41. Mason

Chapter forty-one

Mason

I sat in Ronnie's office, my jaw clenched so tight I could feel a headache coming on. I'd always found the contrast between this neat, polished room and the gritty exterior of his biker gang headquarters jarring. It was like he couldn't decide who he really was: the leader of a biker gang or a respectable businessman who took every opportunity to get ahead. In here, it was obviously his personal den away from the chaos outside, with his polished oak desk, pristine countertops, and framed motorcycle photos on the walls. Behind Ronnie's desk, a large window offered a view of the chaotic workshop, bathing the room in light.

Derek, Sam, AJ, and Jase sat beside me. I could sense their unease, mirroring my own mood.

Ronnie rested back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips as he studied us. His blue eyes fucking sparkled with amusement, and I knew he was enjoying every second of my discomfort.

"Well, well," Ronnie drawled, his voice smooth and calculated. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this … unexpected visit?" His gaze swept over our group, lingering on each face before settling back on me.

I clenched my fists at my sides, forcing myself to speak through gritted teeth. "We need information. About Tristan."

Ronnie's smile widened, revealing perfect white teeth. "Ah, yes. I heard about the recent excitement. I would like to thank you, Mason, for returning Shya safe and sound." His tone softened slightly as he added, "I've always been quite fond of her, you know."

I did know. He made it fucking obvious every time he saw her. I bit back a growl, reminding myself that we needed his help, no matter how much it pissed me off.

Ronnie's attention shifted to Sam, his demeanor subtly changing. The smug amusement in his eyes replaced by a calculating look. I tensed, wondering what game he was playing now.

"It's good to see you, Sam," Ronnie said, his tone deceptively casual. "But I have to ask—what hat are you wearing today? You here as a member of the Wolf Council or as a Shaw brother?"

Sam's expression remained neutral, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes. "Does it make a difference?" he asked, his voice level.

Ronnie's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Oh, it makes all the difference in the world. You see, a Council representative is duty-bound to uphold the laws and maintain peace. They'd have to shut down any … shall we say, less than legal activities, regardless of the consequences." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "But a Shaw brother? Well, he'd be here to back up his sibling who lost, found, and then lost his mate again."

I fought to keep my face impassive. I knew he was baiting me, wanting to see how far he could push me, but inside, my wolf was snarling, and all I wanted was to leap over this desk and strangle the man.

Sam met Ronnie's eyes steadily. "I'm here as a Shaw," he said firmly.

I watched as Ronnie visibly relaxed, a satisfied look in his eyes. He leaned back, spreading his hands wide. "Well then, gentlemen," he said, his voice smooth as silk, "what can I do for you all?"

I clenched my fists once before saying, "We're tracking down Tristan. He's still out there plotting against Shya and her family. He also has AJ's mate, and we want her back. We're looking for any intel you might have on his whereabouts."

Ronnie's expression turned calculating, his eyes never leaving my face. "Interesting," he mused. "As it happens, I've been conducting my own search for Tristan."

My eyes narrowed as suspicion flooded through me. "Oh?" I managed to keep my voice neutral. "And why would you be doing that?"

"Aside from payback for what he did to Shya? Let's just say it's in my best interests to keep tabs on someone with Tristan's … particular views on humans. What is it you're offering here?" He glanced at each of us in turn. "A temporary alliance?"

Derek looked at him intently, his eyes sharp. "If we pool our resources, we both stand a better chance of hunting Tristan down."

Ronnie's grin widened, his eyes sliding back to me. "Now, now, Derek. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I want to hear it from the man himself." He settled back in his chair, folding his hands on the desk. "Is this really what you want, Mason?"

I wasn't going to strangle him; that would be too easy. No, I was going to slam his head against his pristine desk until I cracked it open like a boiled egg.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax my fists.

"Yes," I growled, the word coming out more like a challenge than an agreement. "We're proposing a temporary alliance, Ronnie. Your information, our resources. We work together to find Tristan and AJ's mate."

Ronnie's smile was all teeth as he nodded. "There, was that so hard? Now, let's talk about what I know and how we can help each other, shall we?" Ronnie's tone shifted to something more businesslike. "I'll be honest, I haven't had much luck so far. But I do have a lead that might pan out. There's a contact of mine who I believe has been supplying Tristan's men with goods."

No one moved, but the atmosphere in the room changed subtly; all of our attention sharpened.

"I've sent some of my men down there to track Tristan's people back to any possible camps," Ronnie continued. "With any luck, we'll have a location soon."

My mind raced with the possibilities. "Waylen's been following supply lines, tracking movements."

A grin spread across Ronnie's face, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well then, it seems we have ourselves a race, don't we? Whose contacts will come up with results first?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, fully aware of how much he was enjoying this situation. Part of me wanted to tell him to shove his race up his ass, but I knew this was our best shot at finding Tristan quickly.

"Agreed," I said, giving a reluctant nod. "We'll share whatever we find."

I stood up to leave, eager to be out of there and back hunting Tristan.

"By the way, Mason," Ronnie said, his tone dripping with false casualness. "I've got a little bonus information for you. Free of charge—not something I usually do, mind you, but I find I can't pass up this opportunity."

I turned back, my guard instantly up.

"My sources tell me Shya has set a date for her mating ceremony with Edmond. It's due to take place in three days."

The words hit me like a physical blow. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. Three days? Shya was going to mate with Edmond in three fucking days. My mind reeled, struggling to process this information.

I kept my face blank, even as I felt my heart hammering against my ribcage. Thank fuck Ronnie was human and couldn't hear the telltale racing of my pulse.

"Is that so?" I managed to say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "Well, I appreciate the information, Ronnie."

As we filed out of the office, my mind was in turmoil. Three days. I had three days to somehow stop this mating ceremony and get my mate back.