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“The bitch,” Easton mutters under his breath.

“She is, but what’s more is that she’s dangerous,” Lyle says. “Somehow, she made herself her daughter’s medical proxy. It’s how she was able to get her committed, though there were a lot of illegal shenanigans there.”

“I’m sure,” I sigh.

We pass Nina as we loop around the rink, and she appears to be doing better on her skates. Her long hair is braided, her cheeks flushed with excitement and maybe a little terror.

I know from Riley that her hair can’t possibly be her own because of the way they shaved it obsessively. Not only was it a way to demean her, it also made it easier for the nurses to keep her clean. I fucking hate all of those assholes.

For now, she’s having fun, and I love seeing it. Her jeans mold to her ass, her long sleeved shirt meant to keep her warm since the ice rink is always freezing. Vivian is heavily against casual clothing, which means this is Pack Mayor’s doing.

“It does look as if you’re a good influence on the bitch,” I say once we’re far enough that my voice won’t carry.

“It’s our money that’s influential," Easton snorts. “She’s a bitter woman for doing all of this. You and your pack are just as wealthy, yet here we are.”

“So what do we do now?” I ask. “I’m all ears.”

“We continue to get Nina out of the house, building Vivian’s trust in us, and suggest taking her on a trip to get out of the city,” Lyle decides.

“You think she’ll go for that?” I ask, wondering where this is going.

“I know how to coerce her into things,” Lyle says. “The stranglehold she has can only go on for so long until we begin to ask why she’s so controlling. Vivian doesn’t want to disclose Nina’s supposed poor mental health.”

“We all know there’s nothing wrong outside of the effects of the things they did to her,” I growl. “She’s terrified of her mother.”

“We’ve noticed that as well,” Lyle says. “Go skate with Nina and be your charming self. We'll steal her away soon, though. It is our date, after all.”

“Maybe, but we know I’ll get the omega in the end,” I tease them with a wink as they grin.

Who would have thought that getting the girl would be a community wide effort?

“How is she doing?” I ask, coming to a stop beside Silas and Nina.

“I think she’s ready to skate,” he says, gently pushing her in my direction.

“Silas!” she gasps, but stays upright.

“You’re good. Just keep moving your feet and keep your knees bent,” he says, skating toward his pack.

“I didn’t realize alphas gossiped,” Nina mentions, gazing up at me.

The cold is messing with my sinuses, but I can still smell her scent. It surrounds me, and makes me want to kiss her. Holding out my hand for her to take, I clear my throat.

“More skating, Little Queen,” I say, enjoying the way she rolls her eyes at me.

Once we’re moving, I shrug. “We discuss things, we do not gossip, Nina.”

“Nope. I’m going to call bullshit on that,” she says, her fingers pressing against her lips in surprise.

“Cursing sounds good on you,” I tease her. “Besides, you’ve been to a baseball game with Pack Tremaine. They’re huge shit talkers and gossips. I don’t think you’re surprised at all.”

“Maybe,” she says with a grin. “How’s that boyfriend of yours?”

She’s changing the subject, and I let her.

“He wants to meet you,” I say nonchalantly. “As soon as he gets a free weekend actually.”

“Me?” she asks. “Why would he do that? I’m no one, and I think I’m taken.”