Noll leaned against the tree, arms folded over his chest, eyes narrowed. He grinned as he watched the human leave the room by way of the balcony. He swung his legs over the railing and dropped to the ground, which was not far off. Spry, Noll thought with amusement. He caught the familiar scent in the air and knew what had been happening over the last few hours up there.
“He the one?” his beta asked.
“No, not him.” Noll pointed his chin toward the human just walking up to the glass doors. That time of day the sun reflected off the clear surface, giving the man privacy. However, Noll saw without a problem. Naked, muscular, and sexy, he stirred a touch of desire in Noll. Not a bad thing since he had always been attracted to both men and women. He had never been with a man, but this guy would be the one he used to get Harrison.
“I do smell a little of the other alpha on him, but not likely they were lovers,” Rico said.
“I know that. Shut your face. Yours isn’t to question me. It’s to obey me.”
“Correction, my friend,” Rico shot back, “it is to question your actions while I fight alongside you.”
Noll glared at him. “You don’t think I should use him?”
“I didn’t say that.” Rico moved into the shadow of the trees when Noll did. “I’m saying you don’t know if the alpha cares about that human enough to come after him.”
“Right now he doesn’t. He’s too busy fucking his new mate.”
“Somebody sounds jealous.”
Noll flipped him off. “I follow my instincts, and my instincts say he’s the one.” At Noll’s use of the words the one, Rico’s gaze narrowed, but Noll continued as if he hadn’t seen the reaction. “He’ll help me kill every last one of that sleuth, and we’ll save Harrison for last.”
“Is it worth it?”
Noll moved like lightning to jack Rico off his feet even though Rico was about his build and height, just over six feet. “Don’t question me, or you can join them.”
Noll waited for Rico to smart mouth him some more, but he remained silent. Good move. Ever since Noll had allowed Orion to escape so he could lead Noll to Harrison, he questioned the decision.
Harrison was strong, and if Orion awakened his power, Noll would have a challenge on his hands, one he wasn’t sure he could keep under control. So, he needed leverage, and that meant getting Evan on his side. He laughed, thinking of the prospect. This next plan would be so much fun.
“I’ve been working on something,” he told Rico. “You’ve heard me say I think the alpha suppressed his bear?”
“Yeah, word we got from the humans is he has, or had, amnesia. That’s not possible.”
“It is possible. It’s never been done. His mate died, so he lost sight of his bear. The usual response is to just join him or go wild until you have to be put down. He’s different.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
Noll flared his nostrils. “It’s not a compliment, asshole. It’s an observation. I figured any alpha can do it with a little concentration.”
“So...damn, what did you just do, Noll?” Rico started, eyes wide, staring at Noll. “I know you’re here. I can smell, heck, I don’t know what I smell but...”
Triumph rose in Noll. “I can suppress my bear. It’s a type of predatory gift, I think. Maybe it’s possible with all of us. I’m not sure, but I’ve perfected it. Wasn’t easy, and I can’t do it forever.”
“Just enough to get close to him.” Rico grinned.
“No, unfortunately, I suspect he’d still sense me, but maybe with some miles between us, and him conveniently distracted...”
“What good will that do?”
“Who knows?” Noll swung toward the room where his prey waited. “Bring a few of the others to this place, and let’s get started. Here’s the plan.”