Sure enough, when Heather entered the large kitchen, there was Jules covered in flour and other ingredients baking like a madwoman. The evidence that she’d been at it for a while was cooling on the counter. “Jules? Hon? What’s up?” Heather knew to approach with caution. Jules was high strung even if she didn’t want to admit it. Baking and hiding in the kitchen was her way of avoiding something. But at least she baked well. If she didn’t, they’d be in real trouble. “Ben is an insane, manipulative dog with no sense of self preservation. He and Ty left about four hours ago to bloody well confront him in front of the town leaders. Can you believe it? Ugh… where did I put the pecans?” “Over there. Do you think it was a bad idea?” “Don’t you? Come on, Heather Russell wants us hunted down and killed for sport. What do you think he’ll do with them in arm’s reach? Do you think witnesses will stop him?” Jules poured several pecans into a zipper bag, squeezed the air o

Ty couldn’t wait to be with Rose. He had to know she was safe. Once he found out what he needed to know about how the situation was being handled, he took his mate upstairs to their room to spend time with her. “What happened exactly, Ty? What did my father threaten to do?” “Not a lot. But I think he was too stunned to say anything in front of everyone. But he now knows where you are and that you’re my mate by choice. He stormed out after I left and didn’t look thrilled about any of it.” “Of course not. You messed up his plans by coming in like a bulldozer and taking things he left like so much trash at the side of the road. You’re doing things with the things he couldn’t. That’s something you need to explain to me.” “What do I need to explain?” “Your plans for everything you’re doing.” “Oh, of course. I’m sorry everything has been going so fast. I don’t believe I thought of telling you. Wait, that didn’t come out right. I

Ty watched Rose sleep. Gods, he’d come home and made bloody sure she was his in every conceivable way. Why? Because Russell claimed he forced her into this mating. What did it matter? She accepted him as her mate. Sure, he was basically a rogue with a few lackeys following him. But that was changing by the day. Russell thought they didn’t have a direction or discipline. That Ty got from the reports his uncle told him about. Ty hadn’t done anything to change Russell’s mind about that because until now, it let Ty and his men fall beneath Russell’s notice. Time was going by fast, and Ty needed to make a move. But how? He needed to tie Russell clearly to the murders and disappearances of the people in the area. Would he be dumb enough to contact these hunters through a traceable phone? Could they somehow record his phone calls? Or catch him on video speaking directly to them? Today was too close for Ty’s comfort. He wanted this to stop. He needed proof on so many levels. Pro

“Alpha Higgins, good morning. Ty is just getting ready for the day. He should be down soon. Would you like to come in and have a coffee while you wait?” Rose’s heart was in her throat. She had to play Luna to a man she’d been raised to fear. He’d hurt her to get to her father. That’s what her father always said. She was supposed to stay away from her. “Sounds good. It was hard getting here without one of Russell’s fools noticing. I’d love a coffee, thank you.” He followed her into the packhouse and into the study. Miles didn’t fail her. He entered behind them with a tray of coffee and a plate of muffins and cookies. “As you asked Luna. Anything else I can bring you?” “If you can make sure that the Alpha knows where to find us, that would be great. Thank you, Miles.” “So, he doesn’t know I’m here?” “I’m not sure when I looked in on him. He was in the shower. I didn’t bother him. You were almost here, and I believed it was better someone was here to greet

Ty sat at his desk with his breakfast and coffee. His uncle sat nearby. “I’m glad you came, but what made you do that? You could have called.” “Yes, but I wanted to be able say Russell is full of crap because I saw it firsthand. Has he even tried to enter your territory?” “If you mean, has he called to talk to his daughter or come to the gate and demand to see her? Surprise, surprise, no, he hasn’t. He’d rather make a scene and terrorize others than actually find his daughter. It’s all for show. You know the way some are. ‘We’re all out of ideas, but haven’t tried anything. It’s hopeless.’ I’m not impressed with his actions, uncle. He’s leading no one and causing trouble everywhere he goes.” “I’m aware he tried to close the gas station. Something about them not paying taxes to the town and serving people from outside the town. In my opinion, I don’t see his logic. How are we to do business if people aren’t allowed into town because they don’t live in the area?