Page 21 of Their Shared Mate
“You honestly think you had a choice,” Tara said in between peals of laughter. “That’s adorable.”
“They are apex predators with perfect vision,” Heather reminded as her giggles turned into an envious smile. “And you, my friend, are solidly in their sights.”
A firm knock on the door to Alex’s office drew his attention away from his troubled thoughts. The entire day had been one frustrating dead end after another. Everyone was more than happy to take his bribes, but no one could manage to produce useful information. The alpha council had only allowed him one day to decide on the next course of action, and he still hadn’t determined who was responsible for the mountain stronghold attack.
“Come in,” he greeted. His office was tucked away on the second floor of the clubhouse. What it lacked in luxuries, it made up for in privacy and quiet. It was one in the afternoon and already boisterous conversations and the occasional argument could be heard in the open area below. By midnight the clubhouse would be utter chaos.
Nate pushed open the door and moved into the office. The beta looked annoyed. “Jake from Aspen pack just dragged his younger brother into the village. Jake has blaster burns on his chest. The brother has a broken jaw and screwed-up lip.”
Confused by the news, Alex wadded up the report he’d been reading and tossed it in the general direction of the trash can. The information was obviously fabricated, so the garbage was where it belonged. “Jake was assigned to the perimeter patrol. What happened?”
“According to Jake,” Nate stressed the disclaimer, “they stumbled onto a secret meeting and the participants attacked them.”
“A secret meeting?” Alex rolled his eyes. He knew bullshit when he heard it. But why the fuck would Jake lie about being attacked? “Who participated in this ‘secret meeting’?”
“A cat and a bird. If you’re buying Jake’s story, the cat was one of those Shadows who can make themselves invisible.”
“And how would Jake know this if they just stumbled onto the meeting?”
Nate chuckled. “That’s one of a hundred holes in the ridiculous story, but the brother’s injuries are real. So are Jake’s. Something happened out there, but I don’t think we’ve heard the real story yet.”
“Where are they now?”
“Doc is working on the brother,” Nate told him. “Jake is downstairs regaling everyone with his tall tale.”
Alex stood up and came around in front of his desk. “Go get him. I have a few questions for our resident hero.”
Nate nodded and left the room.
Alex had no doubt that part, if not most of the story was ridiculous, but what if the meeting took place? If a cat and a bird were meeting secretly in the woods, it made an alliance more likely. Nate returned before Alex’s mind could travel too far into the black hole. The beta gave Jake a little push when the petulant guard hesitated in the doorway.
“Sounds like you had an exciting morning,” Alex said, arms crossed over his chest. He was intentionally blocking the path to the chairs situated in front of his desk. He didn’t want Jake to feel comfortable. Lying to the village alpha was a punishable offense.
Jake’s gaze turned hostile as he responded, “My brother is having his jaw wired shut. Is that what you mean by exciting?”
Alex ignored the sarcasm and asked, “Did you recognize the bird or the cat?”
“What’s with the fucking inquisition? They attacked us.”
“I’ve only asked one question. Hardly an inquisition.” Alex pushed off the edge of his desk and rose to his full height, which was at least six inches taller than Jake. “Did you know either of them?”
“Of course not,” he snapped.
Nate slapped the back of Jake’s head and growled, “Watch your fucking tone. That’s the village alpha you’re addressing.”
Jake dropped his gaze, but not before anger erupted in his eyes. “Sorry, alpha. I didn’t recognize either the cat or the bird.”
“Then what made you think the cat was a Shadow?”
Jake signaled his impatience with a heavy sigh. “I saw him lower his shield. Only Shadows fade into view like something out of an entertainment vid. He was definitely a Shadow.”
“How long were you watching them before they attacked you?” Alex put sarcastic emphasis on the last phrase, ensuring that Jake understood his skepticism.
Jake’s hands balled into fists. “I was doing my job, sir.” The title was anything but respectful. “They were in our territory, so I did my fucking job.”
“Meaning?” Resentment rang through every word Jake uttered, but at least they were getting closer to the truth.
Jake met his gaze and sneered, “I jumped them, alright? Is that what you wanted to hear? I defended our territory, which is more than you seem willing to do!”
