UNCLE NEIL
“Royal?”Uncle Neil sounds surprised to see me.
I turn from where I’m pulling together a munitions order for one of our mercenaries while taking stock of what needs to be supplied at this drop location at the same time.
I pitch his name back to him in the same questioning tone. “Uncle Neil?”
Why is he here?My wolf starts questioning, his hackles raising. He’s never liked my uncle.
“What are you doing out here?” He narrows his eyes at me while closing the service door to the mansion’s garage behind him.
I asked that first.My wolf draws a mental map of where we are, trying to find logic in why we’d be in the same place together.
This cache, an unassuming mansion, nestled among other mansions in Barrington, isn’t exactly remote, maybe seven miles from my parents’ house and another ten from Valor’s.
“Well, I’m here. I’ve got gun cases, a clipboard, and a pen.” I gesture between the items as I list them off before waggling the pen.
Uncle Neil huffs. “Yes, but why are you doing that? Shouldn’t you be in your tech cave working on something more important?”
I shrug. He isn’t normally in my business. The technophobe is usually content to let me do whatever needs to be done and respect my work process. But the way my wolf is on edge has me pressing for information. “What’s with the third degree?”
“Can’t I wonder why we’re not using our assets to their fullest potential?” He stands up a little straighter, the posturing meant to put me in my place.
He’s not just my uncle, but he’s the pack second-in-command. He outranks me not only by being my elder but by title. It won’t be until Dad retires and Valor takes over as alpha that Uncle Neil and I will be on a level playing field as options for second-in-command. Assuming Neil doesn’t retire with Dad. It’ll be Valor’s choice between us.
So... I really should consider backing down, but my wolf, pacing and snarling in my mind, won’t let me. “Can’t I wonder why the pack second is out running around to all sorts of weapons caches at all hours of the day?”
The color drains from his face.
Why is he so suspicious?My wolf snaps his teeth.
Uncle Neil tries to hide his unnerved response with a thick dose of bureaucracy. “I do work that’s above your rank. You let me worry about me, and you worry about you.”
I turn away from him back toward my work, fighting my eyes from rolling. “As you wish.”
My wolf keeps focus on him, and in my peripheral vision, I watch as he leans up against one of the shelving units, crossing his arms. “Why is it always so tense between you and me? Valor and I butt heads, but I figure that’s just him trying to take over as pack alpha soon. I’d think you’d be more laid back. It doesn’t seem like you’re too eager to take my place.”
My phone vibrates on the table behind me, but I ignore it. “Who said I don’t want to take over as pack second someday?”
“I’m just saying you’re not exactly one to hang out with the pack. You’re kind of a lone wolf and enjoy it that way. You maybe wouldn’t like having a bunch of extra responsibility. You and I’d maybe get along better if you weren’t feeling the pressure from your dad and brother to become second.” He uncrosses his arms and shoves one hand into his pocket.
Danger?My wolf questions.
Neil scrubs his other hand down his face. “I just wish I’d get to know my nephew better is all.”
Suspicion plagues me, but I want to get outof here and back to stalking Leticia. I can’t exactly do that while holed up in this cache all day.
“Maybe some other time, Uncle Neil. I’ve got a busy schedule today.” I wave the clipboard a little. “I’m almost done with this, and I’ll be out of your way.”
“Alright, I’m going to go make a cup of coffee.” He pushes off the racking. “But, Royal. I can count on you if something were to happen?”
“Like what?” I furrow my brow, pinning him with my question. I set down the clipboard and pen and grab the next gun I need for the order.
“Like something happens with a buyer. You’d have my back just as much as you’d have Valor’s?” Uncle Neil says Valor’s name like it’s distasteful in his mouth.
Nowmyhackles rise. The wolf inside me is still on edge and ready to move.
I square my shoulders and think through the movements for the easiest access to a loaded firearm. My ankle holster or managing a magazine from the table next to me. “I have always done my duty to our pack. I don’t know why anyone would question that.”
