Lynx Northern Shifters 3

waited fifteen long minutes until the guard did a desultory round of the house. Then he slipped
into the now-unlocked house. He crept silently forward, listening for conversation, for action, for signs of
Jonah’s well-being. At the doorway to the living room, Trey stopped to see Kingley rifling through the desk
while Jonah sat calmly on the couch.
Their gazes met, those green eyes making Trey weak and strong, hot and cold—how had Jonah
managed to arrive here? Trey’s wolf pushed towards the surface, wanting to take over, wanting to protect
his mate.
But Jonah was not surprised to see Trey. He gave the briefest shake of his head like Trey had done
something wrong. And then, to Trey’s utter surprise, he said, “It’s time.”
Kingley looked at Jonah who lifted his chin to indicate Trey. Kingley jerked, his entire body
stiffening with surprise.
“Jesus, I didn’t hear you.” He reached for something on the desk.
“Don’t call the guard,” Jonah said quietly and Kingley frowned, as if Jonah was acting out of
character even while Jonah moved with lynx speed to intercept Kingley’s hand, and took the phone for
himself. “It will only be the three of us. That’s best.”
Trey was watching Jonah now, remembering old conversations where Jonah had spoken of killing
Kingley. There was something unsettlingly intense in Jonah’s expression.
Kingley opened his mouth to yell and Trey said harshly, “Shut it or he might kill you,” as Jonah rose
again and reached for Kingley, bringing his large hand to wrap around Kingley’s throat. “Jonah,” Trey warned.
“Only the three of us,” Jonah repeated, his voice showing little emotion.
Kingley’s face burnt red with anger and he said thickly, given Jonah’s hand, “Who the fuck are you?” “I’m a friend of Trey’s.”
“ Friend ,” Kingley sneered.
“Unlike, say, you. You need to leave Trey alone from here on in.”
“Jonah,” Trey repeated.
He laid his strangely reassuring gaze on Trey. “I’m not out of control.” Then he turned back to
Kingley. “Will you stay quiet, or should I stay here?”
Kingley slung his eyes towards Trey. “Control your pet dog.”
“He’s no dog,” said Trey, “but he’s dangerous. Tell him you’ll stay quiet.”
“I won’t be yelling,” Kingley told Jonah after a pause, his expression furious.
Eyeing Kingley carefully, Jonah released him and stepped back.
Kingley rubbed his throat. “What is going on, Trey?”
“I was going to ask the same thing,” replied Trey. “You wanted me to come to the compound. Why?”
Kingley didn’t answer, just tilted his head at Jonah. “You were going to keep Jonah prisoner there?” “I thought I was bringing you an old friend,” protested Kingley as he edged closer to the desk. He
must have left his gun in a drawer there.
“Stop,” Trey said flatly, and his old boss knew him well enough to stop.
“Should I kill him?” Jonah asked mildly. Kingley’s flinch was barely discernible but Trey observed it.
“What hold does he have on you? Because I need to break it.”
It was the completely wrong timing, but something within Trey trembled to know that Jonah did not
blame Trey for the long absence, was not furious at being left behind again. Jonah believed that Trey had
been forced to stay away from him. Trey rubbed his face, unable to speak for the moment. “None whatsoever,” said Kingley.
“You’re a terrible liar.” Jonah pulled in a long breath. “I can smell the lie on you. But it doesn’t
matter. Trey and I are leaving now. If you ever contact him again, I will find you and kill you.” Kingley snorted dismissively.
“I killed Horton.”
At that, Kingley froze while Trey winced. “I wish you hadn’t said that, Jonah.”
Jonah kept his gaze on Kingley, deadly serious and perhaps that was finally sinking in. “He needs to
know I mean it.”
“He’s threatened the well-being of a pack of wolves I’ve tried to rehabilitate,” Trey said quickly. “Bullshit,” declared Kingley, trying to regain control of the conversation. “I did you a fucking huge
favor, Walters, and for that I get this grief.”
Trey stared at Kingley. “You were going to use Jonah against me. I don’t think I can forgive that.” Kingley paled. He’d seen Trey in action before, recognized that tone of voice.
“But here’s the thing. I don’t want to kill you. I’ve killed too much and we, well, we’ve worked
together. But you crossed a line here. I think you need to