Dylon sat and waited.
“Congratulations on your mating, son. Your mother and I are very happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
“We were very surprised when you told us you found Cody. Happy but surprised.”
“Dad, enough with the small talk. What do you want?”
“I have a job offer for you and…”
“I’m not interested.”
“Well you might be in this one. I spoke with Alpha Silver Point and told him you hadn’t been in contact with me because you’d found your Fated Mate. Then Josiah asked me to pass along a message…well more of an offer. He is offering you the job of head enforcer at Silver Point Pack.”
Dylon was dumbfounded but masked his reaction.What fucking game are they playing? Rudy orders me beaten nearly to death and now I’m offered a job like that? Wait until I tell Jackson.“That’s quite an offer, however, you already know there’s bad blood between the BlackwoodPack and Silver Point Pack. I don’t know why you’re even telling me about it. So, fess up, Dad, what game are you playing with me?”
Frank smiled to himself. His son was sharp and had a mind like a steel trap. That was exactly the reason he’d always pushed Dylon to join the High Council. “How’s Cody? Jackson said he wasn’t feeling well.”
Dylon growled. “Okay have it your way. No, I’m not interested in the job at Silver Point and I’m not interested in working for the High Council. My mate belongs here and so do I. Now, if you will excuse me, tell Mom I hope she has a great time and I will see her when she gets back.” Standing, he then added, “And I don’t know why you pulled that stunt at dinner the other night, but if you ever disrespect my Alpha again like that, I won’t wait for him to act. I’ll throw you out myself. This is my home now and I expect you to respect it as you would for any other wolf.”
“Dylon, wait. I’m sorry. Look, I’m worried about your safety in the Blackwood Pack. Yes, you’re right. I know about the complaint Jackson filed against Silver Point. I tried to talk to Jackson about it, but he refused. Why is that, do you suppose? Here’s a golden opportunity for him to have the ear of a council member and yet he wouldn’t discuss it.”
“Did you ask him why?”
“Of course, I did. He fobbed off some excuse about me having a conflict of interest.”
“You don’t think you have one?”
“No, I’m Vice Chair of the High Council. It’s my job. Jackson’s complaint will come before me and I have the right to talk to the parties involved.”
“Well, I don’t know about that but I’m very safe here…and happy.”
“What do you know about Jackson? He hasn’t had a lot of experience as an Alpha. How can you be sure of anything?”
“Is that what’s bothering you? He bested you without lifting a finger?”
“How do you know about that?”
“Jackson told me. Frankly, I find it funny as hell. I’ve seen you throw your Alpha balls around and everyone cowers. But you know what they say? Be careful because there’s always a faster gun.”
“I wasn’t throwing my ‘Alpha balls’ around as you so crudely put it. I do it to find out how an Alpha reacts…especially when a complaint has been filed. You know that.”
“What did you learn about Jackson?”
“His responses are measured. He only does what is necessary to protect his pack.”
“And?”
“I believe he is telling the truth about the massacre. But that is only my opinion. If push comes to shove, the High Council will require Jackson to produce an eyewitness.” Frank’s eyes bored into his son’s. “When you worked for the Silver Point pack, did you hear any talk about what happened?”
“No, all I knew was what I was told. Jackson and his brothers killed Josiah’s brother and the rest of the family which is why a kill-on-sight order had been issued. It was ultimately rescinded, and all the enforcers had to sign an acknowledgement and acceptance of it which is why you have a copy of mine in your file.”
“Right. I’m going to review the file while I’m cooling my heels in San Francisco. This whole affair doesn’t pass the smell test. If Jackson’s complaint is accurate, then I don’t think Josiah will give up his quest to kill this pack as everyone believes. And if I’m correct, your mate and his brothers are still in danger…and it now includes you. It won’t take long for Josiah to figure out which pack your Fated Mate came from.”
“I can take care of myself and my mate, Dad.”
“Yes, I know. But your mate will fight with his brothers and that will involve you, so understand that.”
