a fair investigation.”
“All this publicity,” Shikoba murmured. “And what of the white woman? Who will watch her while you’re gone? My people are grieving.”
Lakota gripped the arms of the chair. “She’ll come with me. I’ll keep an eye on her. She’s not going to run off in the woods with her car still here.”
In truth, he could have left her alone, but without knowing who was behind the murders, he didn’t want to take the chance. The only way Lakota could keep her safe was to keep her close.
“We can’t take the road out while those men are still there,” Lakota remarked while rubbing his chin. “The bodies were found ten miles north, just beyond your territory near the Sanderson pack. Lend me one of your horses, and we’ll go out the back way. I’ll call the Council and make sure the crime scene is clear.”
“And how do you know they won’t set a trap? You can’t trust the Council.”
“I don’t think they want a confrontation any more than we do.”
What Lakota failed to mention was that he had a contact within the Council who knew his identity. With the higher authority being a higher level of law, the Council was sworn to secrecy when it came to investigative matters. They had no jurisdiction over bounty hunters hired by the higher authority.
“And you trust this woman not to run?” Shikoba pressed. “Not to scream for help or turn on you?”
Lakota leaned forward, propping his forearms on his knees. “Malevolence isn’t exclusive to any one skin color, Breed, or gender. If you are judging her based on her skin, then you are no better than the rest of them.”
“We are holding her against her will. She does not understand the hatred that has festered among some of the older packs, and since she’s an outsider, they might want to punish her and use her as an example.”
“Let me take the woman and give your family time to grieve alone. You have my word that I won’t let anything happen to her. We’ll be back before the ceremony tonight. She won’t run. I can promise you that.”
“I have no reason to trust her,” Shikoba said matter-of-factly. “But I trust your wolf. You brought my nephew home and gave peace to his family. Go find out what you can and bring me this information. I only hope we have not angered the spirits in some way.”
Lakota hoped the same, or else it could all end in bloodshed.
Chapter 11
“Whose idea was it to bring me along on this fun-filled horseback adventure?” I held on tight to Lakota, my rear end as sore as everything.
We climbed a hill, and Lakota hugged his calves against the horse, holding the reins and coaxing him on.
When he ignored me, I kept talking. “Shouldn’t I be the one in the front?”
“Maybe she would rather hold on to a man and not a boy,” Tak suggested with a peal of laughter. “It’s not too late to ride with me, little flower.” He raced ahead of us. When his white horse crested the hill, she whinnied and pawed at the ground.
My thighs hadn’t been this sore since the last time I played laser tag with my brothers. It had been at least two hours since we’d left, though it felt more like ten. The lack of wind wasn’t helping, nor was the occasional mosquito. What I wouldn’t give to be back home.
Poor Hope was probably breaking her back setting up the store while I was busy riding to a crime scene on horseback, my arms wrapped around her brother’s midsection. What has my life become?
We finally ascended the hill and continued our journey on level ground.
I tugged Lakota’s hair. “How many people live in the tribe?”
Lakota peered over his shoulder. “Hundreds. They’re spread apart in different territories. Same tribe.”
I wiped the sweat from my brow.
“There’s no escape,” Tak added, giving me a stern look. “No running.” He galloped ahead of us, his long braid flapping against his bare back.
“So… what happens with all the alphas?”
“They form small groups—the same as packs. Some head over to other territories in the region to either check out their women or see if there’s room. Since they don’t follow the Council’s rules, they look to their elders. It’s a pretty sophisticated beehive.”
“Huh.” I pinched my tank top in front and fanned my chest as I pulled the fabric out. “Did Koi normally come out this far to fish and hunt? Seems a little out of