CHAPTER FORTY FOUR - Who Speaks For The Silenced

Vulcan sighed. "Vanessa's his mother's choice for assistant. Nothing more." "Is that what you think?" Gabriel's laugh held no humor. "Look at them. She's woven herself into every aspect of his life. Security briefings, territory negotiations, pack events. She's even got Christine convinced they're the perfect match." "Lucas is still searching for Aria," Vulcan reminded him. "Every night." Gabriel's expression darkened. "And finding nothing. Meanwhile, Vanessa's right there, perfectly positioned for when he finally gives up." "You're being paranoid." "Am I? Then why did I see her meeting with someone from Shadow Crest territory last week?" Vulcan's easy smile vanished. "What? Why didn't you report this?" "Because I can't prove anything yet," Gabriel admitted. "But I'm watching her. And when she slips up—" He trailed off as Vanessa approached. "Gabriel, just the wolf I was looking for," she said smoothly. "Lucas needs the eastern quadrant reports for tomorrow's briefing." Gabrie