He lifted an eyebrow as he released his hold on her. “You’re not mad, Maisy, just grieving.”
“What are you doing out here?” she asked sharply, flustered he’d caught her off guard and on her knees in the dirt next to her friend’s grave.
“I was worried about you, as is Gwenola. It’s late and everyone else has already gone home. I’m afraid you’ve missed the wake.”
Maisy shrugged, her palm over her heart. “I don’t need a wake for Libby. She’ll always be in here.”
“At least let me walk you back to camp.” Danko gave her a smile. “I don’t feel comfortable leaving you out here alone.”
“Okay, but I’ll be fine. Now that Marlon’s gone anyway. He was the one that was always at the head of any punishments handed out. Well, mostly, his men would sometimes take it upon themselves to give us a hit here or there, and of course, the Alpha was always on the lookout for someone to wield his power over. By the way, that’s a euphemism for being a bully and hurting people for no reason.”
Danko nodded, his face darkening and a snarl erupting. “I’m glad they’re gone. However, I kinda wish Jermaine had put up a bit more of a fight.”
“What? Why?” Maisy asked as they started back to the camp.
“Why?” Danko asked, surprised. “Because then we would’ve been within our rights to take him out. No questions asked.”
“Is that how it works?”
“Yes,” Danko replied with a smirk. “In these circumstances we tell the Alpha to leave, with nothing, and if they go we can’t just kill them. If they refuse then we can take them into custody and if they put up any resistance we can use force, which invariably ends in death.”
“I see,” Maisy said, sighing. “I think he got off lightly for what he’s done.”
“I agree. Zohar did his best to bait him, but Jermaine is a typical bully and wouldn’t respond to someone like Zohar. He knew he would have no chance against him but I’m confident that Shade will hunt him down and deal with him, on the quiet, of course.”
“I hope so. I’ll take solace in knowing that Libby will be avenged in some way, even if I don’t actually hear about it.”
“Shade Shawcross is not the type of man to let this slide, trust me on that. One thing I’ll ask, Maisy, if you ever speak with Marissa, please don’t mention this conversation. I’m only telling you because I can see how much you are grieving for your friend but this is strictly between us. If Shade deals with Jermaine, he will do so on his terms, and he might not wish to share that, with anyone. Understand?”
Danko’s tone was serious as he finished, his eyes locked on hers. “Of course. I won’t say a word to anyone.”
“Thank you. Let’s just keep this between us.”
“I will.”
“Now, about earlier, did Zohar say where he was going? He’s been patrolling for hours.”
“No, he was only there for a few moments and in his Wolf form.”
“I see, well I guess he’ll appear back soon. I couldn’t help but notice, earlier and just now, that you weren’t afraid of him. That’s rare and not something I see often.”
Maisy glanced up at the imposing Enforcer trying to figure out what was behind his comment. She was sure there was something but she couldn’t quite place what it was. His face was inscrutable, friendly, but giving nothing away whatsoever. She shrugged, trying to hide what she’d felt earlier.
“I’m not scared of him,” she said quietly.
“Really? That does surprise me.” Danko stared down at her, his eyes boring into hers.
She tried to tear her eyes away but for some reason she couldn’t, and felt her cheeks begin to flush a moment before her feet stumbled and only his swiftness saved her from falling flat on her face . . . again.
“Are you all right?” he asked, a knowing glint in his eyes.
“Yes,” Maisy huffed, embarrassed but refused to raise her eyes to his. “I’m fine.”
“So, back to Zohar. You’re really not frightened of him?”
Maisy shook her head, keeping her gaze straight ahead. “No, and don’t ask me why because I’ve no answer for you.”
Danko chuckled. “Fair enough, I won’t bother you about it any further, but maybe you’ll get the chance to figure it out.”
Maisy stopped, her heart speeding up at the insinuation his words brought to her mind. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Danko had carried on for a few steps before he’d halted, turning to look back at her with a glint in his eyes she could see even in the darkness. “Just that we’ll be staying for a while until we can sort things out here. That means Zohar will be the acting Alpha for the time being so perhaps you and he can get to know each other better.”
“What?” Maisy’s stomach turned over, and over again, and she wasn’t sure if it were excitement at the thought of Zohar staying . . . or fear that he was staying. “Why would you think I’d want that? I didn’t say I wanted that . . . did I? You’re jumping to a hell of a lot of assumptions, Enforcer.”
Danko laughed as he turned away, continuing on his way to the camp. “Yes, yes I am, Maisy. But I’ll let you in on a secret . . . I’m rarely wrong when I make assumptions, just remember that in the days to come.”
Maisy stared at his wide back as he strode forward, her head and heart doing wild things that scared the living daylights out of her. She’d assumed that Zohar and his men would be leaving soon and she’d not have to face him again. Hell, if he stayed and her beast continued to act crazy then what the hell was she going to do?
“Come on, Maisy, it’s late and dark as the pits of hell out here. I’d like to get you home safely because I
