Chapter 49
Matthew’s POV
Quinn park was closest, so I drove there myself. I found him alone in his yard, an empty bottle dangling from his fingers, three more scattered around his fect. His eyes were vacant, stating at nothing.
Matthew. He didn’t look up. Didn’t expect to see you out and about.”
‘Did you know about the attack on Clifflands? 1 demanded without preamble.
He tried to look surprised, but the alcohol made him a tertible liar. ‘What attack?”
Don’t bullshit me, Quinn. I’ve got the Alpha King’s letter and a severed head in my office. He’s threatening to burn Forestvale to the ground.
Quinn’s face paled. I just found out this morning. I swear, Matthew, I had no idea they were planning this.”
“Jesus, Quinn. I ran a hand through my hair.
“I had a dream last night,” Quinn said, his voice suddenly small. “Alpha King’s forces pouring over Forestvale like a flood. So many warriors… I can’t close my eyes without seeing it.”
“Since we formed this alliance with Fireland, we’ve had nothing but trouble,” I pointed out.
“You think… you think Kieran planned this? That this was his goal all along?”
The thought had been forming in my mind since I’d read the letter. “It’s a win–win for him. If they succeeded in rescuing Juno, Fireland gets the glory. If they failed, Forestvale gets dragged into his war with Clifflands.”
Quinn’s bloodshot eyes widened. “Shit.”
“Exactly. Be at the meeting tonight.”
Joel arranged for Maddox to meet me in my office before the general assembly. When he arrived, he looked awful–unshaven, bloodshot eyes, clothes rumpled as if he’d been sleeping in them.
“I fucked up,” he said before I could speak. “Kieran only told me he’d help get Scarlett back. He never mentioned Juno.”
“Why the sudden interest in getting Scarlett back?” I asked. “Last I heard, you were happily mated to your fated, Della.”
Maddox’s face crumpled. “Della is a bitch. She’s useless at everything except sex, just screws things up all the time.We fight every day. She refuses to handle any Luna duties but interferes with pack business.”
He looked up at me, genuine anguish in his eyes. “Maybe she lied about Scarlett. All those things she claimed Scarlett did none of it was true. Della just wanted her gone.”
I felt a flash of empathy despite my anger. I knew what it was like to have your marriage fall apart.
“Your personal problems don’t justify starting a war,” I said firmly. “You’ve angered the Alpha King, and now all of Forestvale is in danger.”
‘I need Scarlett back,” Maddox insisted. “I’ll do anything-
I slammed my palm on the desk, making him jump. ‘Have you forgotten how many innocent pack members died in the last conflict? How many homes were destroyed?”
Maddox fell silent.
*According to Juno’s letter, the captives are safe in Clifflands. Leave it alone, Maddox. Learn to accept what fate has dealt you, like I’m trying to do.”
1/2
Chapter 49
He nodded dewly 111 be at the meeting night. And I make sur Kieran comes m
When I arrived home I expected to find teabelle waiting in the living room as shed done every day since moving back in. Instead, the heated sinalad of Booking I headed straight for the bedroom, desperate for a thower before the meeting.
Matthew? Nabelle appeared! from the kitchen, her eyes slightly red. She d been crying. I made dinner.”
I glanced toward the dining room and saw the table set with dishes I recognized. Another attempt to build connection between ud.
how was work?” she asked softly,
“Complicated. The single word fell between us, and the air instantly grew thick with tension.
Dinner was mostly silent, punctuated only by the sound of cutlery against plates. When we finished, Isabelle finally broke.
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