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.

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

upon them in 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 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. Eventually Griff will have to relieve himself, and then

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

correct? When Griff finally stands and

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 to his throat, taking cruel pleasure in his shock. He freezes

voice little more than a

He demands hoarsely.

shoulder, I inhale deeply, catching the unmistakable scent of the kids, even if it is a few

I thought he’d frozen before, it’s nothing Alpha.” It compared to the way he shrivels up now. takes me a

“And if you want

them!”

expected. It’s amazing how spineless even the worst

were taking them to the capital, and they convinced us to stop so one of the boys could be sick, then they ran away into

the pups being alone in the rainforest, and my stomach sinks. Were those

was she having some sort of premonition? “Where

highway.” He chokes, “just past the turn off

go after them?” I snap, trying

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

while my clever pups escape. I’m both proud and terrified for them. It’s a relief that they aren’t with

the capital?” l inquire, remembering this detail from

doesn’t tell us her plans.” Griff mutters, sounding a bit sullen. “But if l had to guess, she’s gone to tell the King the pups are here, so that we

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

is a phone number” He shares, quickly rattling

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