Chapter 33
“There’s probably a reasonable explanation for this,” Colter stated, though the look on his face mirrored the one Murphy felt creeping onto his. Disbelief. Skepticism. And the stirring of anger.
Above all that, Murphy couldn’t help but feel the sting of betrayal rise up, his bear clawing at his mind in its urge to take control and track down their oldest friend, a friend who had seemingly lied to them.
What was Marcus doing so far from their territory? Why pretend to be ill if he was well enough to travel this far from clan territory, to the very place he’d scented his twin brother last week?
Murphy knew the answer, and it pained him to admit it. His bear whined in response, the mournful sound a direct contrast to the fire building within him.
Marcus had found Dante.
It was the only answer Murphy could think of that would lead the other male to lie to his friends. After everything that had transpired, he’d chosen to protect his brother. He’d chosen the bonds of blood over all else.
“Yeah, I’m sure Marcus just wanted soup for his sore throat so he drove an hour away from clan territory to get it,” Jasper deadpanned.
“He could have,” Colter muttered irritably.
Jasper huffed. “Don’t be a moron, man. We both know that’s not why he’s here.”
“Didn’t Marcus tell you he scented Dante in this area?” Zeke asked, furrowing his brow as he voiced what they were all thinking.
Murphy didn’t respond. Instead, he reached out to Marcus telepathically.Where are you?
It was almost impossible to keep his tone inquisitive and not accusatory, but he somehow managed it, reminding himself that there could still be a plausible explanation for his tracker’s presence in town that had nothing to do with his missing twin.
The other male’s mind brushed against his, followed by nothing but silence. It stretched over a few seconds, each one causing Murphy’s blood pressure to skyrocket. His bear snapped its jaws impatiently, wishing they had something to attack in order to alleviate some of their growing anger.
Marcus?Murphy tried again, spitting out the name like a curse as the last of his goodwill fled.
Hey, Murph,Marcus eventually replied, sounding far more tired than Murphy expected.What’s up?
The response was so nonchalant, Murphy’s vision flashed red as fury consumed him.
He growled, the ominous sound startling a pedestrian passing them on the sidewalk. The woman jumped, grabbing at her chest before rushing through the pizza parlor’s open door.
“What’s going on?” Nessa asked, turning her head to study the males around her. “Did something happen to Marcus?”
“I have a feeling something’s about to,” Jasper said with a grimace, his gaze sympathetic as it shifted to Murphy.
“You really think he’s found Dante and is keeping it to himself? After everything?” Colter asked.
Zeke crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I don’t want to say anything like that, but …” He shook his head in disappointment. “But I know we’re all thinking it.”
“What’s the game plan?” Jasper focused on Murphy. “Track Marcus down? Beat him senseless? Throw him in the dungeon for a week?”
Murphy’s bear chuffed in approval, liking the sound of that.
Nessa laughed. When no one joined in, her lips parted in shock. “That’s a joke. Right?” She spun around to face Murphy, her eyes wide. “Right? Don’t tell me you have adungeon,” she hissed.
He didn’t answer, fists clenching at his sides as he attempted to cool his temper. He refused to lash out at anyone, especially Nessa. The only words he’d ever speak to her would be in reverence and out of love.
He’d save his ire for Marcus when he got hold of that damned male.
“Murphy …” Nessa’s palm settled over his fist. Slowly, she unfurled his fingers before taking his hand and squeezing. “Whatever is going on, it’ll be alright.”
He exhaled roughly, some of the tension draining from his shoulders. He lifted Nessa up and into his arms, her squeak ofsurprise like a balm for his senses. Locking his arms around her waist, he buried his face in her neck, her scent grounding him.
His bear settled, and as Marcus’s mind brushed against his once more, Murphy no longer felt the sting of rage bubbling in his veins. Instead, he just felt tired; a type of weariness that started in his soul, slowly leaking out of him until it spread everywhere, tainting his body and mind.
