Chapter 88

Phoenix

I can feel the mixture of my little wolf's emotions through the bond. She's with her friends in the next room, and I know she'll call me if she needs me, but the instinct to check on her claws at me. I shake it off and refocus, standing beside Uncle Luke, both of us glued to the surveillance feed from the Devils' clubhouse. When Selene went missing, all I could think about was getting her back. Now that she's safe, it's time to ensure these fuckers don't come after her next.

I still haven't addressed what happened with Luke and my dad. I don't know why he stepped in like that, but it definitely pissed me off. I wanted to trigger my father, make him reveal his bullshit that he tries so hard to hide.

I figured if I pushed him far enough, maybe he'll admit that he killed my mother. He keeps Christina completely in the dark, and if I was actually able to keep my distance from Selene when we met, she wouldn't have known the kind of monster he is either.

"I can feel that you're pissed at me. Got something you want to say?" My uncle asks, stealing a measured glance at me.

"Why'd you stop me?" I ask, my voice low.

"It wasn't going to get you anywhere. Those secrets that he holds, they're locked up tight. There's no way in hell he'd blurt them out during a random argument with his son. Those are sins I'm sure he's planning on taking to the grave. You were going to do nothing but make him hit you, or destroy our furniture. Poor Christina doesn't need to see her husband act in such a way."

I huff underneath my breath. "We don't know that. I could feel that he's cracking under the pressure. The lies and secrets are eating the fucker alive."

"That may be true, but that means it's only a matter of time before they are revealed. Be patient, Nix. We'll still continue to do our own digging, though we haven't found anything else yet, but we won't stop. And once you become Alpha, we'll have access to all the records."

It makes sense now why he didn't want to turn down the offer today. Even if Dad has destroyed certain records, which is likely the case, we can still try to figure out more than what we know right now.

It's worth a fucking try.

I already know Friday is going to approach quickly, and I need to prepare for the Alpha Ceremony. I need to make sure Selene is prepared too. I'm not sure how she'll handle it if only a few hours ago, she didn't want to see anyone, and in only a few days, she'll see every-fucking-body.

Since my father unfortunately isn't dead, he has the transfer the Alpha power to me through the Alpha Ceremony, where he will bite my wrist. I've never seen it done, since my grandfather was killed in order for my father to take over, but I've read and heard about it.

All of the werewolves in the Kingdom will be invited, and I know the Devils will be there, including the members in the police force. What if they try to start shit then? Try to kill Dad, or take Selene away from me?

"I need to make sure he triples security at this thing," I mutter out loud.

"That's a good idea just in case, but Jordan and Jamie will keep us informed on the Devils plans," Luke replies. "If they're going to make a move at the Alpha Ceremony, we'll be prepared for it."

My jaw clenches. "Do you think Dad knows something we don't about them? What if he's purposely pulling us into a trap?"

He strokes his beard, contemplating. "It could be a power move. Him being in public in like that could be his way of showing the Devils that he isn't afraid of them retaliating against him."

I snort. He's more stupid than I thought he was. If the Devils wanted to take him out, they would've done it already. They must be waiting for something. Maybe for him to reveal his own sins, and once they public, they can destroy him that way.

At least, that's what I think they're planning. I'll need Jordan and Jamie to confirm this theory, preferably before Friday so I know that my mate isn't in danger.

There's a small part of me that doesn't even want her to be at ceremony. I want her hidden; safe. I can't risk losing her again.

Suddenly, I hear a low, threatening growl coming from the other side of the house.

Loki.

Selene's in danger.

Before my mind even catches up, my body's in motion. I shove the door open and sprint toward the kitchen, where Makayla, Loki, and Selene are frozen mid-conversation. Selene's head snaps in my direction just as I yank her behind me, shielding her from Loki. My wolf is at the surface, ready to tear his throat out for even daring to growl at her.

Uncle Luke and Sam rush into the room right behind me. "What's going on?" Luke asks, way calmer than I am right now.

Selene tries to step from behind me, but I tighten my hold around her waist. Another male wolf just growled at her. I don't give a fuck if it's Loki. Nobody threatens my mate, and he should know better. She will be his future Luna.

"Phoenix," my little wolf whispers, still trying to pull away.

"Selene, stay back until I get some answers," I growl, my eyes still locked on Loki.

Makayla speaks up first. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to start any trouble. Selene accidentally pinched me," she says, sending a look in Selene's direction.

"Actually, it wasn't on accident. I was testing a theory," Selene explains.

"What kind of theory?" Sam asks, stepping closer to us.

I finally let go of my mate, knowing exactly where this is going. She grins mischievously, like she just solved the biggest mystery. "That Loki and Makayla are mates. It was worth him growling at me."

"Was it?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

She snickers, wrapping an arm around my bicep. "It was...until you stormed in here looking like you wanted to kill him."

"That wasn't a very good idea, my little wolf. You know I'm still on edge," I lean down, nipping at her earlobe.

She giggles. "I'm sorry."

She doesn't sound very sorry.

I'll have to change that.

I throw her over my shoulder before she can say another word, ignoring her squeal of protest. Heading straight into my room, I slap her ass hard. "We'll see just how sorry you are."