I shifted a few steps toward the exit, but I would have to make it past both of their bulky forms to escape.
Unlikely to happen until they wanted to let me go.
“No. Not yet. Guinn and I will discuss our pack matters later—right now, I need you to explain why you came here to tell me about Benji. Has he done something to antagonize your family?”
“Benji?” Guinn cursed. “I really thought that asshole was gone for good.”
Brooks grabbed the paperwork and shoved it at him. “Not according to this.”
I fiddled with the bracelet from West as he scanned the papers. “Wait a second,” Guinn muttered. “Didn’t you say your scent match—the one who bonded you against your will—was named Benjamin?”
He’d put two and two together.
It wasn’t that hard, really.
“Against her will?” Brooks’ eyes went wide. He opened his laptop, typing hurriedly on the keyboard. “What else has he been fucking up to? Is he the reason…”
He trailed off.
“I’m sure you’ve heard of the poisoned bullets that turn alphas feral,” I said quietly.
“We’ve been trying to find the source, but didn’t expect…”
Brooks ran a hand through his hair. Guinn clenched the papers so hard they tore.
“Benji and Willard are behind that, working with a motorcycle club based in Villem.”
“My fucking uncle and his sleazy son. Of course they would do this. Half the city is in a state of terror with these bullets on the streets.”
Brooks growled, slamming his fist down onto the wooden table. I jerked away, my back hitting the wall. The curtain fabric cascaded around me, trying to swallow me into it. I wished it could as my heart raced, fear pounding through my body.
Was he going to attack me?
Maybe I shouldn’t have been the bearer of bad news.
“You’re terrible at interacting with omegas, Brooks. Have some restraint,” Guinn grumbled, then turned to me with an attempt at a smile. “He’s not going to hurt you, Talia. If he tried, I wouldn’t let him. I’ve already saved your ass once. No point in letting my hard work be undone by my own packmate.”
His comforting barely helped. I had to focus on my breathing to bring me back from the brink of shutdown.
Brooks shoved away from the table, pacing the marble floors.
“They’ve gone way too far,” he growled under his breath. “I thought we had more time, but it seems moves are already being made.”
“He’s talking mafia politics to himself now,” Guinn explained unnecessarily to me. “Don’t worry. He hasn’t gone insane yet. Although, it’s only a matter of time.”
“Fuck off, Guinn.”
“Back at you.”
They really weren’t coming off as packmates. If they hadn’t said anything, I would never have guessed. “Are you going to let me leave yet?”
Part of me wanted to stay—it felt safer here, in this closed off room where Benjamin couldn’t be hiding around any corner.
“Can you tell Lavinia to contact me again? I’d like to work with your family to get those bullets off the streets,” Brooks said.
“Couldn’t you just call her?”
He frowned deeply. “She doesn’t answer my calls.”
