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.

He chuckles, completely unfazed. “Funny, I thought you’d outgrown these… attachments. Your mother had the same weakness-

Mom into this,” I

arranged for your little Jess to assist with the new recruits‘ combat training tomorrow. Without protection. Accidents happen all the time with new wolves who can’t control

splintering against the floor. My teeth elongate, sharp and ready. I want to rip his throat out—I could

it right now.

you myself.” The words come

door in seconds, phone in hand, frantically dialing Jess’s number as shift, clothes tearing, bones breaking and reforming.

She hasn’t answered since she ran

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Chapter 63

her if they hurt her I’ll burn this whole fucking pack to

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

my eye. The

there, sleep–tousled and perfect. For a second, fear flashes across her face, then recognition. Our eyes lock

the window. Not to close

To unlock it.

but I hear the tremble in it. “What the

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

to her mouth.

never let her see me like this. The full wolf. The

try to say, but it comes out as a guttural snarl, saliva dripping

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

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

my head, allowing her access. Her fingers trace my furs, tentative at

touch.

you still angry at me?” Her

confirmation. My massive head swings toward her, muzzle nudging

trembling fingers through my matted fur, finding my face again. “I’m sorry, Grayson but you really scared the shit out of me

back up, paws scraping against the siding as I drop back to the ground. I pace

she does something that stops my heart. She fucking climbs

hit the dirt beside me, sleep shorts and tank top nothing against

we go?” she asks, hand finding purchase in the thick fur at my

don’t