his full might. Now I’m strong, but after what I heard he did to Ryker, I know I wouldn’t stand a chance against him. When one of my people told me that Mother Moon gave him part of her power, I was so sure the guy was lying, I had him cut into tiny pieces and dropped in Lake Michigan. Then I find out it’s true.” He sighed. “What a waste. My brother’s son was a good kid too.”
Deep down, Deke had thought Sean was exaggerating the problems with Alphas. His own pack hadn’t been like Lydon, but they were decent enough. Hardworking folks who tended the earth, working with chickens and cattle for food, with gardens the pack cared for and shared together. It wasn’t an easy life, but it was good. Deke honestly believed that most packs were like his and that Lydon had only been like it was because it was blessed by Mother Moon.
“So what are you going to do with me?”
Klein stood, his cool blue gaze fixed on Deke. “As long as things go my way, you won’t be harmed.” Klein must have noted the dubious look Deke gave him, because he smiled. “You have my word on that. Like I said, I can’t have you leaving, because that would bring Blackthorn’s wrath down on me. So you’ll stay here as my guest.”
“For how long?”
That drew a scowl. “Until I fucking say otherwise. I’m still Alpha, and with Ryker dead, you need someone to guide you. You’d best get used to having a new master, because I’m taking control of this situation, starting with you.”
“I’m not—”
Before Deke could get the words out, Klein lashed out and struck him in the face. “You speak when told.” He snarled and took a step back, brushing his hand over his grease-stained shirt. “Don’t push me, Quinn. You behave and everything will be fine. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Deke gritted out.
Another slap across the face. “I thought Ryker had trained you better than this. Yes, what?”
What the hell was he… no, he couldn’t possibly mean…. But it was obvious from the set of his jaw and the narrowing of his eyes what he expected from Deke. He had to think about Quinn. He couldn’t have Klein know he had the wrong person, because he’d probably kill Deke and go after Quinn anyway. He swallowed hard.
“Yes, Master.”
Klein sort of smiled. “Very good. I know you probably forgot the lessons, but I’ll help you recall them. And don’t worry, in no time at all, you’ll grow to enjoy being my slave too.”
Fat. Fucking. Chance.
“I NEED my master!” Quinn wailed. “My mate. I… I need Deke.”
If it wasn’t for the fact Deke had shaved his head, Quinn would have yanked out all his hair by now. Sean had tried to comfort him, but Quinn didn’t want his brother. He wanted Deke!
“The guy at the desk said he was taken out by a taxi driver and put into the car. The driver left the chair on the sidewalk and got into the car, then sped off.”
“But how did they know who he was?”
Gareth grumbled. “They had to have someone here who knew what to look for.”
He closed his eyes, which darted back and forth under the lids. A few moments went by; then he opened them wide and snarled.
“There’s a wolf working here. I’m willing to bet he’s one of Klein’s.” He stood, his massive body proving that Gareth Blackthorn was the ultimate Alpha. “I’m going down to the lobby.”
“Gareth, don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Sean cautioned.
The smile Gareth gave scared the crap out of Quinn. “Don’t worry, I promise I won’t regret a thing.”
Lyram stood. “Let me go with you, okay?”
Gareth shook his head. “No, you stay up here and watch Sean.”
Sean’s eyebrows arched. “Excuse me?”
The “oh crap” look amused Quinn.
“Sweetheart, this is hostile territory. I can’t watch you and focus on what I have to do at the same time. Please, for me, stay here with Quinn and—”
“I’m going with you,” Quinn said, surprised at the strength of his voice.
“I appreciate the offer, but—”
“He’s my mate. I don’t know what that means, but I can’t sit around without doing whatever I can to get him back.”
A sigh rolled out of Gareth. “Fine, but you stay back and let me do the talking.”
“Understood, Alpha.”
Quinn led the way down to the lobby, then stood back as Gareth scanned the people. His eyes lit on a young man with short-cropped dark hair and a nervous