Gunner shifted forward. “We handled Greenbriar by the old rules. They poisoned our water—killed seven of our own, including a damn child. They came at us. We mopped the floor. I assume nobody is questioning our response.”
Bronc met Gunner’s stare. “He’s gonna make damn sure nobody gets the chance. He’s using our situation as leverage.”
Wrecker grunted. “King Rafe doesn’t breathe unless he can profit from it. So who’s he aiming at?”
“Look, we know there is no love lost between Rafe and the demons,” Bronc answered. “It’s about the same with that vampire prick. Rafe wants to lay the water attack at their feet and force a formalalliance among shifters. There’s no taking out those factions, but maybe that can be weakened or something. Shit, I don’t know why Rafe does what Rafe does. But he’s our king, and we gotta believe he’ll stand up for us. Plus, Menace may be the Midwest king, but he’s our king too. If it’s possible to make them pay for the attack, they had a hand in, I’m all for it.”
There was a beat of silence. My wolf, usually calm, bristled with the memory of the attack on our compound: the first death had been quick, the rest less so. We buried the child ourselves. When it came to payback, Iron Valor hadn’t left a single Greenbriar standing.
“He’s not wrong about the demons,” I said, remembering how they’d attacked me in that field. They’d literally killed me and possessed my body. “I’d like them to pay for what they did to me.” I said with a shiver, then continued. “And they’re getting bolder. Maltraz is trying to carve a route across New Mexico, and the vamps run supplies for him.”
Juliet’s lips twisted. “Supplies. You mean human cargo.”
I nodded. “And witches. They’re abducting the solitary ones anywhere they can nab ‘em. The ones with real power.”
Doc slid his hands into his hoodie, knuckles white. “How do we get ahead of it?”
Bronc flicked his gaze at me. “You and Wrecker and Parker take point on the research. Every move Maltraz or Otero’s made in the last twelve months, I want it on my desk after the ceremony. Gunner, you’re in charge of security at the compound. Have Tyler help with double patrols, all hours.Juliet, you coordinate with Pearl—if there’s a threat to the young or the elders, I want them safe before anyone else knows there’s danger.”
He ran through the rest of the assignments, his voice never raising, but every word hammered into our skulls. If he told us to jump, we’d ask how high on the way up.
Wrecker set his mug down. “This all means we need to pull off the mating ceremony without a hitch. If there’s trouble, it’ll happen while the pack’s focused on the party.”
Juliet smirked. “Typical. We can’t even have a mating night without plotting murder.”
Bronc’s face softened, just a hair. “Three weeks. It’s happening. Whether Rafe’s Council goes to shit or not.”
Pearl breezed in through the side door, carrying a tray of fresh biscuits and a carafe that steamed like a volcano. She wore pearls around her neck and a look that could shush a hurricane.
“Y’all look like you’re about to start a funeral instead of a wedding,” she said, setting the tray down. “Eat. I need the bridegroom and his Luna alive, not plotting world domination on empty stomachs.”
“Thank you, Ma,” Bronc said, meaning it.
Pearl poured coffee for everyone, topping off my cup, black the way I liked it. She eyed the rest of us. “So, have you picked a cake yet, or are you planning on serving Little Debbies to 200 hungry wolves?”
Juliet raised an eyebrow. “You think I’m eating cake with this morning sickness? Not a chance.”
Pearl winked. “You could at least taste it. There’s a new bakery on the square, open just this morning. Owner’s adorable. But she’s definitely not human. And she’s not wolf, either.”
Gunner perked up. “She single?”
Pearl shot him a glare. “That’s not what you should be asking, young man. But yes. Single. Runs the place solo, and rumor is she bakes a cinnamon roll so good it’s practicallyillegal.”
Gunner grinned. “I’ll volunteer to be taster.”
“No, you won’t,” Juliet said. “You’re on security. Big Papa, you go.”
It took me a second to realize she had toldmeto go. I blinked. “Why me?”
“Because you’re the only one with a palate. And you’re the only person I trust not to sleep with the baker before we’ve even hired her,” Juliet said, deadpan.
Even Bronc cracked a smile. “She’s right. You’re the best we’ve got.”
I tried to protest, but Pearl just patted my arm. “It’s settled. Go around noon, be nice to her, and don’t scare her off. She’s new to Dairyville and looks like she’s been through hell. You, of all people, should understand that, son.”
The room dissolved into laughter and groans. I finished my coffee and watched the others file out, each to their assignments, their burdens stitched into the backs of their jackets. Bronc lingered a moment, giving me that measured, piercing look.
He nodded once, then left, boots thudding down the hall. I could hear Juliet scolding Wrecker in the hallway for not bringing Parker, Gunner’s laughter booming, and Pearl’s voice trailing after her son like a prayer.
