Every shifter in the room turned toward her.The offer was unexpected—and deeply suspicious, given her accusations against the pack.
Why?Quinton demanded, his distrust evident.What’s in it for you?
They took me too,she replied simply.And they clearly know more about my father’s death than they should.I want answers as much as you do.
Her offer could be a trap,someone muttered.Conall thought it might have been Una, but he wasn’t sure.
It could,Malcolm agreed.But it’s also an opportunity.If we’re going to investigate Gregory’s death and identify these operatives, we need all the intelligence we can get.
He looked directly at Conall.You worked well together during the escape.Are you willing to partner with her on this investigation?
Work with Nadine?Spend days, maybe weeks, in close proximity while fighting the mate bond every step of the way?
The idea was both thrilling and terrifying.
She doesn’t trust us,Conall said.She thinks we’re the enemy.
I think someone in this pack is the enemy,Nadine corrected.
Under supervision,Larissa added quickly.Anders will coordinate.Full transparency on all findings.
I’m willing to work with you to find my father’s killer.Nadine held Conall’s gaze.If you’re willing to work with me, of course.
His wolf practically vibrated with excitement at the prospect of extended time with their mate.
But his human half remained wary.
This felt like stepping onto a battlefield where the lines between ally and enemy were deliberately blurred.
What about the facility where we were held?he asked, stalling for time to think.
We’ll dispatch a team,Larissa replied.
So?Malcolm’s gaze moved between Conall and Nadine.Are you willing to work together?
Nadine spoke first.Like I said, I want justice for my father.If working with your people gets me closer to that goal, then yes.
All eyes turned to Conall.Pack expectation pressed down on him, but beneath it ran a deeper current.The certainty that saying yes would change everything between them.
Change everything between him and Quinton too.
His twin’s disapproval radiated through their connection like a physical force.
Don’t do this,Quinton said quietly, the words meant for Conall alone but audible to everyone in the room.She’s manipulating you.Can’t you see that?
The accusation hit like a slap to the face.Not because it might be true, but because it revealed how far apart they’d grown in just a few days.Quinton saw deception where Conall sensed pain.Manipulation where he felt desperation.
The mate bond was changing him, reshaping his perceptions in ways that should have terrified him.
Hell, maybe it did terrify him.
I’ll do it,he said finally, the words feeling like stepping off a cliff.But I want full disclosure.Everything she knows, everything she suspects.No secrets.
Agreed,Nadine said, though something in her tone suggested she had her own reservations about complete honesty.
Malcolm nodded once.Then it’s settled.Anders, after we’ve seen the evidence Ms.Torrance gathered, you’ll coordinate their investigation.
Something nagged at Conall.A loose thread that could unravel everything.
