Page 27 of Forced Wolf Bride

"I'd want to kill someone if they hurt this baby," Quinn says, her hand resting on her still-flat stomach. "I can only imagine how you must feel. I think your pack loves and respects you, from what I've seen, and you're trying to put them first. And you’re a good father to try and put this baby first."

"No one will hurt that baby, Quinn. No one," I growl, reaching over and putting my hand on top of hers.

Nearing the cabin that borders both territories, we fall silent again. No one would dare question my motivations for Tyler's revenge, but Quinn's words have struck a chord deep within me. Tugging at a thread I have been aware of, but never wanted to pull.

Was Tyler's death unjustified?

I have to believe that Tyler was capable of becoming a strong man and a good leader, but I'm not blind to the kind of person he was in the last few years. How he treated McKenna. Why Mason would have needed to defend her.

Tyler was capable of violence, but I still believe he would have matured into a decent wolf in time. And now, he'll never get the chance.

Lost in thought, I realize I'm gripping the steering wheel so tight, I could almost rip the whole damn thing off. I try to loosen my grip and relax my shoulders. The familiar feeling of burning rage and grief bubbles through my system. As we make the final approach to the cabin, I'm ready to fight them all. I can feel the red mist descending.

Pulling up to the cabin, I kill the engine and look at the building. Two trucks are already there, and I know Zack has pulled in behind me. No one makes a move, though I can see at least two men in each truck.

Some would say it's reckless of me to even come out here, but I'm not concerned. I know Mason won't be here tonight; he's sending Luca in his place. These wolves may be grown and can handle themselves, but I'm older and far more battle-ready than any of them.

The only one I'm worried about is Quinn. I should have left her at the cabin, but I just couldn't. I can scarcely believe how strong the mate bond is, how much I need her by my side. There's also no way she was going to stay behind, and I must admit, I'm starting to enjoy her headstrong ways. She's feisty, independent, and brave—everything she needs to be to create a place for herself alongside me in the pack.

Everything has changed in only a couple of months. But as I wait to meet with Silverstar representatives, I'm not sure enough can change to stop this war. Ever since Tyler started this mess, our packs have been on a collision course.

And he's not here to clean it up. I briefly ponder just how many years I've been cleaning up that boy's messes.

"Stay here, Quinn," I say with no humor in my voice. "I don't know how this is going to go down, so just sit tight. You'll be in no danger if you don't get in the middle."

She grabs my arm. “Get in the middle of what? You’re here to just talk, right?"

"That's up to them and what they say," I reply as I notice Zack stepping down from his truck, waiting for my signal.

"Diego, I—" she begins to say, but I cut her off, crashing my lips onto hers and inhaling her sweet scent. Her soft lips part, and I pull her body closer to mine. My wolf basks in close proximity to my mate, and I feel my body becoming more focused and energized.

I don't let her say anything else; nothing she can say will change what happens next, anyway. I fix her a look that I hope conveys how much she needs to stay in the car, then I set off toward the clearing between the cabin and the waiting trucks.

"You think that girl of yours will stay in the truck?" Zack chuckles as we approach.

"If she knows what's good for her. I'm not sure she's ever seen wolves fight like they mean it, what with never having a pack of her own," I say grimly.

"I guess she's got one now. That baby belongs to the pack, and she's your mate." Zack shrugs.

I hadn't really thought about that until now, but it’s true. I wonder if Quinn feels like she’s part of the pack. I don’t see how she can when she only goes out to see Saffy at the store or accompanies me to a few places. She's skittish, though, and I know Marcus and his boys still scare her. I can't have my mate scared—just another reason to get this situation sorted. One way or another.

Lucca steps forward, illuminated by the lights from his truck. He's got a few other men with him who look like they're ready for anything. I can feel my wolf stirring inside me, and I know he's itching to take this guy out and be done with it. But I remind myself that we're here to talk. Or at least to try talking.

"Mateo sent us," Lucca says gruffly. "We'll listen to what you have to say tomorrow, but if he doesn't like what he hears, then this is the end.” He looks behind me toward my truck. "She here? Is she unharmed?"

I scoff, my wolf clawing to the surface at the thought of my mate being harmed. "Of course not. She's here because she wants to be. Bring Gina to see her. It's what she wants."

Lucca steps forward, his eyes flashing. "Don't even talk about Gina after what you did."

"She came to no harm, unlike my son. Quinn's with me, and she will be tomorrow. She's neutral in this, so you'll all respect that."

"Oh, we do. She's just another victim in all this. Gina will come tomorrow, but if anything happens I don't like, it will be a short fucking meeting. The route in and out of here is secure, so don't try anything, Diego."

I take a step forward. Lucca is a large man, and I can feel his wolf's commanding presence. But it's nothing compared to my alpha energy, and he knows it.

He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes, and his fangs slightly descend, demonstrating his true feelings. He won't act, though. He's a good soldier, and tonight, his orders are to make sure I turn up, that this is not an ambush, and that Quinn is safe.

We stare each other down for a moment before he nods and heads back to his truck. His men, still shrouded in darkness, follow, and they drive away in a cloud of dust.

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