None of this is fair.Quinton turned toward the exit, suddenly unable to bear his brother’s disappointed gaze.But it’s the choice you’re making, whether you want to acknowledge it or not.
He left his brother standing in the empty meeting hall, Conall’s hurt and confusion weighing down their twin bond.
But with each step away from the Old Packhouse, Quinton felt the connection that had defined his entire life growing thinner, more strained.
By the time he reached their apartment, their bond felt like a thread stretched to its breaking point.
And Quinton wasn’t sure either of them had the strength to keep it from snapping completely.
CHAPTER 17
THE NEXT MORNING INthe security station, Nadine kept her eyes fixed on the computer screen, determined not to look at Conall as he entered the busy room, carrying coffee.Yesterday’s kiss had been an error—nothing more.
Coffee,Conall said, setting a cup beside her workstation.His voice carried the same deliberate distance she was trying to maintain.
Except every brush of contact as he leaned over to check her screen made her wolf restless.
Across the room, Quinton’s back stiffened at the sound of his brother’s voice.
So things between the twins hadn’t gotten any better overnight.
The Blue Stone Pack attack,Conall said, sitting next to her and pulling up files on his own screen.You mentioned coordinated assault patterns.What made you certain it wasn’t rogue shifters?
Tactical precision,she replied, grateful for work that didn’t require examining her poor judgment in kissing Conall or the repercussions between the brothers.Rogue shifters generally attack in a frenzy.This was planned—specific targets eliminated, others left as witnesses.Someone wanted to send a message.
Same methodology as the Creek Bend murders,Conall observed.Precision kills, psychological impact.
Someone’s using these attacks to destabilize pack alliances through fear.Hit the visible leaders, leave survivors to spread word about what happens to packs that resist.
Resist what though?
Maybe Chimera’s offering packs a choice?Cooperation or elimination.
Dr.Chen looked up from his schematics.Behavioral modification protocols could make resistance psychologically impossible.The subject would genuinely believe they were making free choices.
Which means some packs might be cooperating because they literally can’t conceive of refusing,Nadine concluded.They’re not traitors—they’re victims.
And then…what?Some secret ninja group is coming in and wiping out packs they see as collaborators?
A sick feeling twisted in Nadine’s gut.
We need to visit the site,she said slowly.Where Gregory died.If Chimera was involved, there might be evidence I missed.I’d like another set of eyes on it.
That’s a significant risk,Conall said.Going back to a crime scene that’s probably under surveillance.
Everything we’re doing is a risk.But if we’re going to prove someone else killed him, we need more than circumstantial evidence.
I’ll coordinate backup,Anders said,arrange for perimeter security, extraction protocols.
Surveillance teams?Quinton’s voice cut across the office, his tone suspicious.For what’s supposed to be an evidence gathering mission?
Given recent events, I think it’s necessary,Anders said, a hint of steel beneath his voice.
Quinton’s expression tightened, but he returned to his computer without any further comment.
Dr.Chen,Conall said, ignoring his brother’s comments,I’d like for you to join us with the neurotracker you’ve been working on.
The doctor shook his head.It’s just a prototype—nowhere near the accuracy we ought to have for something like that.
