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.

I thought you’d outgrown these… attachments. Your mother had the same weakness- caring too

into this,”

what was necessary for the pack.” His eyes harden. “I’ve already arranged for your little Jess to assist with the new recruits‘ combat

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

it right now.

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

as shift, clothes tearing, bones breaking and

voicemail again. She hasn’t answered since she

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Chapter 63

if they hurt her I’ll burn

atted fur streaked with dirt and blood. I look exactly like what i ande monster who would tear apart the

my eye. The curtain pulls

flashes across her face, then recognition. Our eyes

hand lifts slowly to the window. Not to close the

To unlock it.

the glass, but I hear the tremble

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

to her mouth. “Moon goddess!” she hisses.

never let her see me like this. The full wolf. The monster beneath the

but it comes out as a guttural snarl, saliva dripping from my

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

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

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

touch.

me?” Her voice cracks. “About

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

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

up, paws scraping against the siding as I drop back to the ground. I pace below, looking up at her, teeth bared in

stops my heart. She fucking

shout, but it’s just another snarl. Her bare feet hit the dirt beside me, sleep shorts and

finding purchase in the thick fur

massive head, nudging her away because I don’t think