Ethan

I’m by the marina when I catch a familiar scent, and my mind instantly transports me back to the alley where we lost track of the pups’ scent in Cité de la Nuit.

My wolf howls in my head, and l immediately begin following the trail. It’s a struggle to continue hobbling along in the guise of an old man, rather than breaking into a run and chasing down my prey. Somehow I find the patience to go slowly, following the scent to a dive bar just off the pier.

Peering inside, I see a few rough looking men gathered at the bar, smoking and drinking huge pints of ale. I c0ck my ears towards the sounds of their voices, trying to match the scent to its owner.

“It’s your turn to get the tab, Griff” One of the shifters grumbles.

“I can’t. You know our job went bust” The man in question answers bitterly. “I’Il be lucky if l get paid before we get back to the continent.”

“Yeah, yeah” the first man scoffs, “it’s always the same story with you, you roll into town every few months and mooch off of us, always leaving someone else to pay off your debts. I don’t know why we put up with you.”

“Because without me you’d run out of merchandise ” Griff replies, putting enough emphasis on the word to make me think whatever he provides them isn’t legal.”This s**t hole wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without our girls.”

“That’s true enough.” Another bar fly agrees, “but you didn’t bring any this time.”

“It was a special job – l already told you.” Griff explains, “Anita said we’d make our usual shipment on

schedule, this is just a one-off.”

“A failed one- off” The first man frowns, “where is Anita anyway.”

“She went ahead to the capital – and thank the Goddess, I hate being around her when she’s in a foul mood. Talk about no fun” Griff chuckled.

wolf is going berserk in my head, begging to be let out so he can destroy the slimeball. Truthfully l wouldn’t mind destroying all these ruffians – it’s clear they all take part

the middle of such an incriminating conversation, but I’m not going to waste the opportunity. Pondering how I can extract the trafficker from the scene without drawing attention to myself, I

feeling more bloodthirsty by the minute, especially as I continue to listen to the despicable men carouse. As the minutes tick by I also try to untangle the

the pups, did the job end because something went wrong, or were our suspicions about the pups escaping correct? When Griff finally stands and begins weaving his way through the chairs and tables

home, and approach behind him at the urinal. Extending my claws, I swiftly bring them to his throat, taking cruel pleasure in his shock. He freezes

voice

you?” He demands hoarsely. “What

unmistakable scent of the kids, even if it is a few days old. “Tell me scum,” I begin ominously. “Why do

he shrivels up now. takes me a moment to realize that

“And if you want to live, you’ll tell me where they

them!” He assures me

demand, thinking this is even easier than I expected. It’s amazing how spineless even the worst criminals

and they convinced us to stop

sudden I remember Jane’s nightmares about the pups being alone in the rainforest, and my stomach sinks.

having some sort

He chokes, “just past the turn off for

after them?” I snap, trying to

threw nails all over the road, I still have wounds in my feet.” He whines, as if he thinks

scoff, picturing him howling in pain while my clever pups escape. I’m both proud and terrified for them. It’s a relief that they aren’t with the King, but Jane was right, they’re too little to survive

capital?” l inquire, remembering this detail from

a bit sullen. “But if l had to guess, she’s gone to tell

knots for days- wind themselves even tighter.”Do you have a way to get in contact with

a phone number” He shares, quickly rattling off the

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