“Maybe, he knows something about Gavin that led him to believe he’d go along with it, or he knew Gavin wouldn’t be naïve enough to believe his lies so he went with a version of the truth.”

Masen’s head falls back to the chair. “Who’s been giving them information? Did he know you were Mated to me when you were at the mall?”

I think about it for a few moments. “I don’t think so. I never said anything about you, and my Mark was covered so without us being fully Mated I don’t think they would have known I had a Mate let alone that it was you.”

“So the person giving them info sought them out after your encounter at the mall.” He’s furious. There’s a soft rapping on the door. “I have to open the door, Little One. He won’t be able to hear me from in here,” he explains as he stands and deposits me back in the chair he just stood from.

The light from the opening door seems bright in the utter blackness of the room. Masen clicks on a small desk lamp before Michael shuts the door behind him. “Luna,” he greets me. I look around, getting my first look at what must be Masen’s Pack office. It’s very masculine, no decorations adorn the walls, just the carved wooden door and ornately carved massive desk I sit behind as the focal point. The throne-like chair I sit in clearly belongs to the Alpha. I stand quickly, not sure why it makes me uncomfortable to be in it without him under me. Michael takes a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. He scrubs a hand over his handsome face, looking tired.

I feel guilty. I know all this drama is hard on everyone. Before I can voice my apology, Masen speaks, “You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Little One. These animals were edging toward my borders long before your arrival. Even if that wasn’t the case, none of this is your fault,” he states while pushing me back into the chair. He paces the space behind Michael and tells him about his concerns about Gavin’s and Rob’s stories conflicting. He also shares my theories as to why. Michael agrees with my assessment that Gavin wouldn’t have fallen for the idea of Masen wanting another Alpha to take over part of the Pack.

“I can’t help but wonder who this female is that his Beta is referring to. Any ideas on that?” Michael asks.

“I was thinking the same thing. Gavin did bring a new female with him. Maybe we should start there?” Masen mutters.

Is no one going to state the obvious? “Ah, have you thought about Roxanne? She hates me and has the most to gain from my... disappearance,” I stutter.

Michael tilts his head, assessing me. Masen stops pacing and shakes his head. “No, she wouldn’t do something like that. I agree she’s been a bit over the top, but I can’t believe she would do something like that,” he says sounding sure of himself dismissing the idea. He continues pacing.