The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 53: Briggs

The day was tedious. The meetings were largely made up of arbitrary updates from all the pack leaders in attendance. There were a few concerns regarding border disputes and rogue attacks, and several trade proposals were put forth. Any packs involved would have the opportunity to meet privately for moderated negotiations. I used that time to follow up with the Alphas who experienced fires similar to the one we had at the library.

I left the conference room with what information they could give me and promises that they would send us anything else they had on their investigations after they returned to their territories. As I walked into the bar, I spotted Ayla, and my

hackles raised.

She was talking to Alpha Conner. Theo and I knew Conner, and we didn’t like him. He was a ruthless leader and a misogynistic prick. We had heard rumors of more than one of his she–wolves leaving his pack for inappropriate advances from him and his ranking circle. And we knew for a fact he beat at least one of his partners.

Ayla responded with a polite but forced smile. Her posture was rigid and formal, moving away with every inch he took toward her. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she was definitely uncomfortable. The bartender set a drink down in front of her. He also eyed the interaction between the two and lingered close by. Ayla picked up the glass and moved to

leave, but Conner grabbed her arm.

was next to her in a second.

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“There you are, Ayla,” I said, getting Alpha Conner’s attention long enough to allow Ayla to free herself. “Mina sent me to let you know we found a table on the patio.”

“Beta Briggs,” she said with relief, “that sounds perfect.”

“Now, hold on, beautiful,” Alpha Conner said smoothly, “I think you can spare a few more moments to share a drink with me.”

“No, thank you, Alpha,” Ayla said firmly. “My party is waiting for me, but I hope you have a lovely day.”

“Then perhaps I’ll just join you,” Conner insisted.

I noticed two other Alphas and a Beta coming up to us. They must have noticed the situation as well.

“I’m afraid this is a private meal, Alpha Conner,” I interjected. “Come on, Ayla.”

Ayla and grabbed my

business

here?” a man I recognized said. I believe his name was Gregory, Alpha of the

Conner here that Ms. Garner is a cousin, and my mate and I are waiting for her to join us

for a moment, deciding whether I

head in that direction ourselves,” Alpha Gregory said. “We’ll walk

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would be stupid enough to continue his protests. Luckily, he

“I’ll see

the growl that bubbled up. Ayla tucked her arm in mine and pulled me toward the direction of the patio. The others continued

to the three men who had

our pleasure, Ms. Garner,” the second Alpha stated. “I′ m Alpha Vincent. This is my Beta, Aaron, and

replied, shaking their hands. “And this is Beta

are, Ms. Garner, but we are happy to be formally introduced. I’m sure

it may be best to let me handle the news,” Ayla said. “I’d rather he

course,” Alpha Vincent

said their goodbyes and left Ayla and me alone on the

okay?”

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smiled and tipped her head for me to walk with her. “I’m fine. No harm done. Thank

“Alpha Conner is a real bastard. Whatever you do, don’t let him

patio railing. “Mina told me about

to read too much into the inquiry. Not yet, at least. But I wasn’t sure what

He’s

like to say she did it out of misguided love, but I don’t

brow furrowed as

“What?”