Page 81 of Moonlight and Mischief
Ferris’s cold eyes narrow as he stalks toward us. “I have everything I want, and we will get your wolves eventually. Why should I make any concessions?”
“When you negotiate with us, you’ll find out,” I say, meeting his stare boldly. I’m baiting him. He will make mistakes if he’s angry. Maybe.
“Where are our wolves that you are holding hostage? I’d like to verify their safety,” Slate demands.
“Don’t worry, they’re all settled in some cabin,” Sienna says with a dismissive wave, her irritation sharpening her words.
My eyes flicker to the doorway, tracking the fading light. It’s our only signal for when our teammates will move.
The red-headed wolf called Hawk stands at the doorway, gripping the frame as if he doesn’t want to be forced any closer. His eyebrows arch at the sight of us with our hands shackled behind us. “Alphas, the Zetashave been unable to break into the supply shed. What would you like us to do?”
Behind Hawk, a slim girl with dark eyes and shoulder-length navy hair stalks forward. My sister. Unlike her Intended, she shows nothing but delight at my vulnerable position.
“Burn it,” Ferris says without hesitation. Ember’s mouth curves into a smile.
Sienna whirls, glaring at him. “Absolutely not. Use the captives. Surely one of them knows how to unlock it.” She turns toward Hawk. “Use whatever force is necessary to persuade them.”
Hawk looks between them, lines creasing his forehead.
“It’s fine,” Ferris says, dismissing him by turning his back.
Ember scoffs, crossing her arms petulantly. Still scowling, she moves away from her future mate to stand behind her mother. Those glittering dark eyes regard us as something vile yet interesting, like exotic roadkill.
With a smile that shows fangs, Sienna advances on us. “So what are you able to offer us?”
I raise my chin. “We need some assurances first. Like where is Hawthorne?”
“Oh the Gamma?” Sienna asks. “Somewhere around here.” I wish I could read the thoughts behind her cold eyes, but she’s as veiled as ever.
“Is he alive?” Slate asks.
“For now,” Ferris growls.
Sienna sighs as if this is all tedious. I adjust my stance, trying to take the pressure off my injuries. Her eyes snap to the movement.
“What is this?” Her voice finally sounds surprised. She tugs my shirt aside, revealing the claim mark Marigold left last night. Even with two decades of experience dealing with her, I’m unable to read the expressions crossing her face.
“Well?” she demands.
“I guess that information can be a part of our bargain,” Slate says. My hands clench into fists at the idea, but I trust him.
“Fine,” Sienna huffs, turning back toward Ferris. “Why don’t we sit down and have a talk.”
Without looking at her, Ferris sinks back into his seat. “Whatever my mate desires.” Sarcasm stretches his words. My mother does not appreciate being patronized. Her shoulders tighten as she sits delicately beside him.
Awkwardly, we perch on benches a few feet away from our mother, further from Ferris. Ember stands behind her father, her stance deceivingly relaxed. It’s impossible to miss her hand drifting to the blade she wears concealed at her hip. If Ferris was to say the word, she would likely murder Slate without a second thought, and perhaps me as well.
“Now, tell us what you had in mind,” Sienna says.
MARIGOLD
“They’re in the training building like we expected,” Onyx says, studying the battered drone controller in his hands. Muscles tense, he stands like a soldier and not the irreverent friend I grew up with.
“Can you see how many wolves are surrounding them?” Hazel asks in clipped tones, her eyes peering through the trees although we are too far to see our targets.
He shakes his head, his dirty blonde hair falling over his forehead. “No, I can’t get any closer without tipping them off. Sorry.”
“Thank you for being cautious,” I say. Worry knots my gut. My mate is in the enemy’s hands, and I have to trust they won’t hurt him before we can free them.
