The Wrong Bond

3

“That’s precisely the point,” I said, scanning the street we’d just driven onto. “If he doesn’t take responsibility for what happens in this city, I will. And I’ll do it my way.”

Ethan shook his head, still amused. “You love getting under his skin, don’t you?”

A small smile played on my lips. “I actually do.”

Getting under my father’s skin was a big part of why I was doing this. I knew he didn’t care much about the wolves downtown, even if it was a part of our district. But the other reason was that I couldn’t handle another Friday night surrounded by women at Riley’s.

Riley’s was the bar that every purebred, high-profile wolf in the city visited during the weekends. It was also the major networking spot in the city.

It was exhausting. Superficial conversations, fake smiles, and the ever-present shadow of my father’s expectations loomed over me.

The car hit another pothole, jostling us and dragging me back to the present.

“Well, this is going to be dangerous. But I’ve always got your back, and I’m prepared for anything,” Ethan said.

“I’m ready,” I said, tucking the tablet into my briefcase as we neared the bar we’d decided to visit.

Ethan sighed, nodding reluctantly. “Alright, but let’s not underestimate them. Desperate wolves can be unpredictable.”

I chuckled, a low, menacing sound. “Desperation is their weakness. And we will exploit it. They know better than to attack us.”

Ethan shrugged. “It might not be a physical attack, but we still need to be careful.”

As the car stopped in front of the rundown bar, we both stepped out into the cool night air. I surveyed the bar, my ears and eyes hyperaware, ready to catch any untoward sound or movement.

I quickly took off my watch, which looked like it could buy a huge part of the downtown area, but most importantly, it had the Elton sigil inscribed on it.

“We should just take off our suits, because we don’t look like we fit in at all,” Ethan whispered, and I chuckled.

“I had no idea we were doing this tonight, or I would have tried to blend in,” I said.

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Next time, give me a heads-up. I don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb.”

I nodded, appreciating his concern. “We’ll be fine. Let’s keep a low profile and get the information we need.”

We stepped into the bar, which smelled awful, and I noticed it was crowded.

“I thought you mentioned that the bar is pretty empty at this time?” I whispered to Ethan.

“That’s what I saw last time, but apparently not tonight,” he responded, his eyes scanning the bar for somewhere to sit.

“Do you think they were tipped about our arrival?” I asked, heading toward the table by the bar’s far end, which was squished next to another table filled with rough-looking wolves.

“I hope not.”

We slid into the booth near the dartboard. Behind us, a group of older wolves nursed their drinks. They looked like they had seen it all, their eyes filled with the wisdom that only came from years of surviving in the roughest parts of town.

“Mind if I join you?” I asked, keeping my tone respectful.

One of the older wolves, a grizzled veteran with a scar running down his cheek, glanced up at me. He nodded slowly.

“It’s a free town, son.”

“It doesn’t look too free to me,” I said with a smile.

“What are you doing?” Ethan whispered to me.

“Trying to get as much intel as I can. You should be doing the same.” I turned back to the older wolf. “It doesn’t feel too safe down here.”

The older wolf shrugged. “The rogues are out and about causing havoc again. What else is new?”

I nodded.

He peered at me, a look of interest in his eyes. “What’s your name, boy? You don’t look like a local.”

I contemplated using a pseudonym, but something about the man’s demeanor told me he probably didn’t give a f**k about the Eltons.

“My name is Shawn. I’m just looking to keep the peace.”

The man smiled at me. “That’s what we’re all doing.” He turned to one of his companions. “A beer for my good friend Shawn, please.”

A few minutes later, a cold glass of beer was placed before me. I nodded in thanks.

“So, Shawn,” the man said, leaning back in his chair. “What’s got a young wolf like you interested in this part of town? Most of your kind stay uptown, where it’s safe and shiny.”

I looked down at the beer in my hand, but didn’t drink. “I just want to make a change.”

He nodded. “We need change around here.”

“A word, please?” Suddenly, Ethan pulled me to my feet and away from the table.

“What’s up?” I asked him.

“What’s up?” he echoed in an incredulous tone. “We came here to get info, not dillydally with the locals.”

“I am getting info, Ethan.”

“By telling them who you are?” Ethan ran a hand through his hair, obviously stressed. “f**k, Alexander will kill me if he finds out I didn’t stop you.”

I spread my hands and motioned around the bar, my right hand clutching the glass of beer. “Look around. Everything is fine. We’re fine.”

Ethan sighed, glancing around warily. “Alright, fine. But let’s put a pin in you getting information. Stay out of it, and I’ll take over.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Fine, but I’ll be right by the bar if you need me.”

I slid up to the bar and dropped my drink onto the counter as Ethan walked away. At the far left of the counter, I could see a man and a young woman talking. I took my beer and was about to have a sip when she shrugged off her coat to reveal a barely-there top and an even skimpier skirt.

I dropped the beer back onto the counter untouched and took her in—gorgeous raven-black hair, green eyes, and legs that seemed to stretch forever. I watched as she talked to the man, a small smile on her face. She was breathtaking.

But this was dangerous. This was not the kind of game I played, and women were not indulgences I allowed myself, not anymore. I’d been off the chain a couple years ago, sleeping with everyone and anyone uptown, but not anymore. That part of me was long gone. Now, I was focused on assuming my role as an alpha and not letting anything distract me. It was easier to stay levelheaded this way.