Chapter 489

• Cooper watched Gary as he hopped out of one rig and went toward another. “I used to work for the Alliance.” He glanced at him, “when I was young and rambunctious like you boys.” He smirked like he was lost in memory for a moment. “I found my mate, loved her—” his expression changed, “but she loved another, so I put all my woe into helping the Alliance keep order.” He rolled his eyes; both knew the failings of that.
• Noah forgot to breathe as he processed that. Cooper had a mate out there.
• “It was Kelsey’s mother.” Cooper said softly, “and I don’t go spreading that around.” He took off his hat and looked at it, “there are just some things that are best if few know.” He looked at him and Noah nodded, still trying to think past the surprise. “When she was killed,” regret filled his eyes, “I know it because of Aiden Tomas’ father and his lot of assholes.” He nodded his head slowly, “I had to decide if I was going to watch over Kelsey or continue to help the Alliance.”