36. Ryan

"Ryan. Derek." Michael's voice held a tone of cool amusement, an incongruous smile shadowing his face. He had First Nation heritage in his lineage, and it showed in his tall, lean frame, strong muscles, and sharp features.

"You boys are a long way from home."

I sighed, letting my body relax, showing Michael that I didn't think he was a threat. I knew Derek would be looking for other wolves sneaking up on us, so I could keep my focus on Michael.

"We're thinking of buying a trailer, aren't we, Derek? Thought we'd stop by here and see what they're really like."

Michael scoffed, then his eyes went hard. "Did you leave my boy in there in one piece?"

Okay, he was done messing around. That was good because I was, too.

"In one piece, yeah. Of course, I don't suppose that matters, given that Eddie isn't long for this world, is he?"

Michael's body went still. "Is that a threat? Against one of my own?"

"From us? We got what we needed. But I'm sure your enforcers are going to take real good care of him, aren't they?"

Something flickered in Michael's eyes as he glanced toward Eddie's trailer, gone too fast for me to work out what it was.

"You got what you needed, huh? Look, I'm sorry about Carson, but he murdered two of my men. They were human, but they were under my protection. Your Pack is out of control, and it's leaking into my Pack now. I can't let this stand."

I laughed. "Fuck, Michael, you sound as if you really believe your own horseshit. You and I both know Carson didn't do this. We both know you're using this as a cover so you can launch a war, but we ain't gonna make it easy for you. You attack us, we'll be ready."

Michael shook his head. "Surely, you can see the damage Jem and Hayley are causing your Pack? They aren't strong enough to hold it. You want it to turn out like it did under Oliver? Those were some tough fucking years you guys had, but Oliver held his shit in his lands. Jem can't even do that. Now, me and Camile have to clear it up. You might not see it right now, but we're doing you a favor."

"We don't need any favors, Michael. And you're mistaken if you think we'll let you undermine Jem's leadership with concocted murder charges."

Michael's expression hardened further; a flicker of surprise and then something close to anger shadowed his features. "You really are sticking with them, aren't you?" he asked, disbelief tinting his voice.

"Yes, we are. Just like you would stand by Camile," I shot back, refusing to give ground, to show any weakness. There was a tense silence, the air charged with unspoken words and brewing conflict.

Finally, Michael pushed off from my car, running a hand through his hair as he glanced toward the night sky. "I didn't want it to come to this, Ryan," he said, his voice almost regretful. "I don't want to go to war with you, but I will if it means protecting my Pack."

"No one wants a war," I said, standing my ground. "If you have a problem with Jem and Hayley, you bring it to the Pack leaders, you don't blame Carson for something he didn't do."

Michael's eyes flickered to Eddie's trailer again. Something wasn't right about this, but I couldn't work out what.

"Get out of my territory, both of you. You don't step a toe over the line without my permission. I see you here again, I'll kill you and your brothers."

With that, he turned and began to stride toward Eddie's trailer. I had the feeling it wasn't going to go well for Eddie. I shook my head, motioned for Derek, and we headed to my car.

We kept silent as we pulled out of the trailer park, both of us alert and ready for any attack. This whole thing with Michael was too easy, and neither of us trusted that he had just let us go.

We had crossed over to our territory before Derek broke the silence.

"Michael shouldn't have been there alone." His voice was steady, eyes set on the dark expanse of road ahead. "An Alpha, in that area of town, at this time of night. He shouldn't have been alone," he repeated.

"You sure he was?" I questioned, my gaze flickering to Derek.

"I didn't see or scent anyone else. You?"

I shook my head. A sense of unease grew within me. Michael was many things, but reckless was not one of them. Something was definitely off about this whole situation.

I steered the car onto the main road, the shadows of the night swallowing us. The streetlights flickered by intermittently, their glow washing over us in a spectral dance.

"We'll update Jem, see if he has any insights," I said finally, my focus still on the road.

Derek's confirmation was a simple nod, a line of tension etching his features in the dim light.