Chapter 13

Before Grill’s hand could strike Kaden’s cheek as he’d intended, the office door slammed open, and two enormous men in bespoke black suits filled the frame. Their faces were set in stony masks, their movements precise and unhurried. Grill froze—in that instant, he knew who they were without a word exchanged. Alpha Cameroon’s messengers had arrived. In their pack, even in this age of smartphones and video calls, nothing replaced the certainty of a personal summons. No more feeble excuses that “my phone was muted” or “the message got buried under other notifications.” 

Grill lowered his palm and smoothed his hair, forcing calm into his expression. He slipped on his reading glasses as he addressed them in a clipped tone, “Can I help you, gentlemen?” 

Kaden saw his chance and bolted for the