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“You fucked the woman I was seeing. You knew I loved her,” Kerian accuses.

“She didn’t love you. Plus, she wasn’t your mate. I was doing you a favor, showing you what little you meant to her,” he scoffs. “You know that isn’t the real reason I left.” They glare at each other.

“As much as this amuses me, I don’t give a shit.” I pull over a chair and sit backward in it. “I want to discuss all the murdered half-shifters. Or have you been too deep in a bottle to notice?”

“I’ve noticed. Two of them showed up on our property,” Kerian says.

“They dumped one behind the club this morning. She was the roommate of my mate and her friend.”

“Hey, congrats! You found your mate.” River claps his hands excitedly.

“I did. I would like to catch this asshole so I can keep her safe,” I say.

“I’m happy for you,” Kerian says, but his face is pinched. “What can we do to help?”

“We need to compare information. Whoever is doing this wants me to suffer or vampires in general. They are pointing the blame in my direction. Why else would there only be shifters dead? Why not vampires?” My eyes darken. “They might not like the friendly relationships I am developing with shifters. There are several in our world that believe we should stick to our kind.”

“I have met several wolves that hate vampires,” River snorts. “If they are forcing shifters to turn humans, it’s possible they haven’t been able to convince or force a vampire to do it,” he says casually.

“That’s true,” Kerian watches me. “Is your mate human then?

“Yes.”

“Maybe it’s someone in her past. You said the roommate is dead; it could be a connection.”

“No. She has shitty parents and a dick of an ex-boyfriend, but they don’t have the power to pull this off.”

“So, how long is it going to take for you to go through all your enemies?” River laughs. “I’m guessing it might take a while.”

River might be my next new true friend. “Very true.” I look at Kerian. “Is there anyone in your pack that you’ve been suspicious of? Is anyone acting strange? Disappearing for long periods of time?”

“No, not that I know of,” he frowns.

“What about that Marcus guy? He hates you. He leaves all the time, stays gone for days.” River says, then pulls out a sandwich to eat.

“What are you talking about?” Kerian asks.

“Have you been so distracted that you can’t keep track of your pack?” I ask.

“How do you know this? You’ve been here for a week.” Kerian ignores my question, looking at River.

“I pay attention. I watch everyone in the pack. I came back to help you save it,” he says around a mouth full of food.

“I don’t need to be rescued,” Kerian complains.

“So, this Marcus guy, he’s a wolf?” I ask and get them back on track.

“He is. He’s been with us for four years. I thought he was a good guy. A bit of a loner but happy to be with us.” Kerian looks worried now.

“No one likes him. He snubs the others in the pack. They feel judged by him.” River shrugs when Kerian looks at him sharply. “You’ve been drunk a lot lately, brother.”

“You two can work out all your shit another day. Today, I am concerned with keeping my mate safe and the humans that will come into the club. I need all the information on Marcus today. If he is part of this, we can track him. He knows he has an Alpha that hasn’t been paying attention. He may be getting cocky and comfortable in his role,” I growl, sick of them wasting my time.

Kerian stands, determination transforming him. “I’ll get you what you need tonight. I’ve wallowed in my shit for too long. It’s time to lead again.” He walks to the door.

“Shave the beard, too. No woman wants her beast that hairy,” I taunt. He just pauses for a minute and then leaves.

“Thanks, man.” River stands with me. “He needed a kick in the ass. I hear your club is the best.” He looks at me.