Page 123 of Broken Wolf Heart
Dutch holds out a glass. “Yeah, but you’re going to want one of these.”
Razor takes one, but Crow shakes his head and takes up a spot against the shelf by the window.
I listen as Grey tells them what Charlie said about Vincenzo and his new lab.
“How could he be stronger, though?” Razor’s eyes narrow skeptically. “You can’t just become more alpha. I mean, I’m not a scientist, but even I know that’s not how it works.
Dutch folds his arms, tense and restless. “Maybe Vincenzo knows something we don’t. Dr. Severin clearly held back information when we spoke to him before. He was hiding something even then.”
“He never intended to fight with politics,” Grey says quietly, voice edged with grim realization. “He always planned to use brute force. He just wanted to be strong enough first.”
I stare at Grey, dread pooling in my gut. He’s right. All the posturing, the accusations, the media—a political battle was never Vincenzo’s endgame. It was always violence. Always bloodshed.
“What’s the play?” Razor asks, restless already, and I know he wants to fight. Right now, tonight.
“We need to verify Charlie’s information,” I say, and Grey nods. “But once we do, we’re going to get Andy back, whatever it takes.”
“Fucking right we are,” Dutch echoes.
Crow steps forward. “Razor and I will go now to scout.”
Razor nods in agreement, face grim. “That asshole’s just fucked with us for the last time.”
I meet each of their eyes, heart swelling with gratitude and fear. “Be careful. We don’t know how many guards he has, but I think we should assume he’ll be watching for us.”
“We should double the patrols around this place for tonight,” Dutch adds.
“I’ll go talk to Donahue,” I say wearily.
“I got it.” Razor starts for the door.
“Thanks,” I tell him gratefully. When they’re gone, I turn to Grey. “Someone should check on your mom,” I say.
“I’ll do it.” Dutch drains his glass again too, before setting it aside. “My wolf could use a run right now.”
“Thanks, call if there’s anything,” Grey tells him.
“Back at you, brother.”
When we’re alone, Grey’s expression is tight.
“I want to go tonight,” I say.
“I know.”
“What if something happens to her before we get there?”
“It won’t.”
“You don’t know that.”
“You’re right,” he admits. “But I know my father. And if we go in there before we have a solid plan, we’ll lose. And that won’t help her either.”
I swallow the frustrated scream that builds in my throat. He’s right, but it still sucks. Around us, the house feels suddenly much quieter and emptier. The shadows longer.
“We should try to get some sleep,” I say reluctantly.
“You go ahead. I’ll be up soon.”
