The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) - Susi Hawke Page 0,18
it, but carefully and under the cover of night with small vehicles. Nothing like the kind of trucks he wants to run out of there. The Kingman alpha doesn't know the location of the tunnel on his side. He was supposed to get it once we were mated."
Matt's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "How big of trucks does he need? Surely he's not getting enough gold and copper. If so, the government might start to notice something going on at some point. Like, when the ground starts caving in? I'm mostly joking, but also not really. Any kind of mining will take a toll on the land. Isn't he worried?"
I snickered at what he must be picturing. "If you're picturing truckloads of gold, my bad. Sorry, I forgot a common mineral there he can truck in bulk. Salt. He's got a lot to unload from all the tunneling. I have no idea how much has been mined in precious metals. My father doesn't trust anyone with the full picture of his operation. I imagine he rotates the workers so often to keep them in the dark."
"This is fascinating. I never would've imagined your father, or anyone, for that matter, having the balls to build an operation right under protected government lands." His eyebrows drew together, forming the cutest crease in between as he frowned. "I wonder if he took all the men from this pack to work there? I would understand him challenging Horace for stealing you, but hearing this, it was a risky move, if for no other reason than keeping a low profile with the Supreme Council. In order to take the pack, he would've had to place an official challenge with the Territory Chief."
"Yeah, and it's dodgier than you'd think because TC Ash Woodlawn doesn't like my father. But you see, he's always talked about taking over this pack anyway. This gave him an excuse. He's been sick of paying tariffs to Horace for years now. Plus, having a secondary settlement for the top-dwelling pack members would be a good thing. We can't have too many and keep a low profile in Newberry Springs. It's already a small town, you know? Even living out in the desert as we do, too many new faces get noticed."
Matt snorted as he raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, top dwelling?"
Vigorously nodding, I rushed to explain. "Our pack is made up of desert survivalists who are used to the heat. But some aren't as fond of the sun and actually like living in the underground town serving the tunnels. The people who live and work down there don't know any details about the mining. They cook and clean for the workers. As long as they don't get too nosy, my father lets them stay down below where it's cooler."
Lifting an arm, Matt snaked it around my waist and pulled me closer. "So basically, your father didn't kill Horace in retaliation for you. He did it to enslave my pack and take our land, not to mention save himself money in the process. You'll have to forgive me, but any reservations I had about taking him out are gone. After he abandoned you to your fate, I was already fighting my wolf anyway. But now? He's going down."
Pressing a kiss against his shoulder, I turned my face into his neck where his scent was strongest. "My father was never kind to me, Matt. I was nothing but another one of his commodities. Do to him what you will, but please save my brothers."
Five
Matt
After spending the morning in bed cuddling and talking things through with Elisha, I felt much better about everything. I wasn't proud of forcing a claim, but his forgiveness and instant acceptance went a long way to soothe my battered soul.
Not to mention knowing I'd had no other choice. Even though I'd been gentle and treated him with respect, part of me hadn't been able to see my actions as anything other than unforgivable.
When Elisha fretted about the state of his kitchen after being out of it for so long, we finally forced ourselves to dress and head downstairs. Jared was waiting at the bottom of the stairs with a tight smile and concern etched in the corners of his eyes.
My wolf was immediately on alert. "Is everything all right, Jared? Neat trick, by the way. How did you know we were coming? Are you psychic, or do you have bat ears?"