Page 2 of To Hunt A Wolf
“First of all, even if I wanted to agree, I’m abstaining since talking bad about my alpha will get me locked up,” I remind her, noting the current pack law prohibiting alpha-bashing. “And second, this is my job, Kar. So, yeah, I kind of have to do it.”
“You could tell him the mark left town.”
Her voice is so hopeful it makes my heart hurt.
Kari might be the alpha’s daughter, but she’s the sweetest, kindest person I’ve ever met. Kind of crazy considering her father is one of the cruelest. Then again, I’m definitely no innocent, either.
“If I do that,” I tell her, “Your dad will just order me to leave town to chase him down.”
Kari huffs.
Neither of us presses that idea. We both know my presence here is the only thing keeping Kari safe these days. Her family is Grade-A psycho-pants when it comes to hierarchy and inheritances. Kari is third in line for the alpha seat, but that hasn’t stopped her two older brothers from threatening her life in order to keep their spots secure. Their lifelong obsession with stepping on one another to climb to the top has only gotten worse as we’ve gotten older. Kari’s friends have deserted her. Except me. I’m just crazy enough to stay and stand between her and them.
Yeah, the Black Moon pack is kind of a shit show. We’re complicated, dark-hearted bastards, every one of us. Except for maybe Kari. If we’re the monsters who slither in the dark, she’s dawn’s light. Except, one of these days, even she won’t be able to chase away the shadows that lie in wait.
On a sigh, I unclip my seat belt and reach for the door handle.
“Mac, listen.”
Kari’s voice stopping me yet again elicits a groan. “I know, I know. You hate this,” I say, but she shakes her head, her brown eyes pinched in worry.
“I do, but that’s not what I was going to say. Listen, my dad’s been weird lately. Angrier and grumpier than usual.”
I snort. “That’s saying a lot.”
“I know. That’s my point. Something’s up. His security teams have been replaced twice in the last week.”
“Why? Did something else happen? I mean other than…”
I can’t bring myself to finish the sentence.
Kari’s face falls, and I curse myself for being an idiot.
But she just shrugs and forces her gaze back to mine. “I don’t know. But whatever’s going on… Just keep your eyes open, okay?”
“Head on a swivel, got it.”
She sighs. “I wish Vicki were here.”
My chest pangs at her words.
If anyone else said that to me, I’d be offended. My mother’s reputation as the best bounty hunter this side of the Mississippi leaves me as second best, no matter what I do. Growing up in her shadow wasn’t exactly rainbows and unicorns. But on this, Kari and I agree. For once, I’d be happy to pass this job offer on to her instead. Except that we both know that wouldn’t work.
“Your dad asked for me specifically,” I remind her.
“Yeah.” She tries—and fails—to give me a smile. Instead, it’s a grimace. But I know she means it when she says, “That’s because you’re the best there is, Mac. Now go hunt bounty and stuff.”
“Fine, but only because you asked nicely.”
I grin as I climb out into the darkness. The air is cool. Early spring in the mountains has a sharpness to it that nips at my skin. My tank top and tight pants aren’t just a costume to help me blend in; they’re a staple of my wardrobe. Seriously, the day I show up in a dress is the day to check Hell for ice.
Propping the door with one hand, I turn to peer in at Kari. “Don’t wait up, Mother.”
She snorts and gives me the finger.
I shut the door and head for the club.
Behind me, I listen to Kari start her car and pull out of the lot. I don’t exhale until I hear her make the turn onto the main road. Crigger would flip if he knew his precious princess came even this far with me. On this, we agree. Kari doesn’t need to be involved in what I do.
