Tracy snorted.How uncommon for a high-ranking male wolf. Not. “Seems to me this is a three-tiered issue. First, how do we get them out of Pack business? We can’t just say no at this stage or he’ll use the information and destroy us. Secondly, we need to figure out a way to make the kids safe. And they won’t be as long as Pellini sees Sarah as his way in and thinks we can be persuaded by harming the kids.

Lastly, the problem of the Pellini Group as a whole and their connection to the National Enforcer.”

Suddenly she asked, “Gabe, is he unmated?”

Gabe narrowed his eyes at her. “Yes, but you’re not single.”

She rolled her eyes and waved him off. “Duh.”

“What are you up to?”

“Answer the question.”

“Yes. He’s straight and unmated but you’re not going to tear off on some half-formed plan to seduce him over to our side.”

Narrowing her eyes at him, she growled. “Don’t you talk to me like I’m some stupid piece of fluff, Gabe Murphy. I am an intelligent woman who is the Alpha of this Pack. I demand respect, especially from my mate.”

He stood and went to her, getting in her face. “I will protect you at any cost. Even if your feelings get in a snit.”

“You are an ass**le, Gabe.” Spinning, she addressed Nick, who hid his dismay. “If he’s unmated it’ll be three against one. He doesn’t stand a chance against all of us. And each of us has our own area of power. You’re a former Enforcer and now an Alpha, I know inner circle well, my family is a ruling family too. And Gabe, while utterly a prick right now, is the Mediator. He won’t know what hit him.”

Nick’s eyebrows went up and he grinned, nodding. “Excellent idea, baby.”

“We’ll call and get the travel arrangements made when we get back home.”

“You can call from here. It’s your house now that you’re the Alpha,” Ben said quietly. “Tracy, I’m very sorry. I panicked and blamed it all on you. I know it’s not your fault. I am happy Nick found you.”

“I don’t want to live here. No offense. But Cade doesn’t live in the Pack house either and runs Cascadia just fine. The Pack ate my father alive and nearly destroyed my parents’ marriage because they had no

distance. I don’t want that. Nick doesn’t want to live here and I’m with him on that.” She paused and put her hands in her pockets. “As for your apology, as I told Sarah, actions speak louder than words, Ben. I hope you’re telling the truth. Mostly for Nick’s sake because he loves you. Keep in mind that I don’t and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him and this Pack.”

“I respect that. The news is going to spread that you’re all Alpha now. How do you deal with that when Pellini hears? Sarah called him, freaked out about Tracy. He knows there’re problems.”

“Damn woman! Well, let’s not hide that. Ben will still be seen around. Make it seem that the Ascension was amicable. For now let’s leave Sarah’s name on the accounts. She can’t do anything from the cabin anyway. Ben, keep her phone so when Warren calls, you can cover for Sarah’s absence. Assure him that everything is fine and that you’re still doing the accounts.”

“You sure that’s wise? Letting Ben talk to Pellini?” Josh asked.

“I’m going to trust my brother, Josh. He knows that not only is his life at stake but also the lives of his kids, who’ll never be safe until we get Pellini out of this Pack.”

Josh took a deep breath and nodded.

“Let’s get an announcement made and set up a Howl. We’ll get out to Boston tomorrow and deal then.

We’ll do the Howl when we get back.” Nick pulled on the mantle of leadership easily and Tracy knew he was born to it. “We’re going home. I’ll keep in touch, Josh. Do what you need to to keep the Pack safe in my absence.”

“I’ll send two guards with you when you travel to Boston. An Alpha has the right to travel with guards, especially into another territory. And I insist on you having two guards live at your new place. You’re the Alpha triad now, you need the protection.”

Gabe nodded. “That’s acceptable. I’ll contact the Enforcer’s office and make the arrangements.”

Nick knew he’d have insisted on the same thing and nodded. “Fine. Send Derek and Trey over.”

They went back out to the car and Tracy got behind the wheel to drive back to the house. Gabe tried to catch Tracy’s eye but she wasn’t having it. He knew there’d be hell to pay for his comments earlier. And he had to admit, he deserved it. He jumped to conclusions, she waved them off and he’d charged at her again, assuming the worst.

Back at home, they got out and showed Derek and Trey where the room downstairs that was to have been Nick’s office was. “You can bunk in here for now. We’ll clear out the study tomorrow so each of you can have your own room.”

They nodded at Tracy and she smiled and went upstairs. Gabe was waiting in the office just off the master suite. Ignoring him, she moved around his body and grabbed the phone to call Nina, explaining the basics and asking her to keep an eye out for anything hinky with the National Enforcer’s accounts.

Without looking at Gabe, she spoke coolly, “You need to get the permission to travel taken care of so I can get the plane situation taken care of.”

He grabbed her but she remained stiff in his arms. “Tracy, I’m sorry.”