Chapter 67

Kadeem

Bob squirmed in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the threat that lingered in Riley's voice. His voice trembled slightly when he spoke again.

"Okay," he said quietly. "Maybe I did meet with him a few times." He swallowed hard and continued speaking quickly, as if trying to get it all out before he changed his mind. "He's been looking for something for years - some kind of ancient artifact or relic that's supposed to have immense power or something like that."

Kadeem leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Bob. "Interesting," he mused, trying to keep his tone casual. He could feel the flutter of excitement in his chest, like a butterfly trapped in a jar. "And you've been helping him?"

Bob hesitated before nodding slowly. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I've been helping him gather information. In exchange, he promised me a cut of whatever he finds."

Riley snorted in disgust. "And you don't care what kind of damage that kind of power could do?"

"Not really," Bob shrugged. "He's a pediatrician, for Christ's sake. He honestly seems like a decent enough chap, just... really fixed on this artifact."

Riley raised an eyebrow. "You really expect us to believe that." Her petite frame was bristling with pent-up aggression.

"For real," Bob said. "He just seems like a big nerd."

Kadeem could smell the deceit wafting off him like stale perfume. "What kind of information have you found for him?"

A part of him still clung to the idea that family should be able to trust each other. But with every lie Bob told over the years, Kadeem felt that hope slipping away like sand through his fingers.

Bob hesitated, sweat glistening on his brow. His eyes flicked toward Riley, who stood nearby with her arms crossed – the very picture of a werewolf enforcer. The sight seemed to sap whatever courage remained in Bob, and he slumped forward, defeated.

"I found a small lead," Bob said. "Not much to go off of." He wiped the sweat off of his brow. "It likely entered the black market a few decades ago, and maybe into the hands of Red Moon's last Alpha. He doesn't have any heirs or close family. No telling where it ended up, but I was going to check out some of the local traders and dealers for Dr. Rayburn. For all we know it's sitting on the shelves of some local shop right now, unbeknownst to anyone."

Kadeem blinked, remembering the stake concealed in his pocket. But that would be an absurd coincidence. "You still haven't said what the object is," he said, trying to keep his tone even.

Bob swallowed, his face dripping now with sweat. He began to stammer, desperately searching for an answer.

Kadeem dropped all pretenses. His face was stone cold. "I'm not asking again," he snarled."

Bob shuddered. "Listen, I don't really know. I -"

But Kadeem had no patience left. He ripped the man up from his seat, gripping him by the collar of his shirt, and yanking him close. "You listen to me," he growled. "What is he searching for?"

Bob quivered as Kadeem held him high in the air. "Okay! Okay," Bob trembled. "Just put me down - please."

Kadeem obliged and threw him back into the chair.

Bob exhaled. "It's a ruby," he said. "Probably set in a necklace or ring. It... it has five tiny runes carved into it."

Riley fixed her arms across her chest radiating the skepticism Kadeem felt. "A gemstone," she asked, voice dripping with disdain. "What makes that so special?"

"It's a healing stone," Bob said. "Irreplaceable - one of a kind." His voice trembled as he finished.

Riley met his eyes. A doctor looking for a healing stone - that was logical enough, but distrust gnawed at Kadeem's insides. He nodded to Riley. They'd probably gotten as far as they could for the time being.

"Thank you, very much," Riley said, a smirk playing on her lips, "For your cooperation."

Kadeem cast Bob one final, lingering glance as he walked away, a newfound keen awareness of the seismic shift in their relationship echoing around him. Bob's attempt to exert dominance at the pack meeting had been infuriating, yet inconsequential compared to this. Kadeem had descended from his throne and truly shown who was top dog. He knew Bob would be seething with rage, left simmering in humiliation for days to come.

Neither would Kadeem forget what he'd yet to confront his uncle on - Susan's obvious presence earlier in the day. How long had that been going on?

"Good work in there," Kadeem said, turning to his Riley.

"You, too, Alpha," Riley said, her face still bright from the thrill of it all.

"Eh, I lost my cool," he said. "I wanted to leave the aggressive tactics to you, so I could keep up some semblance of a normal relationship with him."

Riley stopped abruptly. "After that shit he pulled a few weeks ago?"

"It's not really out of a sense of familial ties," Kadeem said. "It was more Machiavellian - keep your allies close and your enemies closer."

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” Riley said. “We forced the rat out of his hole today - and he won’t so easily underestimate you now. No more stupid setups at meetings, sly tricks, or schemes. He’d be scared to death to try anything at all after today!”

"Maybe." But Kadeem wasn't as optimistic. He spun the thought around in his head, uncertain.

Mateo was sprawled out on the couch when Kadeem got home. His eyes lit up when he saw Kadeem.

"Did YOLO?" Mateo switched off the television and perched on the edge of the couch.

Kadeem nonchalantly sat onto the nearby loveseat and raised an eyebrow. "I'd prefer never to hear that phrase again...but I did take a chance."

Mateo leaned forward eagerly. "And? How did it go?"

Kadeem sighed heavily and stared at the floor. "And her 'boyfriend' showed up." He spat out the word "boyfriend" with all the revulsion he felt. He let out a despairing moan and clenched his fists. "I didn't think they were serious enough for those kinds of labels yet," Kadeem grumbled, more to himself than anything.

Mateo's face fell into a disappointed scowl. "I'm sorry," he said, voice laden with sincerity.

"It's alright," Kadeem said, putting his hands behind his head. "It was a productive day, nonetheless, and I don't regret a second spent with Ardal's kids." He smiled fondly, remembering it.

"Sure thing," Mateo replied standing up before shooting Kadeem an amused wink. "Remember: I never let a spouse or significant other come between me and a beautiful woman."

Kadeem let out a chuckle. "You're no role model, but you may have a point, in this case. She's a confused mess about things between us, but I'm not - not anymore." Kadeem furrowed his brow in concentration. "It's just a matter of winning her over, I think."

Mateo pumped his fist in the air. "Now, you're talking!"