Chapter 18%
the seat.
I took one last glance at the gates of Silverclaw Pack before leaning back k into th
“Let’s go,” I said.
The rented driver nodded. Tim was a human, ex–con, tough as hell, and didn’t ask many questions. Just how I liked it. He had no clue he’d just driven into a den of werewolves or that the people behind the gate were more dangerous than anything he’d faced in prison.
I didn’t plan to stay here longer than necessary. The longer I lingered, the more the bitterness started to creep in. And I couldn’t afford to fall apart now, not after what I’d just done.
But just as the engine revved, Tim hit the brakes with a muttered curse.
“Are you kidding me?” he grunted, flinging open his door. “Are you trying to get yourself killed? Don’t drag us into your mess. Go die somewhere else!”
I sat up, alert, eyes namowing at the figure
gure standing in front of the car. His grey hair was combed back neatly, though time hadn’t spared him. His pale skin seemed thinner, almost translucent, stretched over his broad frame. Despite his size, his back was hunched, and he leaned slightly on his cane. But his presence still demanded attention, and my heart sank a little when I realized exactly who it was.” “Tim, wait,” I said quickly. “I know him “10
Tim shot me a look but grunted. Fine. I stay in the damn car”
I nodded and stepped out of the car and cautiously walked toward the old man.
What do you want, Elder Thom?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“That’s how you greet me?” he said, brows raised. “After missing my birthday?”
I could’ve smirked if it didn’t hurt. I still had a soft spot for him. How could I not? He had always been kind to my grandmother, to me, even to Tony. But now wasn’t the time to be soft.X
“I sent you gifts,” I said “Especially the last one. You expect me to show up and smile when I’m mourning my baby?”
His face fell. For a moment, the proud Elder Thorn looked like a grieving grandfather!!
“You don’t deserve that,” he said quietly Zane crossed a line even I can’t excuse. I’m furious with that bastard. But know that I’m sorry. Quinn. Deeply sorry Your pup was my blood, too.”
My throat clenched. I hated this. I hated that his words actually reached something in me.ll
“And yet Zane let him die. He let him die so his slut could live. My pup wasn’t just blood, Elder–he was mine. I carried him. I dreamed about him. And Zane handed him over to death like he was disposable.” My fingers curled into fists at my sides, and I felt my nails biting into my palm I didn’t even realize I was trembling until I caught the way Elder Thom’s face twisted in grief. “He was his flesh and blood, but he let him go like it meant nothing
He didn’t say anything. Just looked at me with a weight I couldn’t bear
I shook my head and turned to walk away “Forget about me. I’m not that girl anymore. And don’t worry, you’ve still got a great–grandchild coming”
He scoffed behind me. “That slut’s baby isn’t even Zane’s 7
I turned back, stunned, “What?”
“I may be old. Quinn, but I’m not blind. I can smell what’s real. That child isn’t Zane’s. Not even close.“%
“If that’s true. I muttered, “Then I have even more reason to bum everything down My pup died for nothing.”
I steadied myself. No more shaking. No more softness I looked him square in the eye.!!
“But that’s not my problem anymore. I have too much on my plate to be chasing ghosts”
I turned again and made it half way to the car when his voice stopped me
“Then do it for your pup For everything they took Get your revenge, Quinn. I’m behind you.”
My chest cracked, just a little. There weren’t many people left who believed in me, who sow the girl behind the anger and scars X
was all I could manage I
told Tin, “Drive” And this time, I didn’t look back.!!
