< Chapter 53
Well, that was one plan.
As long as Jenson is on board.
It made sense. If Bridget had found a way to implant some kind of dormant spell in us, she’d
choose Jenson as well.
“Problem?” Morven asked innocently.
“Not at all. Confirmation,” I said smoothly. “I’ve discovered how Irene was kidnapped and taken
from my territory.”
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Everyone sat at attention, and I chose my words carefully. If I painted Bridget a traitor too soon, word would spread. Instead, I focused on Dean. “A werewolf I granted rogue status to several years before. He was familiar with my territory, and he still had family here. A member of my guard, who will be punished, admits to letting him in under the guise of visiting with his father.”
Claudine stood. “Where is this wolf now?”
“Dead. He was killed last night.”
Morven showed no sign of having known Dean was dead or any remorse.
“How?” London demanded. “How was he killed?”
“My mate. He’d grown infatuated with her and returned to try to kidnap her as well.”
“A killer indeed,” Claudine murmured. “And the evidence you have that he is the culprit?”
“He confessed it to Kiana. I’ve had people going through the security logs to corroborate it. I suggest you all make calls to your own security. Dean was an easy mark.” My heart twisted even as I said it. “He requested to go rogue because he didn’t get along with his father. I granted it, and I assumed he was happy. Apparently, he still needed to be tied to someone, even if it meant betraying me. I suggest you all think of anyone who is familiar with your territory who might match
that description.”
Claudine and London paled. They both had people in mind,
“In the meantime, there’ll be a hunt tonight. All the wolves are invited to join, but you’re welcome to leave your own guards with your witch if you choose!”
“A hunt.” Claudine’s eyes sparkled. “That sounds splendid.”
I didn’t see Kiana again until after dinner was over, and by then, I was nearly jumping out of my skin. With everything going on, I needed to see her. Needed to see that she was safe with my own eyes.
As soon as she entered our room, I snarled and enveloped her into a hug. She stiffened for a
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< Chapter 53
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moment and relaxed. “Everything all right?”
“I just needed to touch you,” I said gruffly. “You didn’t text at all at dinner.”
She held a finger to her lips and then handed me a bag. “Hang a piece of wood on each of the four
walls.”
I did as she instructed, and she relaxed. “Sorry, they’re soundproofing wards. Irene thought that if I touched them, I might…well, you know. I couldn’t text at dinner because the witches were there. Apparently, there’s a spell to hear digital communications? She doesn’t know that any of the witches had activated it, but she wanted to be safer than sorry. Jenson is fine. Irene stabbed him in the leg, with a little too much enthusiasm, I might add, and he was able to shift just fine. We had Saul there, just in case. And I managed to get Lunessa and Irene in communications. Amelia and I didn’t find anything where Bridget and Dean are buried.”
I relaxed just a little. “So it’s not affecting all of my wolves?”
“No. Irene is doing some research; she thinks it might be a powerfully spelled salve. She touched Finn, when she killed him, and me when she kidnapped me.”
Troy frowned. “She didn’t touch me.”
“Not at the sight, but she could have touched you at any time. We’ll need to check…well, everyone. Irene is hoping that the spell has an expiration date, but until she knows for sure, anyone Bridget
came into contact with is at risk.”
Growling, I pulled her back into my arms. This time, she didn’t stiffen at all. “You’re still tense,” she said quietly. “Is there something you’re keeping from me?”
“Your absence at dinner was noticed. I don’t want you involved in the hunt, but if you skip it, the others might take that personally.”
Her eyes widened, “Troy, I can’t.”
“Your wolf does not have to attend. You can be the judge and hand out the prizes for the most kills
and be surrounded by a dozen of my guards,”
“I’ll seem weak,” she snarled. “Like prey.”
“You are not weak, Kiana. You are healing from a lifetime of trauma. Stay human. Be protected.”
“Irene saw omens. She thinks someone she knows is going to die tonight.”
I bared my teeth. “That someone is not going to be you.”
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