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.”

turned away from Ayla and grabbed my

think a Beta has any business with a she–wolf like her?” he said

okay over here?” a man I recognized said. I believe his name was

side. “I was just telling Alpha Conner here that Ms. Garner is a cousin,

Conner eyed me for a moment, deciding whether

about to head in that direction ourselves,” Alpha

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energy coming off of everyone was palpable. I wasn’t sure whether Conner would be stupid enough to

he said. “I’ll

pulled me toward the direction of the patio. The others continued along with us until we stepped out into the sunlight. Once we were outside, it was

said, turning to the three men who had also come to her rescue. “I appreciate

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

Garner,” she replied, shaking their hands. “And this is Beta Briggs. It’s a pleasure to

happy to be

best to let me handle the news,” Ayla said. “I’d rather he didn’t start a war

Alpha Vincent

Ayla and me alone

okay?”

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

course,” I said. “Alpha Conner is a real bastard. Whatever you do, don’t

She set her drink on the patio railing. “Mina told me about Theo and Kylee. How…

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

“It actually seems to have been good for him. He’s been a

good to hear. I’m sorry Kylee lied. I’d like to say she did it out

furrowed as I looked at

“What?”