Maisy gave a curt nod. “I’m glad that he’ll be dealt with. That makes me feel a little better. So, this Shade person, that’s who Marissa is with? Is he a good person? She’ll be happy?”
“Yes, I’m sure she will be,” Danko assured her as two of his men removed Libby’s body.
Gwenola joined them. “We’ll have a ceremony later, honey. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how close you two were and no words will help you right now, but just remember that I’m here for you. When you need to talk, come find me. Anytime, day or night, I’ll always be available for you, Maisy.”
“Thank you.” Maisy bit her bottom lip, drawing blood. “She kept me safe for so long that I’m not sure what I’ll do without her.”
“Jermaine and his men are gone now, sweetie. Her job is done, she kept you safe, right up to the end.” Gwenola enveloped Maisy in a tight hug, Maisy’s sobs bringing a lump to Danko’s throat.
He quickly turned away, striding toward the assembled Pack to address them. His mind already racing on how he was going to pull off his scheme. Danko began formulating his plan of action, hoping against hope that Zohar would not see through his deception. Luckily, his years as an Enforcer worked in his favor. One of the first training tasks was how to deceive others, and do it well, without your scent alerting other Shifters.
That would come in handy with his first two steps in the schedule he was going to put in place. His phone already in his hand to take care of how to keep Zohar where he needed to be: right here.
Danko wasn’t going to allow his friend to scurry away from his one chance at happiness. He’d do whatever it took, including putting his own life on the line. Zohar had saved his ass too many times to count and he owed him more than he could ever repay. This was his time to do something for him and he’d use every trick in the book, and then some, to do it.
He spoke to the Pack quickly, assuring everyone that they were safe and that they would be staying for the time being to ensure that safety and to guarantee that Jermaine and his men didn’t return. That seemed to reassure everyone, with sighs of relief audible from just about everyone. A few even clapped when he’d spoke with some asking them how long they’d stay for because they were terrified that when they left that Jermaine would return.
Danko confirmed that they would remain until a new Alpha had been appointed and that seemed to calm the nervous crowd. Then Gwenola took over to arrange the ceremony for Libby, and then stating there would be a distribution of food and supplies afterward. Danko saw relief flooding through the Pack, most of them were underfed and could do with a good damn feed. Jermaine had a lot to answer for.
As soon as he could, he slipped away to make the call to set his plan in motion.
Zohar stayed in the shower far longer than usual, allowing the scalding water to wash away the blood of the Beta but also to calm his thudding heart. The woman, Maisy, affected him in ways he didn’t understand and it made him . . . what?
Uneasy, certainly, but he also felt anger at his loss of self-control. His position of the top Enforcer meant he was always in control but when Gwenola had gone to Maisy offering her solace his beast fought against him. His Wolf urged him to go to her, howling that it was his place to comfort the grieving She-Wolf . . . what nonsense.
His beast had lost his mind. The magic spell must be affecting it more than he’d thought. He would need to get back to base and begin his search for the enemy behind this attack on him . . . before he lost his mind altogether.
When he felt better under control, he found his backpack just inside the door, quickly drying himself he dressed, leaving his hair loose to dry off, then made his way downstairs. The aroma wafting from the kitchen calling to him like a siren to wayward seamen, his feet taking him straight to the food laid out on the huge kitchen table.
Gwenola and three girls preparing even more dishes as Danko tucked into a huge plate piled high with an assortment of meat. His friend stopped long enough to smirk. “I thought you’d fallen asleep up there.”
Gwenola spun around, wiping her hands on her apron. “Zohar, please sit and help yourself. These are my daughters, Jacinthe, Katel, and Florine, we’re getting things ready for after the burial ceremony.”
“Thanks.” Zohar sat at the head of the table, Gwenola quickly producing a plate for him as he addressed Danko. “Report.”
Danko sat up, all business. “I’ve spoken with Atherton and he’s ordered us to stay here for the time being with a skeleton crew. As there’s nobody suitable within the Pack to take on the role of Alpha, that’s down to you for now. Before you interrupt, I’m aware you don’t want to stay here but it’s the only solution for now.”
Zohar frowned, looking up at Gwenola. “Are there no strong Wolves here that can step in?”
Gwenola shook her head. “No, Zohar. Jermaine took care of any Wolves that showed even the slightest sign of strength a long time ago. We’ll be lucky to find even a Beta within the Pack.”
“Told you,” Danko butted in. “You’re it for now until the Council can find someone willing to take on the Pack or they can put in place another Enforcer. We’re to keep half a dozen here with us, in case of trouble, but also to teach the Wolves here to be, well, Shifters. As in, proper Wolves
