Page 101 of Stolen By the Alpha Hunter
Our baby is at risk.
I’m one of the last to enter the room, standing at the door and crossing my arms as it shuts behind us. Gideon takes a seat in his throne while Uriel remains standing—or, hovering—at the center. He doesn’t seem remotely afraid of any of us, his guards not moving at all.
“You should know that if you intend to harm me, you will be unsuccessful,” Uriel says. “I’ll slaughter you and your men—and I will leave here without a scratch.”
“I would never hurt an esteemed member of the Heavenly Host,” Gideon says. “I want your help—I pray for your aid.”
“Get to the point,” Uriel says.
Gideon smirks, as if this is just a pleasant chat.
“We want to offer you an army to take out the Austin pack,” he says. “And in return, we want a steady supply of omegas. One or two a year, if you can manage.”
My heart slams once, hard. Asupply. Like they’re a resource. Like they’re livestock.
Uriel looks disgusted. “You lycan and your breeding,” he says. “Why not find your own mates? Don’t you people do that?”
“It’s harder and harder to bring people in from New Orleans and the surrounding areas,” Gideon says smoothly. “They don’t believe in our gospel?—”
“Because your gospel has been corrupted,” Uriel cuts in. “You have neglected your duty to bring people into our ranks, and you have become selfish. Meanwhile, other lycan in your region break with us, actively rebel. We’re losing the South due to your gospel, Gideon.”
I don’t breathe.
Iknewthis was bad. I knew Gideon was a monster. But hearing the words spoken so plainly—a supply of omegas—like it’s a barter system, like women’s bodies are nothing but bargaining chips…
This is bigger than us. Bigger than Peaches. They’re not just holding her…they’re trying to sell off herkind.
Gideon’s voice oozes confidence. “Which is why I want to make amends. With your help, I want to bring the Gulf Pack back to full strength…and I want to take on the Austin wolves.”
There’s a knot of ice forming in my stomach. What am I doing here? Why did Gideonwantme here for this? Does he know what we’ve been planning? Did Ephraim come clean?
Uriel scoffs. “With this many alphas? You would be outnumbered, even against the upstart pack.”
“We know they’ve been a thorn in your side since they took back the city,” Abel cuts in. “You need help.”
“We do not,” Uriel says. “They are a nuisance—nothing more. Annihilating them would be a waste of resources when we are engaged in warfare with the Infernal Legion elsewhere.”
Gideon grins. “And if we did it for you?”
Uriel’s lips curve, revealing a glimpse of silver fangs.
“Well…that would change things. But as I said, you do not have the resources.”
“Which is why we need allies and weapons.”
“The last time we gave you resources, you spat in our faces and stole them,” Uriel says. “Why should I trust you?”
“Because we want what you have to offer.”
"You expect me to treat with you—to trust you," Uriel says coolly, "when you’ve brought a traitor into your midst."
The air stills. Every eye in the room shifts—except mine. I stare forward, heart pounding.
I know who he means. I know.
But I don’t move. Not yet.
"I presume you didn’t know," the Angel continues, turning toward me with those abyssal eyes, "many of us are clairvoyant, Javier Ortega. I see your intentions as they form. I hear your secrets and sins."
