That explained Greg’s odd actions. Mia could almost feel the pain vibrating off Seth, but his expression gave no hint that he was in pain. “Silver bullets?”
He nodded.
“Who was it?” There was no doubt in her mind that whoever had attacked Seth and Jenny was dead. The bodies must’ve been disposed of before she arrived, which was quick. Had Jenny waited to call her until after things had been taken care of? Even now, Greg was washing blood off the front lawn. “Who attacked?” she asked.
Seth shook his head. “Nobody that matters.”
“Seth, we have to at least file a report.” She was an FBI agent, and she’d taken an oath.
“There’s no report to be taken,” Jenny said cheerfully, lifting her head and sniffing the air. “Claire’s chili is finished. You’re in for a treat, Mia.”
How could the woman speak so calmly about dinner after such an obviously brutal fight? “I need to know who’s after us,” Mia said slowly. “At least give me an idea of who to trust.”
“I have,” Seth said, his jaw set hard. “You know who to trust. My inner circle will do anything to keep you safe.”
Irritation clacked down her back, raising the hairs at her nape. “Who died today, Seth?”
“Nobody who will be missed,” Jenny said. “Before you ask, I called Claire right before you, and all she saw was the blood on the grass. Seth and I chose not to make a report because I accidentally fired a weapon and somehow shot us both. It’s our blood out there.” The woman didn’t bat an eye as she lied.
The room swam around Mia, and she clenched her teeth together. “I don’t think there should be different laws for pack members and humans.”
“I agree.” Claire carried in a wooden tray laden with bowls of fragrant chili. “However, I didn’t observe anything but blood on the grass, and based on the reports from Jenny, Greg, and Seth, there’s nothing to investigate.” She kept her voice level, but displeasure glittered in her eyes.
Mia nodded—not at the cover-up but because Claire seemed ticked. Perhaps the woman would make a good deputy, after all—wolf shifter or not.
The outside door opened, and heavy footsteps sounded. Seconds later, Erik and Todd barreled into the room, fierce frowns on their faces.
“I’m fine,” Seth said. “Has the forest been scouted?”
Todd nodded. “Just did—all clear.”
Erik scanned his brother’s rapidly healing chest. “Got your text.”
Todd gulped and looked at Mia. “You look pale. You okay?”
Erik swung his gaze toward her. “Take a deep breath. We have you protected. I promise.”
Finally, temper began to shove away Mia’s nausea. “I’m armed, gentlemen.” She wasn’t an invalid, for goodness’ sake. “Seth? If this was another attack about the baby, it’s just ridiculous. You can’t tell me that anybody in your pack or another in the coalition would actually try to kill you or me over a baby—even if wedidconceive while I was still human.”
Seth’s eyes warmed. “You’re a strategic sweet thing, aren’t you?”
What the heck did that mean? She glared.
His lips twitched. “No. The babe is just an excuse to challenge me, sweetheart. If we didn’t have the baby, they would’ve found something else. I’m the new Alpha, and there will be challenges for a little while. However, since you seem to be part of it, we do have to keep you safe.” The man sounded way too accepting of that fact.
“Challenges are stupid,” Mia muttered.
Claire, still in her deputy uniform, handed Mia a warm bowl. “This is the mild one,” she said softly. “The others would probably be too spicy for the baby. Trust me.”
Mia nodded. Claire had several children, and she’d lost one not too long ago. Seeing her smile was nice, although that sadness would probably always lurk in her eyes. Mia was barely pregnant, but she couldn’t imagine losing the baby. “Thank you.” She accepted the spoon. “It was nice of you to make dinner.”
Greg sauntered into the room. “I’ve been trying to get us all together for dinner. If this is what it takes, then so be it.” He grinned.
Seth studied the overlarge man. “I appreciate what you did.”
Greg shrugged and drew Jenny to his side. “I did my job.” Then, he looked around. “I’m starving. I’ll go get the rest of the bowls.” He kissed his mate on the top of her head and then sidled gracefully out the doorway.
Seth pulled Mia closer. “This is what family feels like in a pack, sweetheart. We’re covered. I promise.”
