Page 55 of The Crimson Wolf
“So you never loved me?” I don’t care anymore, but I’d like to get my facts straight.
He stops walking and turns to me. “I cared for you, Red, I did, but not in the same way—not like my father wanted me to. Then you had to cause that earthquake, and everyone suspected you might have powers, so they blamed me for letting you go.”
I smack my lips and roll my eyes. “Great. I’m glad that’s settled. Then just let us go.” Did he ever really punch Todd Silvers for talking bad about me? I want to ask, but it seems pointless now.
He charges toward me, and Cameron jerks in his seat. Jack stops, sizing Cameron up and down as Cameron snarls up at him. Jack speaks, not taking his eyes off Cameron. “But then you came back, and you were different. I fell for you the way my father always wanted me to. I finally saw what we were meant to be—to bring in the new generation of Hunters—to eradicate the werewolves. But then you had to whore around and sleep with the enemy days after letting me fuck you.”
“Watch it!” Cameron yells.
Jack leans in his face. “I know you used werewolf mind powers on her. There’s no way she would sleep with you in her right mind.”
Cameron spits on Jack’s face.
Jack stands, gathering his composure before punching Cameron across the jaw.
“Stop!” I yell, tears falling down my cheek. “He’s my mate!”
Jack turns to me. “Your what?”
I don’t reply—regret churning in my gut that I revealed too much.
Cameron’s fingers find mine from behind my back, and he holds onto me.
Jack laughs, returning to his pacing. “Is that what he told you? Your mate. That’s a load of shit. You might have discovered somespecial abilitiesinherited by your bastard of a father, but you’re mostly human. You can’t overpower me, and you can’t have a mate. God, think for yourself, Red.”
I don’t even contemplate his words. I know what I feel, and it’s real, but maybe it’s better if he thinks of me as weak—mostly human. Maybe that’s our ticket out of this.
“Cameron’s always been jealous of me. Growing up, my father had me keep an eye on him. I was so much more powerful than you when we were kids. I never tired of putting you in your place whenever I saw you in town.But then you got older, grew into your powers, and had so much protection. Did you think you would get revenge on me by stealing my girl?”
Cameron sighs. “You think too highly of yourself. You never crossed my mind.”
Jack gives a pained laugh. “I’m sure. You fucking Human Liaisons think you're so tough.” He points to me. “This one’s dad was a piece of work. He wanted us all to work together. Just because he knocked up a Hunter, he thought we couldcoexist—as if evil doesn’t run through you monsters’ veins.” He snaps his fingers as if a thought just came to his head. “You know what my dad told me? I guess they used you as bait to murder your parents.” He laughs. “Full circle, huh? Now, I’m using you to kill the next Human Liaison. I guess you’re the most accomplished Hunter after all, Red—whether you like it or not.”
I don’t know if I believe Jack about the Hunters using me for my parent’s death. I don’t doubt it, but it’s not something I can focus on now, even if the pain of his comment sears deep into my soul. “Jack, you can’t murder us. The police will retaliate,” I say in a calming voice, fully aware that Jack isn’t in his right mind.
“Oh, I’m not going to murder you, my sweet. Remember? You need to produce me an heir. I’m just debating whether I should mutilate him now and keep him alive to watch you carrying my offspring or if Ishould end it now.”
Jesus Christ, he’s off the deep end. I think back to my reporter classes about dealing with mentally unstable interviewees.
“I’ll fucking end you!” Cameron barks. “Try keeping me alive and see what happens.”
I grab Cameron’s hand, trying to calm him. That’s not happening. We’re finding a way to resolve this.
“So, what’s the plan, Jack? What are we doing next?” I ask, keeping the panic from my voice.
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” He raises both of his arms as if physically weighing two options. “Kill him now or later.”
“Jack, I need you to breathe. You’re not thinking clearly.”
Jack takes a big inhale of breath.
Although I was trying to calm him and de-escalate the situation, I didn’t expect it to work. I try again. “I need you to put down the knife. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“What?” Cameron whispers from behind me.
Jack walks to the countertop and places the knife down.
Cameron and I turn our heads to share a glance. I read his eyes, and he understands what I’m thinking. But is it possible? He nods to confirm.
