Connor stepped closer, his presence solid at Leyden’s side. “Where were the last sightings?”
“Western ridge near the old logging road.” Marcus pulled out his phone, showing the mapped locations. “They’re circling the same area. Like they’re waiting for something.”
“They’re waiting for us,” Connor said grimly. “They want a confrontation.”
Leyden studied the map, noting the pattern. Connor was right - the rogues were being too obvious. Too careless. Baiting them.
Fine. Leyden would give them exactly what they wanted.
“Janet, take two enforcers and approach from the north. Marcus, circle around from the south with the others.” Leyden’s alpha power rolled through his voice, commanding absolute obedience. “Connor and I will come through the center. Drive them toward us.”
“Alpha…” Marcus started.
“That’s an order.”
The enforcers moved out, disappearing into the trees. Connor stood beside Leyden, face carved from stone.
“You think it’s Clancy,” Connor said. Not a question.
“I know it is. He was always vindictive. Probably convinced the others that I’m weak because I defended you.”
Connor’s eyes flashed gold. “Good. I’ve been wanting a word with him about that.”
Leyden caught Connor’s wrist before he could stalk into the forest. “We do this smart. No unnecessary risks.”
“Understood.” Connor’s wolf pressed close to the surface. “But if he threatens you…”
“Then you let me handle it. I’m the alpha.”
“And I’m your mate.” Connor’s voice dropped to a growl. “Nobody touches you. Not on my watch.”
The possessiveness in Connor’s tone sent heat straight through Leyden’s chest. The man who the Fates determined perfect for him was ready to fight beside him – fight for him.He really is perfect for me.
“Come on,” Leyden said. “Let’s go remind these assholes why they got banished in the first place.”
/~/~/~/~/
They found the rogues exactly where Marcus had indicated they would be - waiting in a clearing near the old logging road.
Six wolves in human form, all Leyden’s former enforcers. Clancy stood at the center, arms crossed and a sneer twisting his face.
“Alpha Leyden,” Clancy drawled, making the title sound like an insult. “I figured you’d show up eventually. You could never bear it if anyone was having fun in your territory.”
Leyden stepped into the clearing, Connor a half-step behind and to his left. Perfect positioning - close enough to defend, far enough to react independently.
“You’ve ten seconds to leave my territory before I rip your throats out.”
Clancy laughed. “Tough talk from an alpha who can’t even fuck his own mate.”
The other rogues snickered. Leyden felt Connor’s rage spike through the bond, but his mate stayed still.
That was good. Clancy wanted a reaction, he wanted them angry and sloppy.
“Eight seconds,” Leyden said calmly.
“We’re not going anywhere.” Clancy took a step forward. “You banished us for defending the pack’s honor. For pointing out that you’re too weak to lead.”
“You attacked me in a group of nine because you didn’t have the balls to challenge me properly.” Leyden’s alpha power flooded the clearing, pressing down on every wolf present. “That’s not defending honor. That’s cowardice.”
