Atticus wondered if he might have seen him in the club before. So many people came and went, and he didn’t know all their names. “Who’s Deacon?”
Krys scraped his teeth over his bottom lip. “The fucker who tried to get Lucian killed. He was vying for beta in our group.”
“He was on your land?”
Archer took over the conversation. “Tak might have told you he put out an ad for packmates. Our group came down on a bus, Deacon included. He was a real piece of work, always trying to control the situation. Deacon used to be a hotshot beta for a pack out west and thought he was entitled to the position, but Lakota already had it. He and Lucian had issues before we got here, but then it got worse.”
Lucian’s eyebrow arched as his gaze slanted to the side. There was obviously more to the story than just conflicting personalities.
Archer rubbed his chin. “We ran into some trouble, and a couple of our guys were shot up. Deacon wanted to leave Lucian for dead. Tak wanted to get to the truth, and Deacon split. He doesn’t believe Chitahs belong in a pack. I don’t think he liked me either for obvious reasons. That’s not the kind of man you want as beta. The beta’s the guy you go to—the one who resolves pack issues and strengthens bonds. I don’t know what the hell is going on over at Hamish’s pack now with Deacon second in charge. I didn’t even realize he was hanging out with Hamish’s people.”
“Was he in their pack all this time?” Atticus asked.
Archer shrugged. “I’m surprised his head didn’t explode from ego overload.Shit.Now we have to deal with that megalomaniac.” Archer ran his fingers through the bleached tipsof his hair. “You just know he’s dying to rub it in when he sees us.”
Unfortunately, they had to deal with Hamish, but it wasn’t an ideal situation to have your enemy as your neighbor.
“Maybe you should have a peace party,” Atticus suggested.
Lucian scoffed before chugging his beer.
“You don’t have to make friends to make peace,” Atticus pointed out. “It’s not good to live in fear of what your neighbor might be up to.”
“We’re not scared of Hamish,” Archer countered. “He couldn’t seize our land even if he tried. The Council put a cap on how much territory he can own, so if he attempts a land grab, it’ll be in vain.”
Krys eased in closer and folded his arms on the table. “Really? Because the Council out here ain’t that big, and we don’t know them. He might bribe one of them.”
Lucian set down his drink. “Councilwoman Eden isn’t like that.”
Archer scratched his throat where a crown of thorns tattoo wrapped around his neck. “Eden’s cool, but I don’t know the others.”
Krys let his bottle swing between his fingers while locking eyes with his cousin. “What if someone takes out the Council? Do you think any of the big-city Councils give a shit what goes on out here in the sticks? Who would replace them? Probably no one. They’re theonlything standing between Hamish going for our land.”
“You and your doomsday predictions. Don’t give me a headache.” Archer rubbed his eye. “I came here to have a beer with the man who’s shacking up with Joy.” He regarded Atticus with a flicker of curiosity. “Salem’s been keeping himself extra busy. It must be awkward as hell between you two.”
Atticus laced his fingers together. “If there’s any awkwardness, it’s on his end. Joy and I are too busy enjoying our time together.”
“I thought they were a good-looking couple.”
Atticus gave a crooked smile. “I’m not attractive?”
Archer laughed under his breath. “You’re too good-looking. Maybe Joy’s gone all swoony over you without thinking it through.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, Joy isn’t impetuous.”
Archer nodded. “True.”
“Hey there.” A black-haired beauty with fuchsia lipstick eased between Archer and Lucian. “Can I join? Or is this a private party?”
Archer gave her a tight grin. “I’m taken, cutie pie.”
“I wasn’t asking about you.” Her eyes settled on Krys like a flame on gasoline. “Who wants to buy a thirsty girl a drink? I could use some company tonight.”
Krys’s dark eyebrows knitted together as he reached for his beer. “Sorry, honey. We’re in the middle of something.”
She strutted over between Krys and Lucian and touched each of their shoulders. “I’dlike to be in the middle of something.”
Krys flicked a glance around the table. “Maybe later.”
