His Trouble Maker

Chapter 63

GRAYSON

“You have to start firing your friends in council dad.” I muttered, staring at my old man as he sips his whiskey for breakfast. It’s just us in the dining table and while and while most families talk about the weather or plans for the day, we discuss politics.

He doesn’t even look up from his old sheet newspaper. “And why would I do that, Grayson?”

“Because they’re not loyal.” I lean forward, lowering my voice even though the staff knows better than to eavesdrop. “Jenkins has been meeting with the Northern pack. Moore’s daughter is dating one of your enemies. They’re weak links.”

Finally, he looks at me, those cold eyes–the ones I inherited–sizing me up. “You know what your problem is? You see enemies everywhere.”

“That’s rich coming from you.” I scoff, stabbing my fork into my untouched eggs. “You taught me to trust no one.”

“I taught you to be strategic.” He sets down his glass with a clink that seems to echo in the massive dining room. “Firing council members without cause

creates enemies. Real ones.”

My jaw clenches. He doesn’t get it. Or worse, he does and doesn’t care. The pack is vulnerable with these traitors in our midst, and he’s too comfortable

to see it.

“I saw how you handled Aria yesterday.” His voice drops, a dangerous edge to it. “Making a scene in public? That’s not a way to handle your future Luna, Grayson. Don’t you think?”

“SHE’S. NOT. MY. LUNA.” I snap, feeling my wolf rise beneath my skin. “She never will be.”

“You don’t have a choice.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Never does. “The arrangement with her family secures the eastern border. You’ll mate her, and you’ll do it without complaints.”

I lean in, voice deadly quiet. “And if I refuse?”

“Then I’ll find an heir who understands sacrifice.” He takes another sip of whiskey. “And as for your little pet–Jess, is it? The girl you pushed the role of a caretaker just to get her out of my sight?”

A low growl starts in my chest. I don’t even try to suppress it.

“You know,” he continues, setting down his glass, “I had her investigated. Fascinating girl. It would be a shame to hurt such a young vulnerable lady.”

The rage that floods through me is instant, primal. I’m halfway out of my chair before I realize what I’m doing.

upset.” He chuckles, completely unfazed. “Funny, I thought you’d outgrown these… attachments.

Mom into

“I’ve already arranged for your little Jess to assist with the new recruits‘ combat training tomorrow. Without protection. Accidents happen all

My teeth elongate, sharp and ready. I want to rip his throat out—I

it right now.

and I’ll kill you myself.” The words come out distorted, my

bones breaking and reforming. My wolf

voicemail again. She hasn’t answered since she ran away

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1112 106-13 AUD

Chapter 63

they hurt her I’ll burn this whole fucking

my reflection. Wild eyes, atted fur streaked with dirt and blood. I look exactly like what i ande monster who would tear apart

my eye. The

second, fear flashes across her face, then recognition. Our eyes lock

slowly to the window. Not to close

To unlock it.

but I hear the

open. I rear up, front paws landing on the sill with a thud. My

her mouth. “Moon goddess!”

see me like this.

I try to say, but it comes out as a guttural

should be terrified. Should be slamming the window shut. Calling for help.

reaching toward a gash on my shoulder I barely feel. “Is it because of yesterday? I’m sorry I left. I was just

my head, allowing her access. Her fingers trace my furs, tentative at first, then with more confidence.

touch.

you still angry at me?” Her voice cracks. “About what

My massive head swings toward her, muzzle nudging her stomach. I’m so fucking angry

runs trembling fingers through my matted fur, finding my face again. “I’m sorry,

the siding as I drop back

something that stops my heart. She fucking climbs

just another snarl. Her bare feet hit the dirt

go?” she asks, hand finding purchase in the

I don’t think another rendezvous