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.

not a doubt in my mind that this Griff person was responsible for taking my pups, and my 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 in abusing trafficked women, talking about them

to myself, I study the small bar, noting the exits and dark corners. After a moment my eyes land on the grimey restrooms, and I realize all | have to do is wait.

away, and the more time that passes, the more I struggle to keep hold of my wolf. I’m 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

knew King Aimon hadn’t bought 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

into the bathroom I’m pleased to see that he’s the only man present, and that there’s a lock on the door. I quickly slide the bolt home, and approach behind him at the urinal. Extending my claws, I swiftly bring them

Griff” I greet him, my voice little more than a

He demands hoarsely. “What do

it is a few days old. “Tell me scum,” I begin ominously. “Why do you smell

it’s nothing Alpha.” It compared to the way he shrivels up now. takes me a moment to realize that he’s wet himself, the

if you want to

don’t have them!” He

I expected. It’s amazing how spineless even the worst

voice shaking. “We were taking them to the capital, and they convinced us to stop so one of the boys could be sick, then they ran away

in the rainforest, and my stomach

having some sort of

chokes, “just

them?” I snap, trying to imagine

have wounds in my feet.” He

with the King, but Jane was right, they’re too little to survive on their own – especially in a

gone to the capital?” l inquire, remembering this detail

sounding a bit sullen. “But if l had to guess, she’s gone to tell the King the pups are here, so that we

in knots for days- wind themselves

He

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