Jace (River Pack Wolves 2)(32)

Her face reddened. On any other woman, he would take it as a blush, but on Piper, he didn’t know what to make of it. “I can’t use my normal methods to get that kind of information.” Her teeth were grinding, and she was forcing the words through them. “I’m going to have to hack into the Senator’s files from the outside or break into his office—basically, steal them outright instead of bribing for them. But I’m sure the information is there. I’m sure he’s doing something. His assistant all but acknowledged the existence of a secret program—he just wouldn’t give me the details. Without a price. One I’m not really willing to pay.”

Jace’s wolf surged and roiled under his skin—he could too easily guess what kind of price a man would exact from a gorgeous woman like Piper, and the idea of another man touching her nearly brought his wolf to the surface in a fit of jealousy mixed with a violent need to protect her from that kind of predation. He was glad she had said no to whatever was asked, but he didn’t like the alternative, either—hacking into a Senator’s files would likely land her in jail.

Jace squeezed her hand. “You’re not doing any of that—”

She yanked her hand from his, and her face darkened further. “You don’t get to tell me what to do, Jace River—”

Before she could finish, a subtle beep came from her pocket, and she cut herself off midsentence. The frown on her face was equal parts concern and surprise. She fished her phone out of her pocket, and her father’s face loomed large, looking angry and spiteful.

Piper flashed a look to Jace, and he hated the fear in her eyes. “You have to take it,” he said. “But we’re right here. It’s going to be okay.”

She shook her head rapidly, as if she hardly was controlling the motion, and it was born of a deep, primal fear. She seemed to force herself to tap the phone to accept the call. The Colonel’s face came to life—a Facetime call.

“You just can’t leave things alone, can you?” The Colonel demanded in a harsh voice, no preamble whatsoever.

“Nice to see you too, Father.” Piper’s voice was strong and defiant, but Jace could see the widening of her eyes. And he suspected the Colonel could too. That was probably why he was Facetiming—so he could use his commanding presence to intimidate her. Just one more thing to loath about the man.

Jared, Jaxson, and Olivia held stark still, listening in as well.

“I hear you’ve been sneaking around again,” the Colonel said sneer. “I don’t know what you think you’re going to accomplish with this, Piper, but you’re out of your depth.”

Piper scowled at him. “Noah is your son. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you, but—”

The Colonel snarled into the phone. “I don’t need to be lectured by a bastard about how to run my family! I’ve had no use for you since the day you were born. Your mother would still be around if it weren’t for you, so don’t give me any shit about family. All you’ve ever done is ruin it.”

Jace’ts wolf surged again. His mouth hung open, aghast, then snapped shut in fury. Who the fuck did this guy think he was? How could he talk to his own daughter that way? Jace stumbled forward and practically grabbed the phone out of Piper’s hand—he wanted to give that guy a piece of his mind—but Piper elbowed him out of the way and huddled over the phone, shoulders bowed, as if she could hide this conversation from the prying eyes in the room.

“You’re not exactly winning Father of the Year Award, Daddy.” Her voice was harsh, but Jace could see the shaking of her shoulders. “Just tell me where Noah is and what you’re doing to him. I know you’re involved in this somehow—”

Her father snorted, an ugly sound. “That information is so far above your pay grade, you wouldn’t even understand it if I told you.” The menacing look he gave her seemed to reach across the phone line and run a shiver through her body. “But let me be very clear, Piper—if you keep looking for Noah, you won’t be missing just one brother.”

“What?” Her shoulders dropped, and her face paled. “What have you done to Daniel?”

Her father sneered. “He’s already disappointed me once today: he was weak and unprepared to deal with you. He didn’t understand what a dangerous and disturbed thing you are. But if you keep poking around, Piper, your brother will pay for it and in more ways than just a pay cut and some furlough time. Whatever happens to Daniel will be on your head.”

Piper’s mouth dropped open. “How can you… how can you just…?” She seemed to be gasping for air.