Chapter 91

Phoenix

After a night of eating pizza and hanging out with my little wolf's friends, Loki meets me outside on the deck as I stare out at the night sky, drinking a beer. The air is crisp, but the darkness brings a sense of calm before the storm.

"I accept your offer, Phoenix."

Damn. That was fast. I actually didn't expect an answer at least for a day, maybe two. And, if I'm being honest, I wasn't sure he'd say yes at all.

He got out of the military a few years ago, and has lived a life of solitude ever since. Now, he's willing to jump right back into the game. I have a feeling his change of heart has everything to do with Makayla.

"What made your decision?" I ask, taking a slow sip, keeping my tone casual.

"Selene. Your little mate came in the room and yelled at me, demanding that she deserved better. And she's right. Makayla deserves the fucking world, and I'm going to be the one to give it to her."

I smirk, the possessiveness in his voice too familiar. He has no idea how much I understand that sentiment. "Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you," I say, eyeing him. "Glad to see my cousin's got someone with some backbone."

He chuckles. "That hasn't been confirmed yet."

"It will be." My smirk widens. "Luke made me face my shit. I think it's only fair he gets a taste of his own medicine soon."

Let's see how he likes it.

Loki grunts in agreement, but it's clear there's more weighing on his mind.

"It wasn't all about Makayla." He leans against the railing, watching Luke's dogs run around before they're brought in for the night. "I want to get rid of the crime here, eradicate the Devils once and for all. They have too much fucking power, Phoenix. They own half the police force, the politicians, likely even members of the Council. We need to focus on taking them out before they end up hurting our women. You know it's only a matter of time once you become Alpha, and they view you as a threat."

My grip tightens around the bottle. He's not wrong. But I've got a plan—or at least a concept of one. Luke is going to be one of my key pieces, whether he likes it or not.

"I know," I say, my voice a low growl. "I know they'll target Selene next, thanks to my father. The trouble will be coming our way soon enough and now that I have your support, we will be ready. Think you can convince a few of your old buddies to join my pack as a warrior?"

He nods. "I'll see what I can do. As long as Philip stays far away from our pack business, I believe they'll be open to it."

"After Friday, we won't have shit to do with the pack anymore," I snap, the thought of my father involved making my blood boil. "He won't taint this."

Silence stretches between us, but it's thick with understanding. Loki's got his eyes on Makayla, and I have mine on Selene. And we'll both kill to protect them.

I take another sip of beer, but my mind is far away. Becoming Alpha isn't something that makes me nervous—I was born for it. It's what's coming that has me on edge. The pack's been rotting from the inside out, my father's corruption spreading like a disease. And I'll be the one that needs to cut it out.

My thoughts are pulled back to the present when Makayla stumbles outside, Luke and I turning to greet her. "Luke, I'm ready to go home," she slurs, clearly drunk from having too much wine. I hope Selene isn't in the same state, but from the calmness in her emotions, most likely she's asleep.

Luke's nostrils flare, frustration creasing his brow. "You shouldn't drink so much, mate," he mutters, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before pulling her against him protectively.

Makayla giggles. "Why? It'll wear off in a few minutes."

Luke's expression hardens. "And in the future, those few minutes could put you in danger," he argues, his voice stern. "As my Beta female, we need to start thinking of better ways to keep you safe."

Her face softens into a smile, her eyes searching his. "So, you're really going to do it?"

He nods. "Yes."

"And once you become Beta...will you mark me?" she asks quietly, almost hesitant, as if she's holding her breath for the answer.

"Yes, as soon as I possibly can," he promises, his voice low. "Now let's get you home. See you on Friday, Phoenix."

I raise my beer in acknowledgment. "Looking forward to it."

Once they're gone, I pull out my phone and dial a number. "Hey, Jamie. I'm taking over the pack on Friday, I need you to make sure the Devils aren't planning on making a move."

"Got it," Jamie answers smoothly before hanging up. If Luke hadn't accept the position as my Beta, I would have chosen Jamie if he wasn't working for the Devils. But again, his job is more important. He's my informant for now, but when I get rid of the Devils, he'll have a place on my guard.

When I head back inside, I find Selene passed on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. The sight of her pulls a smile from me. "What am I going to do with you, little wolf?" I murmur, lifting her into my arms and cradling her against my chest.

Her scent fills my lungs as I carry her to my room, the warmth of her body soothing my inner turmoil. As I lay her down, pulling the blanket to her chin, I press a gentle kiss to her forehead. My wolf stirs beneath my skin, satisfied to see her safe and resting.

Instead of laying down beside my mate, I go to find my uncle in his office. His door is cracked open, light spilling into the hallway. "Why are you still up?" I ask, leaning against the wall.

He shrugs, not looking up from the screens. "Keeping an eye on the Devils' clubhouse and getting some work done. Shouldn't you be packing or something? You've only got a few days left until you move back into the packhouse."

There's something unspoken in his voice, a slight crack beneath the surface. He doesn't want me to go. We've been living together for a while now, and even if neither of us says it, I know he's not ready to be alone again. But it's not like Selene and I won't visit him. He's more of a father to me than my own ever will be. That's not changing, no matter where I live.

I cross my arms, studying him for a moment. "Unc, I think it's time you find out for sure. Test Makayla and see if she's really your kid."