Bernard swung around at the shout behind him. Waylon and fifteen other members of the Wulfe pack stood in the yard. He was in his sheriff’s gear with his hands on his hips, as if ready to pull his gun.
Aspen moved to Leif’s side and clung to his arm.
Bernard swapped targets. “You’re not the alpha of this group. I am.” Malice dripped from Bernard’s lips.
Waylon wore a friendly smile even as he radiated power and danger. “Now, you know damn well that’s not true.”
Leif exchanged a glance with Aspen. This was new information.
“I’m alpha of the entire northwest. You’re just some bear playacting.”
Grumbles rumbled among the bear pack.
Bernard’s rage practically crackled from him. “Don’t toy with me, wolf. I’m here for one of mine. If I have to tread through you to get to him, I will.”
Leif pushed Aspen back to stand behind him. “You won’t live long enough to reach him.”
Bernard never acknowledged Leif. His focus was officially stolen by the wolf claiming to be his alpha. Leif could see his every thought. He fully intended to leave here with a tattered Aspen and all of Aspen’s money. But he would be damned if he left here with anyone thinking they were above him. If he didn’t have a full chokehold on his bears, he knew the hardened grizzlies would never bow to him.
“No bear will ever bow to a wolf.” He took a step in Waylon’s direction.
Frost and Gemini literally appeared out of nowhere at Waylon’s side. “What’s going on here? Is everything okay?” Frost held his doctor’s bag. His entire demeanor screamed concern.
Every head turned Frost’s way.
Bernard obviously saw his chance. He ran and leapt, seemingly intent on catching Waylon off guard.
Frost’s eyes widened. His arm shot out. It was like everything happened in the blink of an eye yet still in slow motion. Like he was nothing but a tiny bird, Frost snatched Bernard from the air and tossed him to the ground. He easily held him down while Bernard swiped at Frost’s legs. Frost’s power was on full display. It was beyond obvious Frost’s hold kept Bernard from shifting and his blows were like butterflies landing on Frost’s legs.
“For Goddess’ sake. What in the—”
A loud roar rent the air, making the ground shake, and cutting off Frost. Lucifer appeared like a wraith of fury. His eyes were solid black, and his fangs were on full display. Bernard was ripped from Frost’s hold. Lucifer held Bernard in the air with one arm—like a rag doll. “You attacked my son.” It wasn’t a scream. Lucifer’s words were growled in a chilling tone that made the hair stand up on the back of Leif’s neck.
As someone who witnessed Lucifer pluck Audor’s leg from his body, this was still the most terrifying thing Leif ever witnessed. Everyone was frozen. Fear clogged the air. No one wanted to move and catch Lucifer’s attention. But Leif could practically feel the way everyone wanted to look at Frost at Lucifer’s words.
Lucifer’s voice turned even scarier. “No one touches my son.” With the smallest of shakes, Bernard vanished. He simply wasn’t there any longer. Lucifer turned his ire Frost’s way. He pointed at Frost. “You.” He pointed at Gemini. “And you. Let’s go.”
While Gemini and Frost exchanged glances, they didn’t argue. They followed Lucifer’s lead, and the three disappeared together.
“Where did he go?” The bears shifted uneasily and looked at each other like they had no idea what to do now. “Do we go look for him or what?”
Another confused bear shrugged. “I mean, where do we even start?”
“Oh, he’sdead, dead,” Leif said, breaking things down for them.
“You’ve got thirty minutes to get out of my town.”
The bear pack jumped as if startled. This time, they didn’t hesitate to move their asses at Waylon’s command. The remaining bears rushed down the stairs. Bullies were useless without their leader.
“Well, I’ve officially seen it all.”
A laugh burst from Leif at Aspen’s claim. His tone was funny as hell. Aspen wrapped his arms around Leif and set his chin on Leif’s shoulder. “I haven’t seen you in this outfit in a long time. Your ass looks amazing in leather.”
Leif shook his head. It had been one hell of a day. Yet—somehow—Aspen still made Leif smile.
Aspen knew he should feel some sort of way about very likely witnessing his father’s death. He didn’t. Bernard had meant less than nothing to him for a damn long time. He was practically a stranger. A cruel stranger. Aspen felt terrible about causing a fuss, though. He had just moved to town and already his presence stirred up trouble.
Aspen kissed Leif’s neck. “Give me a second. I need to talk to Waylon.”
