Page 58 of Claimed

“We’re investigating him and your pack. We’ve amped up our security. After we eat, I’m gonna ask Bailey to come over and keep you company while I go over to Joel’s and get an update.I’m also gonna call Wyatt and tell him you’re safe, you’re with your fated mate, and that I’d like to meet and have a conversation.”

Her eyes bulge.

“If he doesn’t answer, I’ll leave a voicemail message saying the same.”

She’s trembling. “You’ll t-tell him I’m your mate?”

“Absolutely. Can I ask you some questions?”

She nods hesitantly and I don’t know why she looks like she wants to plead with me not to call her brother, or not to tell him who I am to her. But no way would I keep this a secret. If anything, I’d think it could make him more open to a conversation with me. At least I’ve made the effort and given him the opportunity to handle this the right way going forward.

“Let’s get some breakfast and we’ll talk some more.”

***

When we’re seated at the dining table with an easy meal of cereal and the muffins she baked yesterday, I set a pencil and a pad of paper down between us.

“How many people in your old pack?”

“We’re down to seventy-two, not including me. Unless that changed after I left to come here.”

I write that number down.

“Can you tell me the approximate breakdown in age?” I make a list of categories. “How many pack members over forty but fit, over forty and not fit, under forty but over eighteen, and the rest. Also a breakdown of how many of those people are male and female. Just approximate numbers.”

I pass her the pencil.

She bites her lip as she jots down her answers. And it doesn’t take long.

“You’re well-versed on the demographics or these just approximate?”

“I did a lot of the admin for the pack. Handling supplies and things like that. I know everyone in the pack quite well. Those numbers are probably pretty accurate unless something has changed in the weeks I’ve been here.”

“He say why he doesn’t want the water tested? Why females aren’t allowed to shift?”

She shakes her head. “You can’t question him. His word is just… law. And it’s not just females that can’t shift. Nobody shifts without his permission.”

What the fuck? That’s fucked. And that’s an alpha who wants his people weak so they can’t challenge him.

She reads my reaction well and gives me a knowing look.

“Anything else you think I need to know? Anyone else in the pack I should look closer at?”

She shrugs. “He had me on aneed to knowbasis. I didn’t want to cause harm to this pack, but he held things over my head. I wish I’d come and asked for help instead.”

“You didn’t know us.”

“I spied on you during some of your morning runs. I sensed something better about the way this pack is structured, but I…” She looks pained.

I grab her hand and squeeze affectionately. “Don’t do that. No point looking backwards, right?”

She doesn’t say anything.

I continue, “I’m gonna do what I can do to help this go a way that works out for everyone. No, he’s not gonna get to take over our pack.”

“I hope not,” she whispers.

“Believe me, it won’t fuckin’ happen. I’ll talk to him. Feel him out. If he’s open, I’ll offer to help him with his infrastructure. Is there anyone close to him with a good head on their shoulders that might have some sway over him?”

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