“Yeah.” I shook myself as I reached for my bright blue Longchamp bag, stuffing my book, phone, and earbuds inside.

“Best put on your overcoat now. It’s going to be quite cold.”

Living in Texas had thinned my blood. The last little while in Colorado—with the highs just above freezing—had been an adjustment, but now I was pretty used to the bitter temperatures. I shoved a brimmed knit hat on my head, buttoned up my coat, grabbed my scarf, and felt only partially warmer.

“How do humans survive winters like this?”

“I haven’t the foggiest.”

Donovan reached for my bag, but I shook my head. I liked to carry my own things. Plus, Vivian would be outside. It was probably better if my hands were occupied or I might be tempted to start something I shouldn’t.

“All right then. Let’s go.”

As I stepped onto the airstair, I spotted five men, all in black, waiting by two cars.

Where was everyone else? The top-ranked wolves usually came to greet their Alpha when he arrived home. It differed for every pack, but no less than the first five were required to be there, plus a handful of Cazadores. For some, it was only ten, and for others, the crowd could fill a bus. It depended how close the top people were in terms of power level. The closer they were, the more disputes in rank there would be, so more people would show up to solidify their position in the pack.

But there should’ve been no less than ten. And where in the hell was Vivian? As much as I wanted to delay meeting her, she should’ve been here. She was Donovan’s second, at least for now. Even if I didn’t know what I knew, her absence would’ve been a huge red flag.

Maybe she was investigating the murder? But her absence was still a definite slight against Donovan.

The steps were slippery as we climbed down the airstair, and I was grateful for my Were balance. Eating it in front of the most powerful members of Donovan’s pack wasn’t the first impression I wanted to make. I gripped my bag a little tighter as I reached the tarmac.

I met each Were’s gaze for a moment before moving on. The first one met it and looked down so quickly that I gasped. He was actually welcoming me to the pack? Not exactly what I was expecting after everything I’d heard.

The next guy scowled at the first one before looking my way. He crossed his arms as he leaned back on a car. He looked away after a minute, but from his posture, he wasn’t happy about it.

The next two proved even more standoffish.

The little twinge of hope that the first guy had sparked died. Fine. This was what I’d expected, and I’d be happy to force submissions all day if that was what it took to be accepted around here. But each Cazador looked away in turn.