Page 4 of The Wolf's Kidnapped Mate

I focused on Jermaine. “You’ve got eyes everywhere.”

“I have connections. So does your buddy.”

“I’m well aware.”

Jermaine squinted at me while pointing to the folder. “There’s more for you to review. The task is quite simple. Ensnare the target in a trap with minimal damage.”

“We’ve got the trap part covered.”

“And I’ll handle the security. But I need you to be cautious here, Fred. Everyone is on edge in this pack because of—” His head snapped in the direction of his alpha.

Blake calmly waved. “It’s alright. My mother is at peace now. We don’t have to tiptoe around the subject of that war anymore, Jermaine.”

“I know. It’s just…”

The energy in the room shifted. Metaphorical strings made of fond energy formed between the alpha and his dearly beloved head of security. I could tell they had plenty of history together.

I could relate to that heavily. “It’s alright. Liam briefed me on the attack on your pack by the Gilberts and Myrtles.”

“So, you understand the gravity of this situation,” Jermaine said sharply. “I’m not taking any chances. I want reports on everything you do.”

“You’ll have it. No arguments.”

That response eased the bear shifter a bit. He nodded and tapped the folder. “This is top secret for our pack. Nobody but the people in this room and Liam Mullen have any idea what’s going on.”

Troy frowned while his brows dipped together. “Kylie doesn’t know?”

Blake took a breath and then nodded. “We think it’s best she’s not aware of what’s going on, so her cover isn’t blown.” Before Troy could argue, Blake added, “And that means her conditions are still the same—she’s not permitted to leave the pack. She knows that. I’ve already double-checked with her.”

“Won’t it be suspicious that you checked?” I asked.

“No, she’s grown tired of me checking in,” Blake replied with a laugh. “Jermaine usually keeps tabs on her as well. It wasn’t out of character at all.”

I stared at the folder, absorbing the life of a man who I used to trust. Who Liam used to trust. Who Kylie used to trust.

That man had nearly been the end of everything. And now, I would make sure that things truly ended with him. “Is there anything else? I need to catch a nap before I tail after Kylie tonight.”

“Oh, there is one more thing, Fred,” Blake said.

Troy leaned forward. “We’ve discussed it at length and believe it’s best you participate in all of our usual customs.”

“Yeah, sure,” I said with a shrug. “I won’t argue with that.”

Blake smiled brightly. “Great, then you won’t mind us announcing you as part of the next mate pairing.”

I choked on air. “The nextwhat?”

“Mates are commonly paired in our packs,” Troy explained confidently. “Blake plans on releasing the next set of pairs tomorrow during our meeting. He wants you to be one of them.”

I didn’t usually experience panic like this. But I wasn’t one to be thrown into situations like this. Not without being paid. “I don’t know about all that.”

“You’re one of us now,” Blake said pointedly. “That means you act like one of us. It’s the best way to protect your mission.”

I glared at the table—because something needed to sustain my wrath, and I wasn’t about to turn it toward any of the three shifters in this room. I’d reserve most of it for when we caught up to Bernadetti. He deserved it more than anybody.

And heck, it wasn’t like I had to go through with the whole mating ritual thing I’d seen these guys do. No, this was just part of my cover. I would do my time, pay my dues, and then bounce when everything was said and done.

It wouldn’t take long at all. Three weeks, tops. By then, any sane woman would want me out of her life. I could get back to being on my own.

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