Page 47 of Ruthless Reign

"We need to show a united front," Nyx nods. "If he thinks that four—or five," she looks at Wyatt, "packs have banded together, it may cause him to rethink his plans."

We all agree before we start making our way onto the Seventh Circle land. To no one's surprise, about a mile in, we encounter some wolves, their brown beady eyes looking at us suspiciously.Daxton takes charge, telling them we're here to see Orson, and they lead the way.

By the time we reach the edge of the woods, the town of Rocky Point coming into view, we spot Orson and a few others waiting for us.

We remained unshifted to show that we mean no harm—at least, not yet. Approaching the older man, I notice that his face is in a permanent scowl, matching his rough faded blonde hair.

"And to what do I owe this pleasure?" he grunts, murky brown eyes scanning all of us.

He's easily the oldest alpha here, and to his left, I spot an almost carbon-copy of Orson, obviously his son who looks a few years younger than us. To his right is his beta I assume, the infamous Isaiah.

The two of them have reputations among the alpha community, known for not being overly friendly, but apparently fair, nonetheless. Personally, I haven't had any dealings with them since my pack is further away than the others—but I know my father dealt with him.

Orson has been the alpha of the Seventh Circle Pack for at least thirty years. But with all of his experience, and medium sized pack, I never would have guessed that he was capable of something like this.

"We were just passing through," Wyatt interjects, his usual boisterous self.

You can tell that Orson is suspicious, scanning us once again before his eyes pause on Nyx. "With a luna?"

"She's our luna," Lex says confidently. "Mine, Maverick's, and Cade's."

The members around Orson look at each other, making it painfully obvious that they know of Nyx's existence—but clearly surprised to hear that Cade is also her mate. But Orson andIsaiah don't move a single muscle in their faces, blanketing their reactions.

"I see," Orson nods. "How wonderful for you."

Instinctively, I step closer to Nyx, the need to protect her growing by the second. Somehow, Lex ended up on the other side of Daxton, and to my surprise, Cade follows my movements, flanking her protectively.

"I don't think we've officially met," Cade murmurs in a friendly tone. "Alpha Cade of the New Moon Pack." He holds out his hand to Orson, the older man giving it a firm shake.

"Yes, I've heard of you," Orson confirms. "You took over as alpha a few years ago, correct?"

I don't miss the snide tone in his statement, screaming superiority as he tries to undermine Cade's leadership experience.

"That's right," Cade nods. "And is this your son?" he asks knowingly, gesturing toward the boy. He has his father's features—sandy blonde hair and brown eyes, but thankfully, the trademark Orson sneer is missing.

His son gives us a sincere, warm smile, offering his hand to all of us. "Tobias," he greets.

Orson watches the exchange with narrowed eyes, but we take turns shaking his hand.

"It's interesting that you are traveling with them, Wyatt," Orson points out. "You have yourownluna at home, don't you?"

Next to me, I feel Nyx tense up angrily, and I watch as Cade registers that fact too. His hand touches the small of her back, rubbing it gently. She tenses up more, but this time with apprehension and confusion.

Reaching over, I grab her wrist, clutching it protectively. I have half a mind to slap his hand away, but that would expose our inner turmoil.

"I do. Eve is wonderful and just found out we are expecting. However, I do believe supporting allies is important," Wyatt answers sternly.

Nyx beams at the news, giving him a wide smile. I resist the urge to roll my eyes, instead glaring daggers at the man in front of us who, for all intents and purposes, has made it glaringly obvious that he is as conniving as suspected.

"Well, pass on my regards," Orson says dryly. "If that's all, I'll leave you to be on your way."

Chapter Nineteen

Nyx

No one says a word until we're nearly back at the border and Alpha Orson's wolves vanish from sight.

I don't know about these guys, but I'm one hundred percent convinced that he is a dangerous snake. The way his men tried to stand over us, their eyes constantly moving back to me with recognition—it was them. Cade was telling the truth.

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