“You didn’t strike me as the HOA kind,” I say, slowing as soon as we’re through the gate.
She shrugs. “I wasn’t. My ex-husband insisted we move here. Thankfully, I got the house in the divorce. He couldn’t have afforded it either. He’s a teacher and I’m a pediatrician.”
“Really?” I don’t mean to sound so surprised. “I wouldn’t have guessed that.”
“Not all werewolves are backwoods or poor, you know.”
“That’s not why,” I say and pull over. “You just look young.”
“Oh. It’s werewolf genes, I guess. I’m thirty-four. But, uh, why are you stopping?”
“I need to call Xavier.” I put the SUV in park and take in a steadying breath, getting my phone from my purse. He answers on the first ring this time. “Don’t be mad,” I start.
“So you’re going to do something that’ll make me mad?” he replies.
“Probably. Larkin only wants to meet with me. I cast a sleeping spell on Theo and I’m here. You sent me as a delegate or whatever because you know I can handle shit. You wouldn’t have married someone who couldn’t.”
“Wren, no. You could?—”
“Please, trust me.” Wincing, I end the call. “Okay, where to?”
“Straight.” Delphi doesn’t take her eyes off me as we drive in silence. The street curves and all the houses in here are big and impressive, looking like she’s not the only doctor in this neighborhood. “The blue house on the right.”
I pull into the driveway, parking behind several other cars. Hurrying, I put the SUV in park, kill the engine, and get out. We rush up the sidewalk and into the house. Right away, the energy hits me, making me feel sick.
Delphi’s house is a fancy open-concept ranch. There’s a sitting room to my right, with a cute navy blue, velvet sofa and well-stocked bookshelves. The living room is directly in front of us, and it opens into a large kitchen. Larkin and several other wolves are seated at the dining room table.
“You brought a witch?” a man snarls, eyes glowing yellow.
“Not just any witch,” Larkin starts, smirking as she gets to her feet. “Meet Florence Malus, Xavier’s wife.”
Oh shit. I just walked into a fucking trap.
Chapter
Nineteen
Adrenaline surges through me, and I quickly go over my options. I’m not familiar with the area, I have no weapons, and I’m vastly outnumbered.
“This is my house and she is my guest” Delphi interjects, standing in front of me. “I asked her to come. She has information about the drugs and wants to help.”
“Are you here to confess that your husband is behind this?” A woman with short gray hair gets to her feet. Her eyes are red as if she’s been crying. “My grandson is dead because of you!” She lets out a low growl and several other wolves join in.
“Quiet!” Larkin says, eyes flashing yellow. “I want justice as much as any of you, but we have to take down the right culprit.”
“You’re saying it’s not the vampires?” another wolf asks.
“It’s not,” I say, and apprehensively take a few steps forward. Staying by the door gives me a clear shot at an emergency exit. “Not the Malus vampires at least. Delphi told me a vampire sold the drugs to your kids, and I’m so sorry for what happened. No parent should have to lose a child. But can I tell you with absolute certainty that Xavier is not bringing drugs into the city.”
“You said she’s here to help,” another wolf shouts. “How the fuck is this helping?”
“Because I might know who’s behind this,” I say. “Or at least I’ve found a strange connection.” The energy is still dark and heavy and full of grief. Their anger is palpable and justified. Two kids died of overdoses because the drugs were laced with carfentanil. They never stood a chance once that entered their system.
“Are you going to fucking tell us?” the same wolf shouts.
“If you take it down a notch, I will,” I quip and he growls in response. Once he settles down, I take a few more steps inside. “You’ve probably seen the news reporting an increase in overdoses in the city.”
“We have,” Larkin answers for the pack.
