She didn't give away he struck a nerve. The sexual tension is obvious despite her attempt to hide it. She is annoyed, but attracted to his swagger. She’s pissed more at herself than Jason. “Take comfort that I…”
Antonio whirled around, grabbed Supatra’s chin between thumb and forefinger tightly. He loomed over her. In a deadly quiet voice, “Live to serve. You’re sparring affronts the wolf’s way. Sniff and snarl later. Now isn’t the time. Gather your tails. No more bitterness. Do you live to serve?”
Supatra’s eyes watered from the pain; then acquiesced to his command. He let her go. Antonio spun to Jason and gripped him on his shoulder with a pneumatic grip. He yipped under the hold, and his body dipped under Antonio’s impossible strength. “The same to you.” He let him go.
Antonio was calm, no questions asked, spoke. “I wish to speak to you. Supatra, you did well with Marisol.”
She peered up with bittersweet pride. She softly barked under her breath as she rubbed her chin.
Antonio said, “There’s another chosen you cannot find on your own. Jason, this is where you come in.”
Jason huffed. He suspects whom Antonio is referencing.
Candace said “Shinsei.” She says this like the current time from her watch.
Supatra stood aside Jason when she spoke, “She cannot be found.”
Jason spoke next, “She’s lost. For generations. “
Antonio curls his lip. His eyes harden, and he looks directly into their eyes. Every part of him is like ice, with sun fire in his veins. Supatra and Jason locked his gaze. “Yes, she will be. Marisol’s pups follow her teachings. Nia will go with Marisol while the two of you are on the road. Keep your ears open.”
They arrived at a colorful Tex-Mex Restaurant. Antonio reminded them, “Recall it was the seven of us chosen. Our pack lost one, many years ago, thus Marisol will fit in her place. We must keep our positions for this to work.” He ticked off his fingers as he spoke, “Alpha – me, Luna – Candace, Gamma – Supatra, Delta – Nia, Beta – [Marisol] temp {Sofia} original, Zeta – Lángrén aka Shinsei, and you Jason as Sigma.” He stands at the frame way to a Tex Mex restaurant. “Our Gamma pups are already building the feral generation.”
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Candace spots confusion on Nia’s face. “You understand?”
“Not really. No.”
“I’ll remind you. Your uncle is Alpha. We all know that. As his mate, I’m Luna. Then the second in rank is Beta, your mother. Since she’s not here, Alpha has chosen Marisol to fill in her stead. Third in rank is Gamma, or Supatra. Next is Jason. His rank is Sigma. He’s the shadow.” Candace patiently listed the hierarchy. “Then there’s you, Nia. The role of Delta, or 4th command. All our pups are in the Omega category. Clear as mud?”
“Yeah, I think so. Sounds more like confetti in a shotgun.”
Antonio led the group into the dimly lit Tex-Mex restaurant, the atmosphere tense with anticipation. The air was thick with the scent of sizzling fajitas and the lively chatter of patrons. The atmosphere was festive, with colorful sombreros adorning the walls, and a mariachi band playing energetic tunes in the background.
As everyone settled in a corner booth, ordinary patrons engaged in casual conversation over plates of enchiladas and margaritas. As laughter and clinking glasses gave an undercurrent to the atmosphere, Antonio addressed Jason and Supatra with a commanding tone and filled with authority. Intensity filled his tone, “You would find her.”
Jason perked his eyebrow, “Who?”
“He means Lángrén.” Supatra said as her eyes studied the restaurant.
“Who is that?” Nia asked. “You didn’t mention her.” Candace nodded at Nia.
“Because. She chose to go a different way than the pack.” Candace locked her gaze with Antonio.
“How would we even begin?” Supatra drank the ice water as she spoke.
“Yeah. You let her go.” Jason’s voice hinted at a challenge to Antonio.
His words carried a snarl of warning, emphasizing the urgency of the task at hand. “You would find her and bring her to us. No exception.”
Jason and Supatra exchanged skeptical glances, questioning the feasibility of the task at hand.
“She’s the only one. We trusted her to do something.” Candace’s voice lowered as if tumbling into a memory.
Nia flagged down the hostess, her voice calming despite the underlying danger. “Did you have any recommendations? We were looking for something good to eat.” The hostess, unable to resist eavesdropping, fidgeted with her pencil as she waited at their table. Jason rose from his seat and scanned the area through the lone window. He swiftly moved to the door, blocking any potential intrusions.