"Oh shit," Ford said when doors opened and four men climbed out of the vehicles. "That's Raymond Barker."
"Well, what the hell does he want?" Leon almost snorted at his own question. He knew exactly what Raymond wanted. George's money.
Wasn't going to happen.
Leon stayed where he was, but pushed off from the car. Ford did the same, moving over to stand next to him.
"If trouble starts," Ford whispered, "I'll hold them off. You make a run for it."
Leon glanced at the man. "Are you insane?"
"No, I'm a bear shifter, and so are they. You can't win against them."
Leon fumed. He may be human, but he was also an Army Ranger. He didn't run when things got dicey. "I'm staying."
"Dude—"
"I'm staying, Ford."
Ford's eyes rolled. "I hope you live. George will kick my ass if anything happens to you."
George. Crap.
"Does George know how to fight?" Leon asked.
Ford snorted, but didn't say anything. The incredulous look on his face said it all. George was not a fighter. Leon really hoped he stayed on his run through the woods until this—whatever this was—was over.
"Hey, Raymond," Ford called out. "I didn't know you guys were planning on going for a run."
"We're not," Raymond said as he advanced on them. Two of the men with him flanked either side of him. The other one hung back by the car.
"Then what are you doing out here?"
"You know why I'm here." Raymond glanced around before his eyes came back to Ford and Leon. "Where is he?"
Ford frowned. "Who?"
"Don't be an idiot," Raymond snapped. "Where's your cousin?"
"I have no idea," Ford replied.
Leon had to admit Ford was being truthful. They knew which direction George headed off to, but that didn't mean they knew exactly where he was. He wondered if shifters could smell a lie like they did in the movies.
Raymond's eyes narrowed. "He's here. I know he is. We followed you from lottery headquarters. I want to know where he is."
Leon cocked his head. "Why would you follow us?"
And how had he known they had been at lottery headquarters?
Raymond shot him a small glare, his upper lip curling back. The man clearly did not think much of humans, or maybe it was just Leon he didn't like. Whatever it was, he ignored Leon's question and looked back to Ford.
"If you don't tell me what I want to know, I will banish you from the clan."
Ford laughed. "You can't do that. You're not the alpha."
"No, but I will be. My father is training me to take over for him. When he steps down, the clan will belong to me."
"Still doesn't make you alpha right now," Ford insisted. "So, until you are, there's nothing you can do."
