Page 85 of The Immortal’s Mark

I extend my hand.

The man steps forward and clasps my palm in his. “Lucas, leader of the Northwestern Pack.”

Recognition hits me.

I glimpsed Lucas when I spied on the alliance meeting all those weeks ago. He had been particularly vocal about his mistrust of Alex and his coven. He’s a were-beast, and apparently the leader of a pack. He looks younger than I would have expected.

“Nice to meet you,” I say.

Lucas releases my hand, and my eyes shift to Alex.

“Lucas and his daughter will be accompanying our task force,” he says.

Daughter?

The young woman is slightly shorter than me. Her rich chocolate-brown hair and eyes match her dad’s, and her naturally tan skin glows. She’s strikingly pretty, but the deep frown carving her mouth harshens her appearance.

Lucas clears his throat. “Allow me to introduce my daughter, Paige.”

I hold out my hand again.

Paige hesitates, then gives me a quick handshake before promptly drawing back.

So…she’s not friendly.

Got it.

“Nice to meet you both.” I ignore how the knot of unease that’s lingered in my chest for days tightens. “Thank you for being willing to help us.”

Lucas tips his head. “Our pack will do whatever we can to facilitate the capture of Lord Adir. We have the best scenters in the entire were-beast community. If he has left a scent anywhere, we will find it.”

My smile falters for a fraction of a second.

Lord Adir.

Even now, after everything, Lucas gives Adir the title.

It seems all half-breeds view the Original Immortals as above themselves.

Except Alex.

He’s the only one who treats the Originals like equals. Like normal people.

But they aren’t normal.

I’ve seen the Immortals’ gentler sides. I’ve seen humor, kindness, and protectiveness.

But I’ve also seen power that could level cities.

Would the Immortals have treated me differently if I’d first met them as a Nightsbane witch instead of…whatever they think I am now?

“The alliance appreciates your assistance.” Thane clasps a hand on Lucas’s shoulder. “Your skills combined with the tracking spells of the Nightsbane clan will no doubt lead us directly to where Adir is hiding.”

Lucas bows his head further.

“Don’t forget about me and Gregory.” An instigating grin curls Alex’s lips.

A grumble rumbles in Lucas’s throat.