Chapter 31
Nervousness traveled up and down the mating bond, and picking out the source between the three of them would be impossible. Derrick knew Savannah had to feel some amount of nervousness, but her face showed none of it. She mingled with her cousins, her demeanor serene, despite the looks she received.
He’d barely tasted his dinner, his body tense and alert. He didn’t know exactly what to expect at the meeting, but so far, outside of curious glances, nothing had happened. That was not to say that there hadn’t been talk. From the moment the three of them stepped into the clearing together, the whispers had commenced.
“What do you think?” Carlos sidled up next to him.
“I don’t know. It feels off, but so far no one is bothering her.”
Simon walked up to them. “Ryan hasn’t made contact with anyone outside of our prowl.”
Derrick cursed. “I thought it would be a good lead.”
Carlos looked between the two of them. “How long have you been following him?”
“Beta gave me the order after Callie was attacked.” Simon crossed his arms over his chest.
“It made no sense that she was able to fight off attackers with minor scrapes when the other women were beaten.” Derrick wiped a hand over his face. “They are in contact with the other prowl and I want to know how.”
Carlos grunted. “And why.”
“No way do they think they can take over our prowl.” Simon commented.
“What I don’t understand is how they made contacts so quickly down here. They arrived scant weeks ago with the rest of us.” Derrick glanced over to the two sisters. They were off alone, talking, their heads close together.
“That’s a good point actually. Simon, how far did you investigate them when they applied to join the Jersey prowl?” Carlos asked the enforcer.
“I went back a few years. Nothing flagged with either of them.”
“Run the three of them again, this time looking for connections in this area.” Carlos ordered.
“Done.” Simon nodded. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I’m going to grab something to eat.”
“You think he’ll find anything?” Derrick asked.
“I’m almost sure of it.”
Derrick shook his head. He knew he should’ve booted those bitches.
No sooner than he’d spoken, murmurs raised around them. Callie and Mallory marched over to Savannah where she sat with her cousins eating. He put a hand out as Carlos moved to intercept them.
“She has to handle it herself if she’s to earn her place.” The thought of it pissed him off though.
“I want our kids out of here.” Carlos said between clenched teeth.
“I agree.” Derrick gave two short whistles and inclined his head towards the children.
A couple of the elders grabbed them up and left the clearing with them. The night went still as Callie and Mallory approached the table.
“It’s your fault my sister was attacked.” Mallory stood over Savannah.
Savannah flicked a bored look over her shoulder. “I don’t know you, bitch, move along.”
Savannah rolled her eyes and kept eating. She knew sooner or later she’d have to fight. It was inevitable. But last night, she couldn’t argue Carlos’ point. The prowl would never take their relationship seriously if she didn’t start attending prowl meetings.
So.
Here she sat, with some woman staring daggers at her back.