolves, and River definitely shouldn’t be looking down at them.

All of their eyes widen in shock, and they drop to the floor, getting as low as they possibly can.

“What’s happening?” I ask quietly.

“They’re all showing that they consider River the alpha,” Eamon replies, looking shocked. “When he shifted, more of his alpha power came out.”

“How the hell is he that big?” Eddie asks. “I’ve never seen a kitsune that big before.”

Eamon nods, “It’s the Choosing, they won, remember?”

“Oh yeah,” Eddie replies.

I get the sense that Eamon knows more than he has let on, and I’m just grateful that he hasn’t said anything else. Not that he would ever risk sharing something that could put one of us in danger.

My attention turns back to River and the wolves, as Eamon, Calia, and their people begin attending to the wounded wolves, and calling back to the meeting house and safe room, so everyone knows that they can come out, and so that they can get some help with the dead.

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