“There really isn’t much left to tell,” Cordelia told her.
“Were you ever part of a pack?”
“For a little while,” Cordelia said. “Until my father’s boss forced him to leave. He was isolating us slowly, so he could get to my mother.” She shrugged. “My father agreed because he didn’t want his job to cause problems for them.”
“Smart.”
“It was a mistake,” Cordelia said. “They could have helped us.”
“Why didn’t you go back to them?”
“It was too late,” Cordelia told her. “You can’t always go home no matter what the poems and songs say.”
Mallory squeezed her fingers. “You’ll always have a home in my pack.”
“Thanks.” She smiled softly, and Mallory lifted Cordelia’s hand to her lips and kissed her knuckles.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Kyra said as she came up to their table.
“It’s okay,” Cordelia said.
“Can I talk to you a minute?” Kyra asked.
Cordelia retracted her fingers from Mallory’s grip. “Sure. Sit.”
“Bathroom.” She made a beeline for it.
“I’ll be right back,” Cordelia said and went after her. When she got there a woman was coming out.
“Lock it,” Kyra advised. “We’re alone for now.”
Cordelia obliged and then turned back to the darker-skinned woman. “What’s going on?”
“I was able to get into Bradley’s computer last night,” Kyra said. “That guy who works for him is kind of stupid. He seems to think he’s a brightest mind of his generation.” She rolled her eyes and reached into her purse.
“What is it?”
“Information on his upcoming land deal. He has plan to build a dock on the ocean border and claim part of the border between Mallory and Sam’s land.”
“How can he do that?”
“I don’t know, but he also has some papers that are quite good, but they’re forgeries that could work.”
“For what?”
“To prove the owner of the Mystic Snow lands died in childhood,” Kyra told her. “I only saw copies and if he gets those papers out, Sam is going to have a fight on her hands.”
“Goodness,” Cordelia breathed.
“He’s planning an attack on Sam with the help of two other packs. One of them will come in on the water. The other will come over land. They think they can cut through Mallory’s den.”
“How?” Cordelia demanded, and edge of fear creeping into her voice.
“Four of her packmates are working with Bradley. They’re going to use some sleeping pills to get the sentries off duty for a few hours,” Kyra told her. “Then, they’re going to cross the lake at two points. Upper and lower.”
“Once inside, they’ll probably attack the pack.”
“Mallory’s as well as Sam’s. Part of the plan is to go after the babes,” Kyra told her.
“How cruel.”
“How inspired,” she said. “Kill the next generation before killing the others. Even if they leave the old ones, there will be no one to avenge the deaths.”
“Right,” Cordelia agreed. “Thanks. When is this taking place?”
“Tomorrow night. “They want to move fast since the Snow Dogs aren’t doing anything.”
“That barely leaves any time,” Cordelia muttered and then gave the other woman a hug. “Thanks.”
“Just keep this between us. I don’t want Mallory and Sam thinking I’m a useful tool they can put to work for them,” she replied. “It’s clear this town is becoming a powder keg of trouble.”
“Why did you do it?” Cordelia asked. “I can’t see how it benefits you.”
Kyra gave her a ghost of a smile. “It serves my purpose. Believe me there is nothing altruistic about the help I gave you.”
“What do you want in return?”
“I’ll let you know if and when the time comes,” Kyra told her.
“Right,” Cordelia murmured as Kyra headed for the door. She just hoped the price wasn’t more than she could afford.
Mallory wasn’t alone when she returned.
Jenner was towering over Mallory. Only the side of his face was visible from her vantage point, but the line of his body was tense as a violin string.
The man was a jackass, she mused as she strode over to the table and Mallory rose as if sensing her approach, though she never took her eyes off the cop.
“We’re not done,” he told her coldly. “Next time I’ll have a warrant.”
Cordelia sat down across from her. She didn’t have time to ask what was going on. The waitress was bringing their meal.
“What was that?” Mallory asked when the woman was gone. “With Velvet.”
“She did me another a favor that I don’t want to talk about here.”
Mallory nodded. “Jen wants to arrest me,” she said coolly.
“I thought that was done.”
“Me, too, but the jackass doesn’t seem to understand reason,” she muttered.
They finished their meal and were out of the restaurant having only talked sporadically,
Once in the car, Mallory cranked the engine and turned the heat on low.
“What’s going on with you and Velvet?” Mallory asked again. “Do I have something to be worried about?”
“Yes.”
Mallory gave her a startled look.
“She said Bradley was going to attack you and Sam tomorrow night,” Cordelia confessed. “He can’t wait for the Snow Dogs to act. Who’s that?”
“Jenner,” Mallory said with a frown. “That son of a bitch was playing us the other day.”
“Or something’s changed,” Cordelia said. “Or nothing’s changed, and he’s just trying to give the impression he’s going after you.”
“I’ll see if Rowel knows why.” She removed her phone from her jacket pocket and typed in a message before setting the phone down on the seat and backing out.
Cordelia told her the rest of what Kyra had told her. “What are you going to do?”
“Talk to Sam and set up the defensive lines.”
“I want to be on one,” Cordelia replied.
“You need to be with the kids and old ones,” Mallory told her blandly, but she saw the flash of reluctance on Mallory’s face.
“No. I don’t,” Cordelia said. “I’m going to be strongest outside with the snow and cold. I’ll be deadlier. I can use my magick to ensure I don’t hit any of yours or Sam’s people.”
Mallory sighed. “In the middle of a battle is the last place I want you to be,” she said quietly. “I want you safe.”
“We’ve been over this already, Mallory. I’m not a soldier, but I can’t do anything but fight.”
“And freak out at the carnage.” There was a chill in her tone, but concern on her face that touched and annoyed Cordelia.
“I won’t,” Cordelia snapped. “I don’t. I thought I proved that already.”
“Damn it,” Mallory growled. “This will be nastier than the thing with Jenner, and I don’t want to lose you over bullshit.”
“Trying to lock me up is bullshit,” Cordelia said softly. “I know I’m a contradiction, but I’m capable of endurance in a long battle. I promise you, I’ll go the distance.”
Mallory grimaced as her hands tightened on the steering wheel. “I know I’d be a fool not to put you out there after getting just a glimpse of what you can do. Doesn’t stop me from being scared though.”
“I’m scared, too. I’ve never done anything like this, but I know I have to.”
“Kamari will want to be out there as well,” Mallory said. “Mica won’t be holding her back. Cambrie would be out there, too, if she wasn’t pregnant. You two will be our best weapons.”
“I’ve got more,” Cordelia told her. “Magick isn’t just for creating walls of energy. I’ll need to be out there after work, so make sure no one’s there to disturb me.”
“What are you going to do?” Mallory ask
ed carefully, throwing her a quick look.
“Create land mines of the snow. I’ll set them to go off on intruders only.”
“Can you do that?”
“It won’t be perfect, but it’ll keep the enemy off that perimeter. All that we’ll have to deal with are those coming in off the water.”
“You won’t be there.”
“I’ll be more useful than Kamari. Water trumps fire, but not ice. I can use the chill of the water to my advantage.”
“Then why the hell are you hiding from that tiger? You could kill him.”
“I know, but I might lose. I’m smart enough to know that he has others backing him and there’s just one me. I can do a lot of damage, Mallory, but if he disables me for one second, I’m dead. I didn’t want to take that chance.”
“If you do this, I’m going to assume you’re doing this to protect your new home,” Mallory said. “Not just to help me.”
“I’m not going to lie. I was still thinking about leaving,” Cordelia admitted. “But I’m happy here.”
Mallory snorted. “Do you think I could let you go? You are my mate even if you don’t feel it yet.”
“Bold words.”
“True words,” Mallory said. “I don’t need the bond to tell me what you are to me. My coyote knew the first time you danced for us.”
Cordelia smiled. “I was dancing for you, you know. You were the only one I saw when I auditioned.”
“And I wanted more, too much more, which is why I wouldn’t ask you out,” Mallory admitted. “You were a risk to my heart I wasn’t sure I was ready for.”
“And you are now?”
“Aren’t you?” Mallory asked. “I’m tired of being alone. I need you in my life, Cordi. You’re the woman I prayed for.”
Cordelia put her hand on Mallory’s thigh, and Mallory covered it with hers. Cordelia purred, and Mallory’s lips tilted in a grin.
“I need you, too.”
****
When they returned to Sam’s office, Mallory opened her door for her, and Cordelia climbed out, looking up at her. The sun rested on Mallory’s shoulder, getting into her eyes and she turned her head a little as she brought up her hand.
“You’re going to keep working with Sam?” Mallory asked, hoping she said yes.
Mallory didn’t want her dancing. She hated the idea of other women seeing the barely sun-warmed skin in all its supple grace.
Cordelia grinned. “Are you ashamed of my body?”
“On the contrary,” Mallory said with a little laugh. “I’ll be insane with jealousy every time a woman touches you.”
“It’s a good thing I loved being an accountant more than I like taking my clothes off, huh?”
Mallory nodded and dropped a kiss on her nose before pulling her toward the house. “It is. I want you to think about testifying against the mob guy. That way you can be free.”
“I won’t be free, Mal,” Cordelia said. “He’ll just have someone hunt me down. One day when neither of us least expect it, someone will put a bullet in my brain. That is why I haven’t done it.”
Mallory nodded, understanding dawning clear. Her mate would never be free as long as the man was alive. Well, that could be taken care of.
“Okay,” Mallory said. “We’ll deal with him if there ever becomes a reason to.”
Cordelia looked up at her as Mallory slid an arm around her and pulled her close. “I’m glad you understand.”
“I do now,” Mallory said quietly. She had the point loud and clear.
Once they were inside, Mallory began planning.
She walked Cordelia to her office, glad she’d be someplace safe all day. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
“Okay. Oh, here.” She removed a flash drive from her pants pocket. “I’m not sure what’s on it exactly, but it should be helpful.”
Mallory brushed a kiss across her lips and then let her go. “Thanks. I’ll have to give Velvet a bonus.”
She went in search of Sam to tell her what she knew and then check out the drive.
“I guess that’s what Bradley’s holding over them,” Sam said as they examined the documents.
“Look. He’s only used part of it though,” Mallory said. “See it’s dated.”
“I don’t think we should let on that we have this,” Sam said. “That way we can see where he takes this.”
“If you want to play it that way. When this is taken care of, I’m going to need you to cover for me for a few days.”
“Why?” Sam asked, looking at her as she removed the drive from her computer.
“I’ve got a problem to take care of,” Mallory told her. “It’s essential to my future happiness.”
“Just say when.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
“Everything is set,” his partner said. “I’d like to be there, but I have to be in New Orleans for a few days.”
““I can handle things,” Bradley replied.
“I heard your friend Isaiah was no longer with us,” he said. “We’ll have to discuss what happens to his share.”
“He’d already arranged for a split,” Bradley said thinking of himself and the small share he’d be giving away.
“Had he now?” his partner asked. “We’ll discuss that when I return.”
“We can, but there will be no need,” Bradley replied. “Just call me when you’re back, and I’ll drive up.”
“I will,” he said. “I do think it was convenient that your friend was even arrested.”
“I didn’t arrange it,” Bradley said. “He got careless and that was his problem. We’re all the bearer of our own crosses.”
“I agree,” he replied. “Take care with the coyotes. They did best us on the last attack, so it tells me they have something worth being wary of.”
“I think it was just that they were better prepared than we realize,” Bradley murmured. “Our people inside didn’t have any other answers.” No one had been able to tell him what had turned the tide for Sam and Mallory the other day.
But he had a better plan this time and it was one he believed in.
Bradley ended the call and set his phone on his desk. He glanced over at the table where the completed model sat. This battle would end well and by this time next month, they’d have those coyotes all moved out, and construction under way.
His phone rang again, and he picked it up. “Hello, Pike.”
“We’ve called a meeting for tonight,” she said. “Six.”
“I’ll be there,” he answered.
“Just don’t count on everyone willingly caving,” Pike told him.
Without Isaiah, there would only be eight of them and no swing vote. However, there had been two members he hadn’t been able to get anything on. They wouldn’t be enough to topple his plans.
“I’m not concerned,” Bradley answered.
“I’d like to see the plans,” she said.
“You can stop by. The model is finished.” Even though his partner had insisted on some changes. They’d been added for effect, but with Isaiah gone so was his third and fourth partners. Only his ideas really mattered.
“I’m glad you and Jerry thought of this. I’ll see you tonight.”
He sighed at the dial tone in his ear. He’d get rid of her last. She would be a bigger problem than Isaiah eventually.
****
Sam didn’t show the slightest hint of concern as they headed into the meeting that evening, but Mallory was concerned. If the Coalition voted to move against them, they’d have to fight this fight on two fronts.
She wasn’t prepared for that, considering some members of her pack weren’t happy with her. Brynn had identified twenty dissidents who’d be or already were a problem to pack structure. They were either quietly undermining her or would begin doing so soon.
Mallory knew where that would lead, and she would have to take care of it before those few tainted the whole. She just didn’t want to have to deal with that right now.
“I
t’ll be fine,” Sam said. “We know what we have to do if they move against us.”
“I know. I was just thinking about my internal issues.”
“Rout them, Mal,” Sam said. “You can’t allow a few free reign.”
“I know.”
“I’ve already given thirty their walking papers,” Sam said coldly. “I won’t have anyone undermining me. A pack works if a leader is willing to make the hard decisions, the tough sacrifices, and yet be fair. That was you.”
“I just hate to kick them out of their homes,” Mallory replied evenly. “I never said I wouldn’t.”
“I’m not telling you what to do. I’m just curious if some of what they’re displaying has anything to do with you being unmated and seeing a cat shifter.”
“I doubt that’s an issue, but I will crush anyone who makes a move against Cordelia.”
Sam grinned. “I can feel the connection between you two.”
“Good evening,” Pike said entering the room.
“Ladies,” Claudia said as she followed on her heels.
“Good evening,” Sam said while Mallory grabbed a chair.
Mallory watched the others file in and her phone vibrated. She removed it from her pants pocket and checked it. The notification was a text.
After reading it, she put her phone away.
“Everything okay?” Sam asked.
“Perfect.” Delaney had gained the information she’d asked for.
The other members of the Coalition took their seats. The faces of many were grim and their eyes barely met hers and Sam’s eyes. She knew.
“I’ve had the information authenticated,” Pike said. “It is false.”
“I disagree,” the vice-chairman said.
“That makes two of us,” Claudia said. “I’m inclined to rule that Jericho, if he is dead, got what he asked for.”
“I think you two are in the minority,” the chairman said. “I move that Sam step down as alpha of Gray Tail and turn it over to Coalition control until further notice. Any of your people who wish to leave can do so.”
Sam laughed. “What are you taking control of? People? The land’s owner is alive and well.”
“That ownership is in dispute as well,” the chairman said.
“You can dispute all you want,” Sam muttered. “The land legally belongs to a chief’s heir. It was always Indian land. You have no jurisdiction over it.”
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