Page 135 of King Luna

Noah and I lock eyes. Their death anniversary is next month.

“Either way, my buddy and I told the cops once we sobered up today,” Steven says. “They said they'll look into it, but they also suggested Jack was just drunk.”

My heart flips. “Jack? The hunter’s name was Jack?”

“Uh, yeah. It was Jack...” Another whoosh. “Jack Hart, I think?”

Panic tightens my chest.

But it’s ten times worse as I look at Noah in front of me. His eyes fall flat in defeat.

Without having to ask, I can feel it in our bond: neither of us are surprised.

But the thought of Jack killing my dad still turns my heart inside out.

To my surprise, Noah dives to his knees in front of me, rushing to embrace me, chest to chest.You’re doing great. Ask him to tell you anything else about the act itself, in greater detail.

I squeeze my eyes shut. Nuzzling into Noah, I allow his presence to soothe my skyrocketing nerves.

When I first saw Steven's message, something within me hoped it was finally the answer we've needed.

But not if it’s Jack. I believe Noah over Steven; Jack would’ve much rather killed Ritchie with his own fangs.

My voice wavers. “Do you remember any other details about the act itself? Did he say he acted alone? No one else saw this hunter kill someone and get away with it?”

“Well, he didn’t mention anyone else in his story, so I don’t know.”

“Was it even the same murder, then? They’ve always said there might’ve been at least two hunters since the bullets were different.”

“That’s right, shit...” Steven is silent for a moment, leaving me on the edge with my heart pounding through my ears. “Well, I wouldn't be surprised if someone else was there. People rarely hunt alone by your parents’ place. It’s too overgrown and difficult to navigate.”

I stiffen. “I remember. You refused to go hunting with my dad, let alone meet him. Then he died, and you lost your chance.”

Steven has nothing to say.

Noah boils, barely containing his heated breath. I squeeze him tighter to my chest, our baby protected between us, and he drops his forehead against my shoulder.

Ask him about Mason. If Jack spends a lot of time with anyone.

“D-do you know if he has any friends he hangs out with? What about his son?”

“His son?”

Steven is silent for a while.

Noah lifts his head, meeting my gaze. We hang on every word, Noah’s chest stiffening like he’s hardly daring to breathe.

“I didn’t even know he had a son. He acted super lonely and sad while he was drunk,” Steven says.

I deflate, shaking my head at Noah.I thought that would give us another clue.

Jack was estranged from Mason as a kid for what he did to me and other Omegas. It was a long shot, but...Noah’s brows furrow, his focus dropping to the bed sheets beside me.Mason just sounds so much like Jack lately. I’ve wondered for a while if they’d team up someday.

Steven’s voice cuts through our mindlinks. “Hey, wait... How do you know so much about this old dude, anyway?”

My back stiffens. “How doyouknow him, Steven? I heard he hurt a lot of people—that’s how. Why are you hanging out with a guy like him?”

“It was a hunters’ event at the bar! Why would I tell you his fucked-up secrets if he was a friend?”

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