36. Chapter 36 #3
“I don’t believe that anymore. I know your wolf loves me. I feel it through the bond every day.” Her voice caught. “I think… I hope you do too.”
Something cracked in his chest, a hot, painful fissure that made his breath catch. His wolf surged forward, a possessive, snarling wave of emotion.
“My wolf chose you, but so did I.” His voice was rough. “The first day we met, I watched you with that scared but determined look on your face, and I thought, Christ, she’s going to get herself killed.” He swallowed and closed his eyes. “I wanted you right along with my wolf.”
She was silent. He could hear her breathing, shallow and uneven, and he knew she was crying even though she’d never admit it.
“I love you,” she whispered. “Even when you’re being an overbearing jerk.”
A chuckle escaped him. “I love you too, a stór mo chroí. I’m coming home.”
The television in his hotel room was on low. Background noise that he barely registered. The screen suddenly cut to an explosion, and he grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.
“Turn on your television,” Conall instructed. Just then he heard Jamie.
“Riley, you watching this? Are you talking to Conall? Put me on speaker.”
The news anchor gave the details in a grave voice.
“Three massive explosions were reported at the newly discovered Apex Mentis facility in Yellowstone National Park, at the site known as Mary Mountain. Local law enforcement believes the blasts may have been set by Apex Mentis operatives in an attempt to destroy evidence, but sources close to the investigation say it’s too late for that, as the site was already extensively documented by National Park Service investigators.
Others speculate the Administration may have called for its destruction to prevent Apex Mentis from moving forward with its alleged coup. ”
“Who had the balls to blow it up?” Jamie asked, his voice incredulous as the broadcast cataloged the destruction.
Conall stared at the screen. “Riley, love, do you know anything about this? I couldn’t get ahold of Parker.”
“Why would you automatically think it’s Parker and me?” she asked. Conall wished he could see her face right then.
The news anchor continued. “In a related development, the White House announced that General Wilson and Senator White have been arrested on treason charges. The President released a statement minutes ago confirming that a major investigation is underway into allegations of a planned military coup. Several members of Congress, led by Senator Bryne of Colorado, are calling for immediate congressional hearings.”
Conall muted his television but continued to watch the livestream. “I’m going to find out who did this.”
Riley made a noncommittal sound.
“Maybe it was Wilson or someone else entirely,” Jamie guessed. “But does it matter? I’m glad it’s gone, even if someone inside Apex did it. The story’s out, and Wilson and Senator White are finished.”
“For now,” Riley muttered. “Marlowe and his people are still out there.”
She was even more cynical than he was. Conall stood, his wolf suddenly wanting to go home. “I’ve had enough. I’m coming home as soon as I can get a flight out.”
“Good,” Jamie muttered. “I’m going to fill Freda and Ash in. Give me your ETA when you have it, and we’ll pick you up.”
Jamie walked out as Riley let out a breath. “Are you really coming home?”
“Yes. I’ve had enough of this godforsaken cesspool. And I miss you.”
“I miss you too. I’m sick of being apart.”
Her words undid him. She was smart as hell, a little colder and even more introverted with the implant, but still steady and kind. And so fucking beautiful to him.
“I’m warning you now, my wolf and I have a lot of pent-up energy. Be ready.”
“Promises, promises.” Her voice had a smile in it.
He ended the call and watched the muted television for a few more minutes.
The news started playing another breaking news story about wolf sightings in downtown Washington.
It went on to discuss that Alexander Christopherson’s body, Alpha of the Northeastern States Pack, had been found torn to pieces and strewn from one end of the National Mall to the other.
He and Sawyer might’ve gotten a little carried away as they stalked Christopherson through Downtown D.C. that night, but it had been so damn satisfying.
There was one more loose end he needed to tie up. Langston wasn’t in custody, but he was down two ogres, so killing the asshole wouldn’t be much of a challenge.
Wilson was another matter, but Parker had a few former Marine buddies on the inside.
They’d have to put their heads together to figure out how to take the bastard out.
His wolf settled against his ribs, calm for the first time in weeks.
Riley had sacrificed her anonymity to keep his Pack safe, and her world was now in chaos.
He and his wolf were sick to death of their beloved Alpha Mate being stalked and brutalized. It was time to teach his enemies what happened when you fucked with the Pack.
And his wolf agreed. The messier and more brutal the lessons, the better.