Page 11 of Crimson Moon Falling

For a breathless moment, we stood at an impasse, the morning air charged with the promise of violence. Langston’s expression was impassive, but dark humor gleamed in his eyes. He wanted an excuse.

This wasn’t just about Roswell. Langston’s energy reeked of envy and determination. Was this also about Viggo and my father?

The frozen void inside me expanded until it dulled my fear as I analyzed the current situation in milliseconds. I needed to defuse and delay because if this turned into a firefight, we would lose.

I placed a hand on Freda’s arm, her hard muscles coiled with tension. “I need you to stand down.”

Freda’s head snapped to me. “Riley, I can’t let you go with them alone.”

“As Alpha Mate, I'm telling you to stand down.” I infused my voice with authority, surprise coursing through me as power rippled along the bond. “This isn’t worth dying over.”

Bennion growled low in his throat, his hands still curled into claws. “The Alpha would expect us to–”

“The Alpha would expect you to use your brain, Beta,” I cut him off. “Look around. They’ve got us surrounded, and they want an excuse. When you’re dead, they can tell everyone that we were the aggressors.” My voice was emotionless.

I turned to Langston. “I need to speak with Agent Alfson about the investigation before I come with you.” Grabbing Gunnar’s huge bicep, I pulled him away.

Langston motioned for Agent Foster to follow us as he spoke. “Your thirty seconds expired ten seconds ago, Agent Blackthorne.”

I ignored him, keeping my back to them as I faced my partner. Foster stood right behind me, blatantly listening. “Contact Parker. Tell him I’m sorry I have to miss poker night with his buddies.” I stared hard into his craggy face, willing him to understand.

Foster grunted. “I’m not sure what poker night has to do with your investigation.”

“What did she tell him?” Langston called.

When Foster turned to answer, I quickly handed my father’s journal to Gunnar. “Keep it safe.” His bushy eyebrows drew together as he deftly slid it inside his coat.

Parker and I didn’t have a poker night. It was our code for trouble, and his buddies meant I needed backup. My uncle would know right away that something was wrong.

I turned and stared at Langston. “I have conditions.”

Langston scoffed. “You’re not in a position to ask for conditions.”

“I’m offering a compromise that prevents bloodshed and a potential war, so I think I am.” I nodded toward Freda and Bennion. “They report directly to Alpha Segerson. If something happens to me, or them, you’ll have the Pack Council breathing down your neck, and Conall gunning for you.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Gunnar pull out his phone.

“You have an inflated sense of self-importance,” Langston replied, but I caught his slight hesitation.

“Are you willing to risk it? I’ll come voluntarily, but the shifters and my partner walk away unharmed, and I call my supervisor at ISB to let him know what’s going on.”

Langston considered me, then checked his watch again. “Your supervisor has already been informed of your temporary reassignment. As for your bodyguards and partner,” he glanced at them. “They’re free to go once you’re in our vehicle.”

“Then we have an agreement.”

“No, we don’t.” Freda stepped in front of me. “The Alpha will—”

“Conall isn’t here,” I interrupted. “And I'm making a judgment call. That’s what Alpha Mates do.” I turned to her, lowering my voice. “Tell Conall I’ll be fine. Make sure Gunnar has everything he needs.”

Freda’s eyes searched mine. She clenched her jaw and nodded stiffly.

“This way, Agent Blackthorne.” Langston gestured toward the middle SUV. The agents formed a loose cordon around me. The coldness inside me deepened, spreading through my limbs until I felt almost numb—a blessing, really, as Agent Mercer patted me down, removing my service weapon and cellphone.

I slid into the backseat of the SUV, my mind already racing. Parker would get the message and contact his Marine buddies. Freda would call Conall. I just needed to stall until then. I fervently hoped they weren’t planning to torture or shock me because I’d had enough of that to last a thousand lifetimes.

The door closed behind me with a solid thunk, and I met Langston's satisfied gaze as the SUVs moved out.

I stared at him impassively. “You’re going to regret this.”