The Decker pack was the pack who’d executed the Leo pack in the gym—the one who’d dark bonded an omega only minutes away from escape.
“They aren’t allies with the Redgraves.”
Finnian shrugged. “Didn’t look that way.”
My mind was racing. As long as we’d been in Anarchy, the Redgrave’s hadn’t collaborated with packs looking to fight over omegas. Matt was with them by choice, and I’d always assumed it was something of a moral line for them. They also had enough power from the keys to the contraband room that they didn’tneed to play in the mud, executing packs for their omegas. It was a different ball game entirely.
But if theyhadbeen working with the Decker pack?
Sin had said the Leo pack’s allies hadn’t lifted a finger as they were slaughtered. I could explain it away, but what if there was more to it? What if the Redgrave’s had been involved?
And our pack, the one withtwoomegas, was working with them on protection…
“Do you want them safe, or do you want them happy?” Finnian added. “Because I don’t think you get both.”
I felt my hackles rise, though I was on edge for so much more than his attitude. But he had no idea what he was talking about. “When you’ve had to manage two omegas, get back to me on that, Finnian.”
He cocked his head with a snort as if that was all the answer he needed.
36
Three days until appeal
CRESCENT
We’d spent most of the next day in the cell.
Phantom and the others had been discussing robbing the contraband room in hushed voices. They were much more intense about it now, since Phantom had received information about the Redgraves that had changed everything.
At noon, Phantom had taken my books back to the library and returned with more, so I didn’t think he was still mad at me.
Of course, he had no right to be—I hadn’t done anything wrong.
But last night I had hidden in my nest from him, and Karma had taken his spot for the second night in a row.
It was fine. Karma was the least balanced anyway, so it was good he’d taken another night. He’d been warm and cuddly, and I’d only snuck in a few glares at Phantom—which had taken a lot of self-control.
And I’d slept with that perfect metal ring clutched to my chest, even if it no longer had its friends. He couldn’t have that.
“We need to talk about the keys,” Phantom said at last.
It was early evening, and I’d been tucked into my nest, stressed every time any of them came close—except Sin, who was allowed. He was in the other corner of my nest right now, focused on writing out ideas in his sketchbook.
He, Phantom, and Karma had been flitting in and out of the cell door all day to get information from the Emerald pack.
“The keys?” I answered, nerves bubbling up.
What was there to talk about?
I glanced at Vandle, who was leaning against one of the beds, but he didn’t seem inclined to intervene. In fact, he looked curious, as if he wanted to know how it would go.
I wrung my blanket in my fists. “I… didn’t mean to get us in trouble...” It was true.
I just really liked those keys. And I had a bond, so I needed a nest...
“Are you going to do it again?” he asked.
I shook my head.