Chapter 163

[ 1,421 words ]

Kade

While Ronan gets an early night’s rest in our suite, I head into town with Liam.

“What do you think Hazam wants?”

“It’s Hazam. We have a better chance of hitting the lottery then guessing what’s going to come out of his mouth next.”

The little town around the central building was filled with both shifters and humans.

It is the one thing that still confuses me. How could the Assembly want such separation but put their central building in a blended community.

Granted, the human here didn’t know what we were, but we were still actively interacting with them.

Liam and I make it to Half and half, a little diner/bar restaurant that Hazam had said to meet him at.

When we walk in, I spot the cocky Alpha lounging in the corner.

His eyebrow raises when he sees me with Liam.

“Should I be offended that you don’t trust me with Liam alone,” he says as we slip into the booth.

Liam snorts. “He’s just nosy.”

I hold up my hands. “True. That and I’m hungry.”

Hazam shakes his head.

“Alright let’s get into it. My mate and pups are waiting for a good night call and I don’t want to keep them waiting too long,” Liam says, pulling out the menu and looking over the options.

“I like you. You don’t tailor your thoughts and I respect what a vicious, pitiless fighter you are.”

Liam raises a brow. “And you’re showering me with compliments …why?”

Hazam flicks a glance to me and then back at Liam. “What I’m going to say is a delicate matter.”

“Kade is family. Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Kade.”

My wolf seconds Liam and is honestly offended that Hazam would think Liam would want to keep a secret from him.

“Fine by me.” Hazam says.

Before he continues a bar maid comes up and takes our orders.

When she leaves, Hazam continues. “You know I’m a little…old school.”

My wolf snorts a laugh. Hazam was a bit of a traditionalist but he was also paranoid and pessimistic.

“I’m aware.”

“And you remember I had a daughter?”

My wolf pushes forward curiously.

“I remember. We all sent our congratulations to you and your mate. She’s three now right?” Liam says easily, but I can see his mind working, trying to figure out where this is going.

Hazam smiles, genuine love and affection softening his features as he speaks about his pup. “As a father, I’m sure you understand the desire to protect your children at all cost and want nothing more than happiness for them.”

Liam tipped his chin in solidarity of that statement. “I agree, though I’m not sure what you’re getting at?”

“I would like to make a marriage pact between your son and my daughter,” Hazam says

“Fuck, I didn’t see that coming,” I say.

The waitress returns, handing us our orders. Liam looks grateful for the moment to respond, because…well, shit.

Pack alliances weren’t exactly uncommon but marriage pacts were.

They were usually a last resort to end territory feuds or when keeping peace was dire.

Liam clears his throat. “While I’m flattered that you would consider my son for your only pup, I have to ask why? Don’t you want your daughter to find her true mate?”

“I’ve already found him,” Hazam says, popping a fry into his mouth. “Your son.”

Okay, now I can’t control my mouth.

“How exactly do you know that?

“My mate is a seer. She had a vision, on her birthday of Leanna as a woman with her mate.”

A seer.

Those with that gift could get glimpses of the future. The extent to which their visions varied but even a weak seer is a massive help to a pack.

“How do you know it was my son?”

“Because you were in the vision too, ” Hazam says.

He isn’t lying, my wolf confirms.

“If they are true mates, why would you want a marriage pact? Wouldn’t fate bring them together regardless,” I toss out.

“My mate believes fate will. But like I said. I’m old-school. I want to be sure that I. Something happens to me before Leanna has reached maturity. I want to be sure she will be cared for. She’s your son’s true mate, who better to take my place should the worst happen.”

There was something in his tone that slithered down my spine and left a cold trail in its wake.

“Why do you speak like you already expect your end?”

Hazam takes a deep breath. “I’m a paranoid man. The only good thing in my life is my mate and daughter. But I’m not naive enough to think life won’t throw more shit at me. Just look at the murders.”

Hazam had survived more betrayal than most. He has lost his family, his friends and almost his pack.

When he finally rebuilt his pack, he was colder, more vicious. Something inside him had been taken, twisted, darkened.

That’s why it had come as a shock when he had found his mate. It was like he was finally getting handed a lifeline.

“So the pact, it’s more of an insurance of guardianship,” Liam says.

I can see him wavering in his decision.

After all this is for the pup as much as it’s for Hazam.

Hazam nods. “I would consider it a favor as it would bring me and my mate peace.”

“I need to speak with my mate but I will get back to you by tomorrow.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Hazam says.

“Which son?” Liam asks.

“The one with one blue and one green eye,” Hazam explains.

“River,” Liam says, amusement and something close to nausea filling his face.

His mate might not be too happy about this, my wolf snickers.

Yeah, I can only imagine how Hazel will react.

I look between the two males. “So… it looks like we’re going to be family.”

Hazam’s shit eating grim shows itself. “Looks like it.”

Hazam, Liam and I had a good evening after that. We joked and Liam even took a second to say goodnight to his family before returning to the table.

Now, with a full blatter, I’m making my way to the restroom.

The amount of liquid I’m holding makes me feel like a water balloon ready to burst.

I run to the urinal, unzip my pants like I’m performing an Olympic sport.

Two males come in behind me.

Humans, my wolf identifies.

I ignore them, finishing and washing my hands.

“I’m not drunk enough to believe that shit.” the first guy says.

“It’s not a joke… she really did change…” the second male lowers his voice to a whisper… “into a wolf.”

All my attention locks onto the males and I focus my hearing in their direction.

“Bullshit,” the first male says, laughing.

I pretend to leave, slipping into one of the empty stalls instead.

The sound of running water lets me know they are by the sink.

“Don’t believe me?” The second male says, a challenge in his voice. “Then come with me tonight. There’s going to be a show.”

Show? What the fuck is he talking about?

My instincts are on high alert. Even without knowing what they are saying, I know it’s bad.

“How am I supposed to know it is some CGI shit,” the first says, clearly doubtful.

The water shuts off.

“It’s live,” the second says, a hint of excitement edging into his voice.

My wolf bares his teeth at the male, certain he will not like him.

The two males leave. I wait a few seconds before following them.

I need to see whatever they are talking about.

I take in their scents, memorize them, make sure I won’t lose them in the crowd of bodies inside the main floor.

When I exit, my nose points me in the direction of the two ordinary looking males.

They’re young, probably in their early twenties. I automatically know which one is the male extending the invitation to his friend.

He has a look in his eyes I’ve only seen on males who take pleasure in pain, who look to break down, control and twist others.

He is weak, my wolf says. A male who seeks power because he has none.

He’s also not bright.

I keep my eyes on them as I make my way to the table.

Liam notices my face and straightens, on alert.

Hazam follows suit.

“What’s wrong?” Liam asks.

“Not sure yet. But I’m going to find out,” I take a seat, keeping the males in my peripheral vision. “The two male on the left side of the bar. I overheard them in the bathroom talking about a female that can turn into a wolf.”

The two men still, discreetly looking over at the humans.

“Was it one of the attacks?” Hazam asks.

“I don’t think so. But one mentioned a live viewing tonight.”

“A viewing of what?”

“Don’t know but I’m going to find out.” I look at Liam and Hazam, a dark glint in my eyes. “Up for a field trip?”

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