“And sometimes those mistakes are at the expense of innocent people,” Austin said as he entered the room. He took a seat at the left head of the table and poured a glass of milk. “I don’t want the Council involved, so I’m leaning on my alliances for advice. I’ve called Prince, and he’ll be coming over later on to discuss strategy.”

“We were witnesses,” I reminded him. “Even if they can’t get Delgado because of the cage fights, he was keeping two Shifters in his house against their will. The young man had been sexually assaulted, and I’d say that’s enough to at least get his privileges revoked from owning Breed clubs.”

Austin rubbed his temple. “Maybe so. But men like him don’t go away easily. Human or not, he’s got connections and money, and that’s a dangerous weapon for any man to wield. Have you heard from him?” he asked me.

I lifted the pot of coffee and carried it to the table. “No, but I’m sure he’ll be ringing me at any moment. I left my phone in the other room so I can enjoy a nice breakfast. Let him throw a tantrum on my voice mail and wait,” I said smoothly. “Who wants coffee?”

Austin immediately put his hand over the top of his empty mug.

“No, I’m good,” Izzy said. “It’ll make the baby kick.”

Wheeler lifted his mug. “I’ll have some.”

Lexi choked on something and began a fit of coughing.

“Are you okay, chickypoo?”

She waved me off and gulped down some orange juice. I filled Wheeler’s cup to the brim. After that, I filled my own and then took a seat at the opposite end of the table from Austin.

Minutes passed as we had light conversation over breakfast. Melody was a night owl and often slept in. Izzy said she inherited that from her father, and Jericho barked out a laugh and placed his hand on her belly.

Lexi craned her neck. “About time you joined us, Maze. Breakfast is almost cold.”

“I don’t feel good,” Maizy said in a weak voice.

I glanced over my shoulder and saw Maizy in front of the open doorway. Her cheeks were flushed, eyelids droopy, and yet her body was shaking. She had on an oversized red shirt that reached her knees, and it looked wet around her neck.

“What’s going on, Peanut?” Denver asked in a jovial tone, not turning around because he was too busy buttering his fourth biscuit.

Lexi stood up. “Maizy, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t feel—”

Just as Denver turned to look, Maizy collapsed. I hadn’t even put my fork down before Denver swung his leg over the bench and rushed to her side. His plate shattered on the floor, and the rest of his juice tipped over on the table.

He dropped to his knees and cradled her head. Denver touched her cheeks and then looked at Lexi over his shoulder. “Jesus, she’s burning up. Get the truck!”

“Maizy?” Lexi ran around the table to her. “What’s wrong with her?”