"Now," Mark added smoothly, "if you would let my beta go. We will be on our way."
Cyril's eyes flicked to Ravok, waiting.
With a subtle nod, Ravok signaled Cyril.
The knife eased away from Robert's throat. Robert stepped back slowly, hand brushing the thin line of blood.
"See you soon, Alpha," Mark finished. He slid back into the damaged vehicle. Robert turned the ignition. The engine coughed twice, sputtered, then grudgingly roared to life. The hood trembled.
They drove away.
Ravok stood still until the sound of the engine dissolved. Only then did he turn to Cyril.
"He is not afraid," Ravok said quietly.
Cyril sheathed his knife. "Doesn't seem so."
"Then he has a reason not to be," Ravok continued. "I want information as soon as possible. Mark has something up his sleeves."
Mark was arrogant, yes. But he was not reckless without foundation.
"Alpha," Cyril began carefully, "I told you we cannot know a thing from the outside. Redwood is sealed tight. We need an insider."
