Page 48 of Claimed

“For now, can you talk to the others about watching the perimeter for anything unusual? Ask Joel and Linc to do a background check, get us whatever intel we can on Wyatt Meadows? John Meadows, too? Don’t know what his next move will be. She called him a while ago and left a message. I’m giving it twenty-four hours and if we don’t hear back, I’ll reach out myself, try to set up a meeting with him. If he pulls any moves before then, I want to be consulted before any actions are taken. Hold and secure only if at all possible. I know you were the one he went after first but considering she’s my mate, that this is her family…” I let that hang.

“I understand. Absolutely, you’re lead on this, and I’ll help however you need.”

The way he fits with our council already… this is how it was meant to be.

“Appreciated, Ty.”

“Go ahead and enjoy time with your new mate, Greyson. We’ll look after everything. If you’re needed, we’ll reach out.”

“Thanks, brother.”

I call my father next.

“Greyson?” is how he greets me.

“Dad.”

“Congratulations, son,” he says, but it’s tentative. Almost in the form of a question.

“Thanks. She’s… I’m shocked at what I’m feeling this fast.”

“That’s how it goes,” he replies, his tone coming across almost like a warning.

“Know much about the Silver Hills shifter pack?” I ask.

There’s a pause. “Meadows… smaller pack. Runs an auto wreckers and metal salvage place. Keep to themselves. This where your female is from?”

“Yes. They’re a threat. Alpha brother forced her to target us. At the diner and shooting Tyson.”

He mutters, “Meadows tried to do some trade with us ten or so years ago. Standoffish. Surly fucker. Didn’t like our terms so backed off.”

“I remember. I went with you. We met him in the parking lot of a hardware store. He wouldn’t let us come to his village.”

“That’s right.”

“He bring shifters into the dogfight circuit that you know of?”

“Hm… may’ve heard a rumor about that years ago. Not certain though they might have been brought before the SCC on that. Somethin’s nagging at my memory.”

“He’s dead. Stacy says Tyson killed him. Her brother wants revenge and everything that’s ours. Thinking they may have crossed paths when Cornelius Savage put Ty in dog fights.”

“Makes sense. Exactly the sort of thing Corn would’ve done. Your new mate tells you she was forced but, son… is it possible she’s lying? There are some cunning females out there that use their wiles–”

“She’s got a pure heart,” I cut him off.

“Be careful, Greyson,” he warns.

“I can read her.”

“Even still… careful, son,” he repeats.

Irritated, I say, “Speakin’ of which, Dad, I have questions.”

“About Soleil,” he replies knowingly.

“Good guess.”

“You’re mated to a woman who tried to harm the pack. Of course you’re feeling conflicted about that, want to know more about severing the bond.”

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