Page 80 of Jace's Mate

“Still,” Ciaran said slowly, “what if the ship attacksareseparate?Maybe we’ve been connecting the wrong dots.”

Jace leaned back in his chair, thinking.“Could be.But I lean toward distraction.The timing’s too perfect.The ships were attacked right when Wilton showed up—and when the boys were planted to track me.”

“Good point,” Megin agreed.

“So we’re back to square one,” Ragnor said.“Three attacks.Three unknown culprits.The boys don’t know who ordered them to spy.The ship captains have no clue who hit them.And Wilton’s just a pawn—we still don’t know who’s pulling his strings.”

“I might have found him today,” Ciaran announced.

All heads turned.

“After Anikka gave us those landmarks, it was easier to pin down the neighborhood.I think he’s in a rental house.We’ve got a team watching it to confirm my assumption.So far, he hasn’t left.”

Jace’s expression darkened.“And if he doesn’t?”

“Then tomorrow we create a distraction,” Ciaran replied.“While he’s out, we’ll sweep the place—install cameras, plant mics.We’ll know who he’s talking to.And what they’re planning.

Chapter 25

Wiltonstaredoutthewindow of his cramped study, chewing the inside of his cheek.How long beforesherealized Anikka had vanished?He’d had two orders: sow discord in the pack and keep Anikka away from their Alpha.

He’d failed both—and he knew it.

Butwhyhad he failed?He’d wrecked the shipping office.Scattered records all over the floor.No one should’ve known which cargo was coming or going by morning.He’d even cut power to half the shipyard!That should’ve halted the cranes, at least slowed the off-loading.

But no.The pack had powered through like nothing had happened.

Wilton turned away from the window, half-considering shifting into his wolf and running.Maybe he could disappear into another pack.Start over.

But that would mean losing his rank.No more Alpha.No more control.He still had three wolves—well, threeleft.And those three still obeyed his every word.That was worth something.

A soft knock broke his thoughts.

“Sir,” a guard said, stepping into the study without waiting for permission.

Wilton snapped his head up, ready to unleash a verbal beating.He was anAlpha, damn it!You didn’t walk in on an Alpha like that.

But the guard’s expression gave him pause.There was irritation in those eyes.Defiance.Wilton recognized the look—it was the same one the last two wolves wore right before they left his pack.

Why did theykeepleaving?He kept them fed.He kept a roof over their heads.What more did they want?

He scowled.“Who is it?”

The guard barely managed not to roll his eyes.“I don’t know.She didn’t give a name.”

Wilton stiffened.She?

There were only two women who could be at that door.Anikka… orher.

If it was Anikka, maybe she was coming home.Maybe she’d been alone too long.Wolves couldn’t stay solitary for long.Maybe she’d realized she needed him after all—

But what if it wasn’t Anikka?

Wilton’s stomach dropped.If it washer, the one who’d given him the job… then he was in trouble.

“Tell her to go away,” he muttered.“Tell her I’m not here.”

“I don’t think so,” purred a smooth, amused voice.