Read Online Gray Bishop by Kelly Meade - Free Book Online

them back to the table, irritated to find Rachel standing alone by the wall, while Devlin was talking to two other enforcers. Even with their backs to him, Knight identified A.J. Fowler and Patrick Lester, Stephen’s brother. Devlin’s agitation was clear in his stiff back and narrowed eyes.
    “Problem, gentlemen?” Knight asked. He plunked the three glasses down on the bar rail near Rachel, then channeled his anxiety and frustration into a glare aimed right at A.J. and Patrick.
    The pair faced him, neither bothering to hide their anger. Knight didn’t have to lower his barriers to feel it. “Having a discussion with our friend Dev, is all,” A.J. said.
    “About what? Perimeter security? Tomorrow’s patrol? Things that are actually important right now?”
    Patrick looked at the floor, but A.J. held Knight’s gaze. “Loyalty, actually.”
    Knight growled. “I’d be careful about questioning loyalties if I were you.”
    “You gonna have one of your brothers beat me up if I don’t?”
    Fury seared through Knight’s chest at the implication that he couldn’t defend himself. Tempers were high all over town, especially among the more volatile Black Wolves, and that was partly his own fault. But Knight did not need a defender. He took three long strides forward, getting in A.J.’s face in a clear challenge.
    “I may not be a Black,” Knight snarled, “but I sure as hell can fight like one. Test me.”
    A.J. didn’t back down, and the feral side of Knight’s inner beast roared at the idea of a fight. At a chance to take out some of his own aggression. No one, to his knowledge, had ever challenged a White Wolf. Whites were protected by the run, but damn it all if Knight didn’t crave a chance to prove he didn’t need protecting. That he was as strong as his brothers, and worthy of being the Alpha’s son.
    He was vaguely aware of the diner going quiet, as everyone nearby tuned in to the emotional state of their White Wolf. Knight reined in his anger before it got out of control and began feeding the loup around him. He had to maintain control.
    “Knock it off, A.J.,” Patrick said. He shoved A.J. toward the other pool table, effectively breaking the stare-down. “Apologies,” he said to Knight.
    “Get him out of here,” Knight said.
    “Christ on a cracker, Knight,” Devlin said when the pair was gone. “You were giving off seriously mad vibes.”
    “What did they want?”
    Dev rolled his eyes. “What do you think? They don’t like that I’m here with Rachel.”
    “I’m so sorry for causing trouble,” Rachel said. She reached for Dev, then hesitated. He took her hand and pulled her to his side. Staking a claim and reassuring her at the same time.
    “You did nothing wrong,” Knight said. “You have to know that most loup garou runs are somewhat intolerant of humans, and extremely intolerant of human-loup offspring. Potomac’s lifestyle was quite unorthodox.”
    “I know, and I’m grateful that I am being allowed to stay here. I owe much to your Alpha for his generosity.”
    “You’re under my father’s protection, and it’s likely that the Potomac refugees will soon become permanent members of our run. Your acceptance or exclusion will set a precedent for Cornerstone. No half-breed has ever been allowed to live here before.”
    Rachel’s eyes went wide. “Are you serious?”
    “Perfectly.” To Dev he asked, “You didn’t tell her that?”
    “No,” Devlin said, not hiding his guilt.
    “What if I’m not allowed to stay?” She latched onto Devlin’s arm, her face going pale. “I have no family that I know of. I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
    Devlin cupped her cheeks in his hands, keeping her steady. “If you’re sent away, or if the Alpha refuses to grant us permission to be together, I’ll go with you. My beast has chosen you, Rachel. I won’t abandon you.”
    Knight caught a drift of affection from them again, and he seized it, needing it to hold himself together.