while answering Ash’s question.
“He’s evolving as a killer. Eating his victims and cleaning up after him. Those others he killed he just attacked to kill and left their bodies in an alley to find. This? This is different.”
“Yeah, you’re right. We need to find this fucker and fast. I don’t think we can hand it over to Nick either.” Ash pins me with a look to ask my opinion.
I glance down at Opal, knowing very well what her opinion is since her father gave her direct orders, but I can’t tell Ash.
Opal swallows hard and pride overtakes me when I see the determination sliding across her face. Before she says one fucking word, I know exactly what she’s about to do and this right here is a giant step forward for the both of us.
“My father’s name is Alastair, president of the Death by Reaper MC, Hellhounds chapter. I’ve been given the task to handle this.”
“Holy fuck,” Ash gasps, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets. “For real? Dude.” His gaze hits mine. “You did fucking good. A hellhounds princess. That’s…holy fuck.”
“Well,” Opal sighs and looks at me for help.
I will always stand behind her and do what’s right for her. She clearly trusts my VP to share this news with him, and it’s also good someone else in my pack knows in case something might happen when I’m not around.
“Remember who Alastair’s old lady is?” I wait for him to realize what I’m saying and his chin lifts when realization settles in. “The hellhound part is probably just the extra strength she inherited. She’s clearly more witch where her guardian wolf is dormant. The part human her mother also had shows in her craving to lead a human life, hence her human job and living in a trailer. Since we met her wolf doesn’t seem as dormant. We’re going to make sure to guide her through the process of embracing the shift once she’s capable to.”
“Fucking hell, that must be hard.” Ash winces. “Sorry. I’m a born werewolf and we’ve helped a few bitten werewolves through the process but watching that was painful. I can’t imagine struggling with so much power in one package. If you need anything, let me know. I’m always around for whatever you need.”
“Thanks,” Opal shyly says.
We all hear Caz enter through the back and he’s in the middle of tugging his shirt back on when he steps into the living room.
“No trace of the fucker.” Caz glances through the front window. “Nick’s here.”
A black SUV drives up and we head outside. Nick is strolling toward the house.
“Figor, Ash,” the man says. “Good to see you again.” He glances around before chuckling nervously. “No dogs this time?”
“They’re home lounging in front of the fireplace,” Ash dryly replies.
We shake hands and I introduce both Caz and Opal to him.
“I’ve checked out your file. Outstanding reputation,” Nick compliments Opal as he shakes her hand.
He has her hand in both of his and anger starts to boil inside my veins. Ash’s fingernails dig into my arm as he pulls me back. At the same time Opal pulls her hand free and inches closer to me.
“Thank you. Figor likes to tell anyone the same thing when we’re out on a date,” Opal says and playfully smacks my chest, instantly making the anger inside me deflate.
Ash snorts but I’m fucking relishing in the fact my woman goes from “we’re taking it slow” to openly sharing personal stuff at lightning speed. And even making shit up to let the human in front of us know she’s taken. But I guess the moment calls for it and I’m not complaining one damn second.
“What man wouldn’t brag being in such delightful company?” Nick grins.
“Enough,” I grumble and point at the dirt near the house. “Footsteps and the living room shows a slaughterfest. I’m guessing the fucker who owns the house is no longer among the living.”
“Dammit. I was hoping to have a lead to the killer.” Nick glances at the footsteps and grabs his phone. “You guys might want to leave before I have to explain why you’re here. When I have a team in place to process the house, I’ll swing by the clubhouse to talk things through. Decker told me you guys have more information and want to help. But no dogs this time.”
“Scared?” Ash shoots him a grin.
“Smart, not scared. I respect animals and gladly leave them within their own value and space.” Nick turns and starts to rattle