That my heart chose him made me that much madder. “Can we use the link to locate Carmichael?”
“Maybe.” Sloane considered me. “What are you thinking?”
“He’ll never rest until he has me, and he’s already proven he’s willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.” I exhaled. “I’m tired of looking over my shoulder. I understand now what it must have been like for my mother. I don’t want history to repeat. That means I can’t sit back and wait for him to strike.” I had too much to lose. “We need to eliminate the threat before it eliminates us.”
Rían gripped my upper arms, staring down into my face. “Are you sure?”
“I won’t let him hurt anyone else if I can help it. Maybe, with him out of the way, we can negotiate with Mercer. An alliance is asking too much, for now, but a truce would buy us breathing room to formulate contingency plans while they figure out how to function under new leadership.”
“Mercer was willing to kill you to haul the Sartoris out of the downward spiral of obsession,” Sloane said, voice tight. “He’s always been your father—er—Sartori’s yes man, so it’s hard to say what his plans are. I never got the power-hungry vibe from him. He always seemed content in his position. Maybe it really was the Walshes moving in, kickstarting his obsession again, that pushed Mercer to a breaking point.”
But.She didn’t have to say it for me to hear it. Her doubt rang loud and clear.
“He tried to kill you,” Rían rumbled. “That, I can’t forgive.”
“You don’t have to forgive him. I won’t. I won’t trust him either. Not until he’s proven what type of alpha he’s going to be. Even then, we can set down rules that keep Sartoris out of Brentwood. And, hopefully, we can negotiate for permanent access to major roads and businesses outside of town without it devolving into a pissing match.”
“The other prides and packs in the surrounding area have lived in fear of Sartori since he settled here.” Liam frowned. “Mercer was the face of his justice, so I’m not sure how quick the others will be to trust him to lead differently. Assuming he plans to change the status quo.”
“True.” I forced a smile. “But that’s a problem for Future Us.”
“You’re so bloodthirsty and vicious.” Sloane mimed wiping a tear. “Are you sure you don’t want to ditch Rían and be mine? I won’t even make you cook seven nights a week. I would settle forsix. Maybe six and a half since Sunday breakfast is kind of a big deal.”
“How about I hold you in reserve? You can be my spare fiancée. In case Rían and I don’t work out.”
“We’ll work out,” Rían said as Sloan crowed, “Deal.”
“What are your plans?” I tugged on Rían’s sleeve. “Can I talk you into dinner with me?”
Philly cheesesteak eggrolls served with a hot mustard sauce. Chicken tortilla soup. Those I had prepared, and frozen, meaning I only had to thaw out individual portions. Then I could sear salmon filets and serve with an aji amarillo sauce. I might even have a few shrimp for presentation points. Maybe ancient grains pilaf and seasonal vegetables for sides.
Oh.
I had ingredients for crème brûlée cheesecake too.
“Ana Sartori.” A flush of pleasure pinkened his cheeks. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
A date wasn’t what I’d had in mind. Not in so many words. Mostly I wanted to spend more time with him. The more I had of him, the more I wanted, and despite spending the night with him, I was craving a second helping already.
“Depends on if you say yes.” Eyes on his, I tipped my head toward Sloane. “Just so you know, if you turn me down, I’ve got options.”
“Please turn her down,” Sloane whimpered, and I don’t think I imagined drool at the corner of her lips.
“I would be honored to join you for a dinnerdate.” Rían pretended not to hear Sloane sniffling at the loss. “Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there. Let me know what you need from me, and it’s yours.”
“I’ll have Sloane run the details over after I finish planning everything.” I winked at him then drew her away. “Be a good girl, and I’ll save you a plate.”
“Good is asking a lot, but I’ll do my best if I get two helpings of dessert.”
“Deal.” I shook on it. “I’ll make extra just for you.”
Our walk to GSG proved uneventful, and for that, I was grateful. I’d had enough excitement to last me, especially if we moved ahead with my plan to turn my pack bond with Carmichael into a method of tracking his location.
As we rounded the corner of the house, heading to the employee entrance, I spotted a gap in the lattice covering the entrance to the crawl space.
“Ah.” Sloane jerked her chin toward it. “Jess must still be cleaning out her things.”
“We should check and see if she needs any help.”
