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His expression was tight and apologetic. “We’re protecting our dens. Our people. There’s nothing more important than that—but I won’t do it at the cost of your wellbeing. Say the word and I’ll postpone it until I can find another solution.”
“You know my history with Raeths. Playing babysitter to one, in situations made even more precarious by potentially unstable dens ...” She shook her head.
“I would never force you to do something you’re uncomfortable with. But before you make up your mind, there’s one more thing that might benefit you in this arrangement. Besides you reconnecting with your favorite alphas.”
“Riaz is my favorite alpha.”
Aidan threw his head back and laughed, the sound bringing back fond memories of their early years together. “That stings, Ava, it really does.” Sobering, he lost the smile. “I have intel.”
“Oh?”
“After the Heat, clanless Raeths began joining with pre-existing clans. Nina and Zeke’s clan have admitted nearly a hundred new members. Right now, I know you wouldn’t be comfortable with coming to Nina’s clan lands to check whether any of them fit your description or have information you can use, but Remmus might be able to help you overcome that fear.”
She froze, fighting a shiver.
The desire for revenge had never left her. It was a continual whisper at the back of her mind, as relentless and ruthless as the day it began. Beneath the terror Raeths caused her, there was a debilitating need to see her parents’ murderers brought to justice. If it meant going into the heart of a Raeth clan to ferret out the ones responsible, she would—but first, she would need to get her reactions under control.
It was the best lead she’d had in decades. “I think—I’m willing to try with Remmus.”
“Good.” He straightened. “Since you’re already surveilling St. Louis together, it’ll allow you to test if you can tolerate his nearness. He’ll be here shortly to teleport you and the alpha pair to the facility, and afterward, you can chat about what your new partnership will mean for the rest of the dens.”
“Can’t wait.”
The spark in Aidan’s eyes told her exactly what he thought of her dry humor. “I’m leaving before Riaz decides he doesn’t want another alpha on his turf. After you get back from St Louis, head up to La Crosse. Sagan’s den. All your fans will be delighted to have you visit.”
“The thrills never stop.”
The other werewolf paused then, scrutinizing her. “You’ll be okay, Ava. You’ll always have the spark of that thirteen-year-old girl I found fighting for her life against enemies many times her size. You’re strong, smart, and wickedly good in a fight. Don’t let Remmus bully you into a corner—but don’t put him there, either. We need him.”
Letting the words sink in, she dipped her chin as Aidan gave her shoulder a squeeze and vanished out the door.
Ava almost couldn’t believe that this task might mean the end of her life-long search. Though the result would be worth it, the cost was high: letting a Raeth root inside her head. It made her feel queasy.
Ava’s mind was occupied with thoughts of her parents as she marched toward the interior of the den. She stopped outside her alpha’s office and knocked twice. Given the playful sounds coming from behind the closed door, Riaz wasn’t alone. Clearly, the alpha couple was reveling in their happy mating, and she didn’t dare intrude on any intimate moments.
Gag.
“By all means, Ava,” came Riaz’s gravelly voice, hoarse with emotion. Opening the door, she didn’t have to guess which one. Cortana was blushing a pretty red and straightening her leather jacket.
“Hey Ava. Ready?”
“Are you?”
Chuckling, the vampire bumped her hip against Riaz where he lingered in his highbacked office chair, his russet-brown eyes riveted to his woman. His dreadlocks hung down just past his shoulders. The man looked every inch the predator he was—and he could shift into his gigantic mahogany werewolf form on a dime.
Riaz had been turned immortal five centuries ago. His muscular frame, standing at six and a half feet tall, was corded with muscle beneath gleaming skin. It was his ready smile, however, that reflected his easygoing and lighthearted personality.
Cortana had joined their pack as the second half of the alpha pair. She’d been letting her hair down from her customary braid as Riaz’ nature wore off on her and she’d gradually become less severe. Twin silver daggers were typically holstered on her jean-clad hips, and her long legs ended in stilettos whenever the vamp thought the day called for a bit of style. Which was almost always.
“Of course,” Cortana replied. “I’m always ready. This oaf is the one in question.”
Riaz tried to appear contemptuous but only managed to pull off amused. “This oaf wasn’t the one tempting his mate.”
It was clear by now that the alpha pair hadn’t heard about Aidan’s impromptu visit. “I’ve got some news you might want to hear. You know how a Raeth was going to overhaul our system to make sure we don’t die a rabid and painful death?” They nodded, and she continued. “Aidan stopped by. He has a plan for the rest of the HVAC units on pack lands.”
“Aidan was here?”
“He’s already come and gone. Said he had a bit of a tiff with Nova while he was at her den and wanted to avoid the same thing happening here. He thinks the Heat hormones are affecting us. Making alphas more aggressive.”
