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.

“Funny, I thought you’d outgrown these… attachments. Your mother had the

bring Mom into

harden. “I’ve already arranged for your little Jess to assist with the

floor. My teeth elongate,

it right now.

myself.” The words come out distorted, my

clothes tearing, bones breaking and reforming. My wolf takes over, carrying me faster than human legs ever could toward their

voicemail again. She hasn’t answered since

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Chapter 63

hurt her I’ll burn this whole fucking pack to the

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

catches my eye.

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

the window.

To unlock it.

voice is muffled through the glass, but

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

to her mouth. “Moon goddess!”

like this.

try to say, but it comes out as a

be slamming the window shut. Calling for help. Instead,

“Is it because of yesterday? I’m sorry I left. I was just so scared of

tentative at first, then with more confidence. The wolf in me whines, pressing

touch.

you still angry at me?” Her voice

toward her, muzzle nudging

through my matted fur, finding my face again. “I’m sorry, Grayson but

as I drop back to the ground. I pace below, looking up

does something that stops my

another snarl. Her bare feet hit the dirt beside

finding purchase in the thick fur at my

her away because I don’t think another rendezvous with us will make it