Page 39 of Crimson Moon Falling

Conall closed his eyes briefly, his wolf stirring restlessly beneath his skin. “I don’t need her to be, but I want her to feel joy and pain and everything in between. To not lose what makes her Riley.”

“She won’t,” Ash stated simply.

Conall raised his eyebrows. “How can you know that?”

“Because she’s still fighting the Feds and Apex, and putting herself in danger to help people. And also still trying to find out what happened to her father.”

His shoulders eased fractionally. That’s why Ash was his first Beta, because he could examine an issue’s complexities, cut through the bullshit, and offer perspective when Conall was lost in the weeds.

“True. She’s also stubborn as hell.”

Ash folded his arms. “Her energy is changing, sharpening, and becoming more lethal. You saw her lightning.”

Conall nodded slowly. “She’s right to be wary.”

Two days later, as Ash and Conall walked into a Pack Council meeting in D.C., Drew called.

“Talon just contacted me. He’s monitoring surveillance cameras, and he just spotted Commander Marlowe at the Wyoming border.”

Conall’s wolf snarled inside his head. “Where?”

“Near the eastern entrance to Grand Teton National Park. He was monitoring the security feeds we hacked. The feeds aren’t live, but facial recognition picked up Marlowe at a gas station just outside the Park. He had several operatives with him.”

“When?” Conall’s voice had dropped to a dangerous growl.

“A day ago. They’re heading north.”

“Toward Yellowstone,” Ash guessed.

“Toward Riley.” Conall’s eyes flashed gold. “Call Freda. Now.”

Drew shook his head. “I tried her first. Reception is spotty in the mountains, and she isn’t answering. Neither is Jamie.”

“Keep trying. Fuck. I should’ve sent a satellite phone with her. Contact our people in Jackson. Have them ready to move the minute we have a location.”

“Got it.” Drew hung up.

Ash glanced toward the conference room they were about to walk into. “What do you want to do about the rest of the meetings?”

Conall’s stomach clenched. “Marlowe wants Riley. The deranged fucker calls her his pet. I also think he wants to see how his implant is affecting her. If he gets his hands on her, he’s probably going to re-chip her.”

“What are you going to do?” Ash asked.

“Go after her, and you’re going to attend the rest of these meetings in my stead.” Conall’s voice left no room for argument. “Tell the other Alphas there’s been a security breach involving my mate, and you speak for our Pack.” Conall’s eyes were hard. “If they insist it’s me at the table, they can reschedule once I’ve eliminated the threat.”

Ash nodded. “Council meetings are one long eternal hell. I’d rather go with you, but I’ve got you covered. Hunt well, Alpha.”

Chapter 12

Riley

“You gotta be kidding me. You brought them back?” Gunnar muttered as Mangus and Athena climbed out of the plane, followed by Jamie and Freda. The hellhounds hadn’t enjoyed the flight, and Mangus vigorously shook his head, sending strings of sulfurous slobber flying.

Freda eyed the troll. “Thanks for picking us up, but you smell like you haven’t showered since we left.”

“Because I haven’t. At least you got rid of Bennion.”

“You’re always a delightful ball of sunshine,” Jamie grinned as he took in Gunnar’s green-tinged, grumpy face.