Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 128380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 514(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 514(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
They turned to fully face her, their gazes hard and inscrutable. Bailey went on high alert, and her snake’s head snapped up. Both males looked neat and polished with their slicked-back dark hair, clean shaven face, and tailored suits.
She slowed her pace as she neared them, dragging in a subtle breath through her nose, pulling their scents into her lungs. Jackals. Her snake tensed, flicking out her tongue.
The taller of the two males cocked his head as he studied Bailey. “You don’t look much like your cousin. The eyes, though … They’re the same.”
Coming to a stop before the jackals, Bailey asked, “Who might you be?”
The taller dude nodded. “I’m Amiri.” He tipped his head toward his pack mate. “This is Lincoln,” he added, all forced friendliness. “We’re from the Westwood Pack. How’s Roman doing?”
She gave a slight, uncaring shrug. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”
Lincoln’s eyes narrowed. “You’re aware he isn’t actually dead, then?”
“I’m aware,” she confirmed. “And before you ask, yes, I’ve seen him recently.”
Amiri’s gaze sharpened. “When?”
“Last week,” she replied. “He came to my pride seeking protection from your pack. Given I have no love for him, I sent him on his way.”
Lincoln cast her a doubtful look. “You sent away your own cousin?”
“I feel no loyalty toward anyone in my old nest.”
Amiri dug his tongue into the tip of one incisor. “I heard what they did after your parents were killed. Cold to the bone, it was. But Roman was young back then. Not part of the decision to banish you.”
“But he turned his back on me like they did, so …” And Bailey wasn’t what anyone could call a forgiving person.
“In your position, I would have no time for anyone from that nest,” said Lincoln. “But some people will protect family, regardless of past betrayals.”
Possibly. “I’m not some people.”
“So you say,” said Lincoln, clearly still dubious.
She sighed at him, annoyed. “Dude, I can’t help you. Like I said, I sent him on his way. I’m not going to keep repeating myself. If you struggle to believe me, go ask my Alphas. You know what pride I belong to or you wouldn’t have located me here, so you’ll know who they are. They were around when Roman showed up. Tate very firmly ordered him to leave and not return.”
Amiri hummed. “And you have no idea where your cousin could be?”
She shook her head. “Nope.”
“He gave you no hints?” asked Lincoln.
“He wouldn’t have trusted me with any.” Would she have given away his location? Probably not. But he wouldn’t have risked it.
Amiri reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a business card. “If he contacts you, I’d appreciate it if you gave us a call.”
She took the card. A number was printed on it—nothing more.
Amiri straightened the lapels of his jacket. “Things between you and my pack don’t need to be unpleasant. We have no issue with you, providing you don’t stand in our way. Believe me when I tell you that Roman would not be worth the consequences.”
She narrowed her eyes, and her snake coiled her muscles as if to spring. “And believe me when I tell you that you’d forfeit your life if you came for me.”
Amiri’s lips quirked. “A mamba through and through.”
“Is everything all right here?” a new voice asked as a figure silently approached.
Bailey gave the newcomer a too-quick smile. “Everything’s fine, Gerard, thanks.”
Despite her assurance, he glared at the jackals. “I think it’s best that you left.”
“Do you?” asked Lincoln, a smirk playing around the edges of his mouth. “Well, then, lucky for you we’re about to leave.” He returned his gaze to Bailey. “We’ll be in touch, just in case you lose Amiri’s number or forget to contact us with something you might learn.” With that, the two jackals walked away.
Gerard turned to her. “You sure you’re all right?”
“Positive. But thanks for stepping in all the same.” Watching the two jackals head to a parked town car, Bailey exhaled heavily. This day really had sucked so far.
CHAPTER SIX
Forking the last piece of his steak, Deke flicked his mother a look. “Will you stop it already?”
Livy blinked, all innocence. “What? A mother can’t look at her son?”
She wasn’t looking at him; she was staring at him. A sure sign that she wanted to get something off her chest. He suspected this was why he’d been invited to join his parents and younger brother for dinner.
Deke inwardly muttered a curse. He was not in the mood for whatever this was. His earlier annoyance at Dayna seemed to have fed his sense of restlessness, and the touch-hunger was now once more raging. More, his cat was crouched within him, tense as a bow, rumbling low growls for seemingly no reason.
Deke had only accepted his parents’ invitation because he’d known they’d otherwise turn up at his apartment, determined to check on him due to the touch-hunger issue. Still, he was now wishing he hadn’t. He shook his head at his mother, exasperated. “Just say whatever it is you want to say.”