Page 138 of Mage Massacres

“Charlie speaks well of you, says you’re an understanding and advantageous man.”

He chuckled. “Your dad thinks I’m an ass.”

“And that’s not him speaking fondly of an old friend?” I teased.

Caddell huffed, closing a book on his table as he lifted his wineglass. “Why are you here, Supreme Alpha?”

“Straight to business. I appreciate that. I’m on a tight schedule, but I wanted to stop by while I was in the neighborhood.” I grinned at him, wondering what was in the ledger-like book. “An offer has been brought to my attention, one that you’ve passed up. We need to rectify the situation before it gets… out of hand.”

“Please, do enlighten me on the missed opportunity,” he replied, sarcasm thick in his tone.

“I heard your son was in West Virginia last week, representing the lycans.”

“He was. Korbin had many topics to report back, but he seemed bewildered by the amount of power you possess.”

I smirked at his fishing remark. “That’s good to hear. I need his assistance, though I’m sure you’ll see it as mutually beneficial.”

“How can my son aid you?” he spat, losing the grip on his temper.

He didn’t like that Korbin had my interest. Not because he was concerned for his son’s well-being. No. He thought he should be ranked higher, and he didn’t want that acclaim going to anyone else. Jealousy soiled his prestigious appearance.

“Korbin’s mate—”

“No.”

“Now, Cady. It’s not polite to interrupt,” I admonished, pursing my lips. “You’ll find that I’m very patient until I’m not.”

He scowled as he dipped his head. “My apologies. Please continue.”

“I’ve heard that Ms. Lynch’s life was threatened if her relationship with Korbin continued.” I paused, observing as his ire rose.

“Normally, I wouldn’t make a house call for this kind of thing, but I believe an explanation for my interference is warranted. You see, Miller Lynch is an esteemed member of the guild’s council. Having a bond between the next lycan alpha and the mage prodigy will strengthen the ties between the two species.”

Caddell’s ebony fingers tightened around the stem of his glass. “Have you lowered yourself to speak for the mages so soon?”

“Living in squalor has made you blind to the outside world,” I warned, my voice even and calm. “Did you think I could only take on one role?”

He remained silent, his brows pinched as he glared at me. His disrespect was meant to make me cross, but he’d played his cards too quickly.

“I’ve taken quite a few,” I confessed. “But my mates share the responsibilities with me.”

Energy tumbled through the room, and Briggs shook his arms out, loosening his body. He was ready to fight. I knew it wouldn’t come to that. Caddell would lose his life or the respect of his pack, depending on my mood.

“That rumor precedes you,” he replied, curling his lip in distaste. “I doubt you have time for another male. The lycan clan isn’t that valuable to you.”

I held my hands out, away from my sides with my palms up as I whispered conspiratorially, “Good. Does other gossip make it here as well? About my knack for death and destruction? Or do you really think you can push my buttons and then weasel your way out with your life intact? I’m a busy woman, Cady. I didn’t come here to waste time.”

He opened his mouth to speak again, but my limit for bullshit had well exceeded the maximum threshold. I pushed my wolf a little harder, calling the Alpha power out. His display had been nothing but a tickle dancing upon my flesh.

I put him on his knees.

Korbin stopped in the archway of another entrance. His wide eyes and shocked smile were bright against his sable skin tone. He tried to straighten his expression when he met my hardened gaze.

“Let me explain some common shifter knowledge to you, Caddell.”

I ambled forward, bending at the waist when I reached him. I rested my hands on my knees as I arched my right brow.

“The way our law is written, it’s open for some mild interpretation as to what is considered a pack. There’s a specific number, yes. But there is no list of creatures that a pack can or cannot include. Are you following me?”