Wrong.
The Stewart twins cornered him at the abandoned mine.Made it look like an accident, but I saw silver burns.Saw the claw marks.
Heat flooded Conall’s face.
Beside him, Quinton’s anger radiated through their connection, sharp and familiar.They’d faced accusations before but never like this.
Interesting story,Anders continued, circling closer.Care to explain how you witnessed this alleged murder but never reported it to any pack authority?
Pack authorities?They’re all connected.She pointed directly at Conall and Quinton.The corruption goes deeper than anyone realizes.
Enough.Malcolm’s growl rumbled through the room.He was using his alpha voice.Final.Anders, what’s your assessment?
This isn’t Nadine Torrance.Anders stopped pacing, his sharp gaze never leaving the woman.He turned to Conall.You encountered the woman.Tell me what you know.
Silence fell heavy as stone.Every eye in the room turned toward Conall.The mate bond thrummed insistently, reminding him of things he couldn’t share.Wouldn’tshare.
How her scent had hit him like a physical blow.
How the bond had snapped into place with devastating clarity.
How she’d saved his life even while accusing him of murder.
This isn’t the woman I met.She’s also tall, athletic build.Black hair in a braid.Conall kept his voice level, professional.Moves like she’s had military training.Believes her father is dead and blames us for it.
Physical description matches.Anders’s eyes narrowed.What else?
What else?The way her eyes had flashed amber when she’d shifted partially.The silver scar below her navel that he’d cataloged without meaning to.The electric shock when their skin had touched.
The mate bond that had been driving him slowly insane for the last three days.
She’s skilled.Tactical awareness.Had some kind of counteragent for Chimera’s tranquilizers.He shrugged, aiming for casual.That’s about it.
Anders studied him with those penetrating eyes that saw through everything.Conall held his gaze, projecting calm he didn’t feel.
The scent was completely different though,he added.Mountain snow, high-altitude forests.This woman smells like chemicals and deception.
The impostor’s mask slipped.Just for a moment.A flash of irritation before she recovered.Of course they’d say that.They’re trying to discredit me.
No.Larissa stepped forward, her alpha authority filling the space.They’re telling the truth.Your scent signature is all wrong.Artificially altered.
I want her secured until we can determine who she’s working for,Malcolm decided.Anders, have Dana and Patrick escort her to the holding cell.
As the false Nadine was led away, her parting shot echoed through the hall:You’re protecting murderers.When the truth comes out, their blood will be on your hands.
The meeting dispersed slowly.Conall remained against the wall, processing.
Someone had wanted them to believe that woman was Nadine.Someone with resources.Planning.
But why?
Con.Anders approached.Walk with me.
Outside, the desert night air carried scents of sage and cooling sand, a stark contrast to the artificial scents of the woman they’d just confronted.
Quinton followed without being asked—where one twin went, the other followed.Always had.
Something’s bothering you about this whole situation,Anders observed.Not a question.
