Chapter 176

It’s in his body language and the death of confidence. He hesitates and then walks toward us with his hands raised as a sign of submission. Colton stands taller, lifting his head, and seems to grow a few inches as he locks him with a penetrating glare. Colton moves in front of me instinctively, sidestepping and pushing me back with a hand slid across my abdomen firmly. I can tell it’s a protective move, instinctual, and I can’t be mad about it when it’s a purely automatic response to an incoming threat. Deacon’s pack slides out of the two trucks, looks around them, and stands back in their vehicles' circle. I can see the hesitant and questioning looks they throw between one another as they recognize certain members, and it’s obvious they didn’t know they’d followed my tracks to a Santo lair. They stay put and look towards Deacon for direction, showing zero signs of hostility now they see us. “I’m only doing what I’m told, Colton. I didn’t come here to fight. I didn’t even know you’d br