Free The Bucklin Wolves Next Generation: Return by Jessica Ryan Page B

said. It was a voice with a thick Russian accent that carried power and finality with it. “I approve of the extra force needed, and of course I approve of the mission. This job is going to be a big money maker for us and I don’t want any distractions.”
    Seth rubbed his temples and tried to tune out Mr. Sokolov’s voice. He only had the information Jacko was giving him—which was dubious at best.
    “This is all of, course,” Mr. Sokolov continued, “with the approval of our partner in this: the City of Bucklin.”
    “I think we can easily approve that,” William said. “We can’t let anything interfere with the operation we have here in Bucklin. Isn’t that right, Seth?”
    Was this the moment he would stand up and create his own legacy? It was now or never—he had to say something. Seth leaned forward in his chair and placed his hands on the table, taking a deep breath as he prepared to make the statement that would probably define the rest of his life. “No.”
    “Excuse me?” Mr. Sokolov asked as a murmur went through the room, coming from the city council and Sokolov’s representatives.
    “Yes, Seth,” William said, leaning forward and talking through gritted teeth. “What do you mean, no? I love your brother as much as anyone else, but goddammit, he’s stepped over the line. He has to be stopped.”
    Seth stood up and looked down at William with all the fury and might of an alpha. Seeing Seth’s searing intensity, William sat back and almost shrank in his chair. “Are we really going to believe everything this mercenary has to say without verifying it? When did we become so alarmist and weak that we refuse to get our hands dirty and solve problems on our own?”
    “Are you calling me a liar?” Jacko asked.
    “Not at all,” Seth said, giving him the most disingenuous smile he could muster. “But I don’t know you; you have to admit that. You’re asking me to take something about other wolves at face value. Something very critical, something that could shape our future. Do you really want me to believe you without verifying these facts on my own? I would be a terrible leader if I did that, wouldn’t I?”
    “Now, you listen here,” Jacko said, flexing his muscles and pointing right at Seth. “You signed an agreement that gives me authority to handle security as I see fit. I’m telling you what needs to be done to protect your shitty little town and goddammit, I’m going to do it.”
    “Hold on,” Mr. Sokolov said. “The mayor does have a point. Verification is required in this case, especially for their peace of mind. What do you propose, Mr. Mayor?”
    “Goddammit,” Jacko started to say.
    “Enough, Jacko,” Mr. Sokolov said. “I pay you to follow orders, and I’m giving you one now. Stand down.”
    Jacko threw himself back in his chair and slapped the heavy conference table with enough force to rock it, but he remained silent.
    “Thank you, Mr. Sokolov,” Seth said. “It’s very simple, actually. Allow me to enter the forest and find Rowan myself. I’ll talk to him and find out what his true motives are. I’ll find out if it was even him or someone who looked like him, for that matter. Allow me to do an independent investigation and report the findings back to you. I want my town to prosper as much as you want to make money. I have no reason to lie to you. I have no attachment to Rowan; I wasn’t raised with him. I simply want to see it with my own eyes and make my own judgment.”
    “Very well put,” Mr. Sokolov said. “Please do your investigation and report back to me. I’ll wait to hear the results.”
    “No problem,” Seth said. William threw his hands up like he was completely confused by Seth’s actions, but Seth just ignored him and leaned back in the chair. He was the victor.
    “One more thing,” Mr. Sokolov said. “Please take Maribel with you. It’s time she got her hands dirty with a little field work, and I want her present while you conduct