Inequities by Jambrea Jo Jones Page B

there is one thing you didn’t think of. I’m immune to most of it. Now why don’t you sit your ass down and start talking.”
    Russ pushed him none-too-gently into the seat next to Ryerson. There would be no trial, but the trip wasn’t a total waste. Ryerson’s shoulders slumped. He must have realised he was on the losing end of this fight.
    “I don’t wanna die, man. I was just doing what I was told and going after what was mine.” Ryerson snivelled.
    He couldn’t control the growl he released.
    “Where did the drug come from?” Russ asked Ryerson
    “Where do you think, asshole. Talk to me. Not the help. I’m in charge here and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll head back home and let my main man take care of you when he’s ready,” Oliver answered for Ryerson.
    “And what main man would that be you piece of shit?” His temper was fraying. Usually he had more control, but with Vivian there and maybe in danger, his wolf wanted this situation done with.
    “Like you don’t know,” Oliver scoffed.
    Russ backhanded him. It felt good. He grinned showing his canines.
    “Dmitri. Okay! He put Oliver in charge. I need—please,” Ryerson whimpered.
    “Shut the fuck up!” Oliver surged out of his chair and put both hands on Ryerson’s chest. They began to glow.
    Grey and Peter moved forward as one. Russ thought he might be too late.
    “Stop!” he shouted.
    Pete r and Grey froze, but Oliver kept going, laughing the whole time. He was mad.
    Russ knocked Oliver away, but Ryerson was already dead from the magic Oliver had pushed into Ryerson’s body.
      “Dmitri is dead.” Russ didn’t shout. He whispered the words, but they were enough to stop the cackle from Oliver.
    “You lie.” Oliver stood like he would charge Russ, but his eye darted around.
    He was going to have to take the other man down. Now that Russ knew who was behind everything, he really didn’t need Oliver any more. Dmitri was gone, cast back to the Vessel and Djimon was in control of his own body now. He might not even be aware that Dmitri had set this in motion. Russ and his pack were safe from that avenue. Oliver moved in Vivian’s direction.
    That was the last move he made. Russ charged him, half shifting so his claws popped out. He slashed Oliver’s throat. Justice was served.
    “Russ!” Vivian shouted.
    “Roberta, are there any others?” Russ needed to know. Their safety was of the upmost importance.
    The woman was rocking back and forth with her husband’s head in her lap. “N-no. Oliver said he wouldn’t need anyone else.”
    “How are things at home?” Russ wondered if Oliver had left his people in charge there.
    “Now that Oliver is gone it should be fine.” Roberta soothed her husband’s head, her fingers tangling in the man’s hair.
    “What happened to Roger?” Russ asked quietly.
    “Oliver drugged him.” Roberta wouldn’t look back up.
    “How long has this been going on?” Vivian asked.
    Russ could hear her anger.
    “Years. I—sorry—I—oh Viv .” Roberta still wouldn’t look up.
    “What about the hate? The no inter shifter mating? Was that all Oliver?” Vivian pressed on.
    Roberta looked at Russ before averting her eyes.
    “I—don’t—I—” She sobbed into Roger’s chest.
    “ It’s okay, Mom. I should have known. I should have—” Vivian sat on the other bed and just stared at her parents. “You know Dad can’t be alpha any more, right? There is no way the tribe will respect him after this.”
    His mate wasn’t pulling her punches.
    “But—” Roberta stood. “It wasn’t Roger’s fault. Why should he—I—that isn’t fair.”
    “I know. But face facts. Even with the drugs, he was weak. A puppet. You two will have to help rebuild, but from the side-lines.” Vivian reached out for her mom, but stopped from actually touching her.
    Russ hoped that bond could be repaired with time.
    “It’ll destroy him,” Roberta whispered.
    “At least he’ll be alive. If he steps