Page 5 of Chaos Claimed

Percy clenched his teeth to keep from calling the deputy a straight-up liar. The six-foot-three bully might’ve folded if Percy flashed more cash than Jacob had probably slipped him.

Or maybe they’d struck a different deal. Percy wouldn’t be surprised if his father had resorted to blackmail, even against a deputy.

His mom had once mentioned that Jacob had been the kindest man when they first met. Percy had snorted at the time. If Jacob ever possessed a “kind” bone in his body, he’d probably sold it on the black market for cash.

Before he realized it, he found himself sidling closer to Santiago. Was it to shield Santiago or was Percy looking for protection from Gilmore? Both. Definitely both.

“My mother has a restraining order,” Percy informed Gilmore, hoping to defuse the situation before it escalated. Fat chance, but keep dreaming.

Gilmore slid his sunglasses to rest on his head, but it didn’t look as badass as when Matias had done it. “Is your mom home?” His tone couldn’t have been more condescending if he’d tried. Percy never wanted to punch someone so badly. If Gilmore didn’t have a badge… or a gun… or muscles… Percy would throw hands.

Hold on… where was his mom? Macey never came home late. Not in a town this small. Blackthorn didn’t have traffic.

Something was wrong. He could feel it.

Chapter Two

Santiago kept one eye on Jacob and Deputy Gilmore. The other stayed locked on Percy, making sure he didn’t drift too far.

Even if it was a setup, slamming his fist into that bastard’s face had felt damn good.

The only reason Jacob wasn’t buried deep in the woods? Matias had ordered him not to kill the bastard.

Not a word had been said about breaking his nose.

“Who called in the disturbance?” Matias turned toward Gilmore.

Even though his alpha stood on the porch and the deputy was on the walkway, Matias’s commanding presence dominated the scene.

“Since you’re not involved, Mr. Salvador, this isn’t your concern.” Deputy Gilmore rolled his shoulders, then looked left, offering a lazy shrug as a couple strolled past with a yapping dog. “Wouldn’t tell you even if you were. Calls are confidential.” He finished with a scathing smirk aimed at Matias. “Wouldn’t want retaliation against a concerned citizen,” he added with fake civility.

Santiago exhaled slowly, dragging his beasts back under control. If Gilmore had any clue what he was really dealing with... Disrespecting Matias? The male was begging for death and didn’t even know it.

The corner of Matias’s mouth curled upward. “What kind of disturbance was reported?” He stood with a casual air, hands loosely clasped in front of him, but the relaxed posture belied how fast he could move if provoked. “I’m sure you could at least provide that, officer.”

This was a powder keg waiting to blow. Matias wasn’t a man to trifle with, and Gilmore was riding high on his badge and borrowed authority. If the deputy pushed too far, Santiago would bury the bastard without hesitation.

He was one of two enforcers for the Salvador pack—and Santiago took that role dead seriously. Someone was disrespecting his alpha, playing a game he had no chance of winning.

Turning slightly, Santiago slid his phone from his back pocket and passed it to Percy. His voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Text Diablo.”

Percy shifted to stand directly behind him, away from curious eyes. “Le diré que vuele su pez el miércoles,” he whispered with conviction.

I’ll tell him to fly his fish on Wednesday.

What in hell was Percy talking about? Santiago didn’t know what was worse—Elijah’s constant butchering of their beautiful language or his mate’s random-ass nonsense.

Should he laugh… or just start carrying earplugs?

This was his life now—ever since his wolf chose Percy. Santiago had felt the moment it happened. In that hospital room, right after he nearly... No. Not now. There were more pressing problems. He could avoid thinking about it later.

His focus snapped back when Matias stepped down one stair, then another. “I asked you a question, officer.”

Behind Santiago, Percy was furiously tapping away on the screen, but he wasn’t sure if the male was telling Diablo to get his ass here or requesting a delivery of flying fish.

He snapped his fingers, pointing toward the screen door just as Gilmore straightened, his barely-there grip on his gun making Santiago’s hackles rise. Matias noticed. He stood a little taller, wearing a look that dared Gilmore to make the first move.

Thank god Percy and Elijah hadn’t argued. They slipped into the house, the screen door creaking shut behind them.

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