Small mercies in a harrowing situation.
“Myrtle.” Rafe broke the silence. “Can you track the magic that’s been used here?”
He watched as her face paled, her hands clasping tightly and a small tic appearing at the side of her left eye. She seemed reluctant to answer so he raise an eyebrow, glaring at her. “Well?”
She still faltered, looking down at the ground before she mumbled. “Yes, I could but I wouldn’t recommend it. Not until we have someone far more powerful than me in your arsenal. I’m no match for this person, Alpha. If we go after them now then everyone would be in danger.”
Rafe wanted nothing more than to hunt down the scumbag responsible for the massacre of this Pack but he wasn’t stupid. He wouldn’t rush off half-cocked and put any of his Wolves at risk.
The sun beat down on the now covered bodies, newly turned earth mocking him as his body thrummed with anger. Soft hands caressed his chest, looking down into his mate’s upturned face full of worry.
“We’ll get him . . . them, whoever. But I don’t want anyone else to die, Rafe.”
Her pale grey eyes implored him, her luscious lips a distraction as he nodded. “I’ll figure something out.”
“No need.” Zohar’s deep baritone butted in.
The Enforcer looked between them, his dark eyes settling on Rafe. “I have someone who can help and they’re far more powerful than your half-Witch here.”
Myrtle bristled at the veiled insult, her cheeks burning red as Rafe stepped forward, eye to eye with the insolent Zohar. “Don’t insult anyone in my Pack. You’re in no position to do so, after all, no Pack would have you. Would they?”
Myrtle let out a gasp, Tasha gripped the back of his shirt, but Rafe stood his ground, watching Zohar. His eyes closed to slits, his jaw clenching as he tried to stare down Rafe. Too bad the Enforcer didn’t scare him. He’d had more than one run-in with Zohar and no doubt he’d have others, but one thing was for sure: he’d never back down.
A soft breeze ruffled Zohar’s dark hair as Rafe glared angrily at him. If anyone else insulted Myrtle he wouldn’t have given them a warning, he would’ve put them in their place right away. It was only because of his position within the Council that he afforded Zohar the luxury of a caution.
Several long moments passed before the Enforcer huffed out a sigh. “Touchy, touchy, Alpha. I thought having a mate was supposed to calm you down.”
Rafe’s anger mounted, a growl rumbling in his chest, his muscles clenching in readiness for a fight. If this asshole wanted to rumble then today Rafe would give him what he wanted.
“That’s enough!” Tasha yelled. “I’ve just buried my parents and my entire Pack! And you two are having a fucking pissing contest. Stop it. Now. Then maybe we can find who is responsible and you can take out all that pent-up rage out on them.”
Spinning toward her outraged face his heart swelled at the sight. She looked fierce. Hands on hips, hair blowing in the wind, eyes wide and angry, face flushed and damn it, she even had a foot tapping. She was one angry woman and one not to be messed with. Go Tasha.
“I’m sorry.” Rafe shrugged. “You’re right. We should be focusing on why we’re here and nothing else.”
Zohar surprised him, stepping forward and giving a small bow. What the hell was that?
He then stood up straight, dramatically raising a fist to his heart as he proclaimed. “I apologize too. I pledge that we will hunt the perpetrator down and deal with him as you desire.”
Rafe frowned at the ostentatious show the Enforcer put on, especially when he snuck a glance his way and smirked. What he wouldn’t do to wipe that damn smug look off his face.
“Excuse me?” Tasha tugged on Zohar’s arm. “Did I hear correct? I can decide what happens to this person when we catch him?”
Zohar turned his full attention back to Tasha, that smug look gone as he smiled down at her upturned face. “Of course. It is your Pack that has been destroyed. It’s only fitting you decide the punishment.”
Rafe watched as a host of emotion flashed across Tasha’s face. Excitement was first, then worry, hurt, and last of all was resignation. She’d made up her mind and it didn’t take long for them to find out what she’d decided.
“Death by Wolves. Seems fitting after what they’ve done.”
“Then we’ll do our best to honor your wishes.” Zohar saluted her, his huge body towering over her.
The sight making Rafe uneasy enough that he stepped closer to his mate, snaking an arm around her waist and holding her against him securely. She looked up, a look of fiery determination on her face. Pride surged up inside him as he gazed down at her beauty and strength. She was already turning into a tough Alpha, one he was honored to have at his side.
Reaching up he ran a finger along her jaw, smiling down at her. “You’re amazing, sweetheart.”
“I am?” she asked, wide eyed and confused.
“Yes, and you don’t even know it, that’s what makes it all the more so.”
“Can we get this show on the road?” Zohar asked sarcastically, breaking the moment, pissing Rafe off again.
“Rafe, we’re ready,” Jacy said, surprising Rafe. He hadn’t heard his Beta arrive. Looking around he saw the rest of his men waiting a few feet away.
“Okay, big shot, how do we go after this maniac and not get our asses fried by his magic?”
Zohar quirked an eyebrow toward Rafe before answering. “I have someone waiting on the other side of camp. He’s set up and already got
