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Worst possible thing he could have said. Instantly there’s the sound of creaking as the floorboards under her feet start to flex with the steps she’s not supposed to be taking.

“Why can’t I come down there?”

“Jesus, Fi. Can you do as you’re told for once?”

He has to go up and get her, because he doesn’t want her to see what he’s doing, and who he’s doing it to. I’ve never had much to do with his kid sister. I see her around, make polite conversation, she giggles a lot at things that aren’t funny.

Right now, I think she might be saving my life.

“Get out of here,” he says to his henchmen.

“Want us to finish him off?”

“There’s no fucking time, get out of the cellar door and fucking leave,” he says. “Don’t come anywhere near this place again until I tell you it’s clear.”

They leave, and as they do, Rick turns and rushes up the stairs.

“What’s wrong with you?” Fiona squeaks. “Is that blood?”

“It’s grease from the boiler,” he lies. “I was fixing it up.”

“We have a boiler?”

“Uh-huh,” he says, ushering her up the stairs.

“That’s weird, I thought Dad had that taken out years ago…”

I hear her chattering away as the upstairs door closes behind them. I know what’s going to happen. He is going to get her settled and distracted, and then he’s going to come and finish me off. I’ve got maybe five minutes to escape.

My breath is coming in ragged gasps. They’ve broken several of my ribs. If I could get the collar off, I’d be able to shift. Fortunately he’s left my kneecaps and ankles intact. Rookie fucking move, but shows he doesn’t really have the stomach for this.

Someone is in his ear, poisoning him. Someone is turning him against his friends, and making him think that people who don’t give a shit about him know best.

I think I know who it is. Kyle.

I forget the man’s last name, but he was Rick’s dad’s advisor. I’ve never liked the man. He has an unpleasant air to him. He’s too nice and too cold all at the same time. Talking to him feels like being bathed in cold slime.

Rick’s taken him on as his advisor too, though. Wants to follow in the old man’s footsteps. If he had any sense, he’d realize his old man’s footsteps involve his family being murdered intermittently.

I get to my feet and walk to the door. I’m stuck in human form, but I’m otherwise unfettered. They really didn’t plan this out. I guess that’s because I’m supposed to be a mass of severed limbs and screaming entrails right about now.

I’ve got a lot of bruising, those rib injuries, and I’m wearing a good chunk of change in silver. But I’m alive. And they’re all going to regret that.

* * *

I never spoke to Rick again after that night. I don’t know if he ever worked out that obviously I had nothing to do with his father’s passing, or if he’s still under Kyle’s spell. I didn’t think I’d ever have reason to care.

I left the city that night. Headed across the country. Healed up. Used the silver he gifted me to start up a business. Did well at it. Started to get a following. After a while, it was obvious that even a poor shifter boy from the wrong side of the tracks could not only make something of himself, but he could become an alpha.

By the time I came back to the city, I was untouchable. I had my own pack. I was stronger than I’d ever been. I had businesses, investments, friends. Everything I used to think I’d never be able to achieve, I achieved because my best friend turned on me.

I owe Rick a debt of thanks, in a perverted way. I wouldn’t be who I am today without him.

We’re going to cross paths again, and soon. I don’t intend to stay far from my fated mate for long. I’ve been trying to work out ways to be diplomatic about our meeting, but I don’t know how to diplomatically say: Hello, I’m back. I didn’t kill your father, but I am sleeping with your sister.

I decide a public place is the best option. Somewhere he won’t want to make a scene. Somewhere he’ll sit for long enough for me to explain things, perhaps.

CHAPTER 5