Clever, Caius says to us mentally. He’s upstaging his father to gain favor with the pack.
By handing over two of the wolves, Volt replies. Not sure that’s the wisest way to gain favor.
It is if the pack dislikes their behavior, Caius points out.
“Langston and Hicks,” Canton adds. “You should step forward as well since I know you participated in the punishment.” He turns to point out all four wolves he’s named, just in case they decide to disobey.
“I should have known better than to give you this task,” his father says, furious. “You’re proving yet again that you can’t handle being an Alpha.”
“Actually, I think he’s doing a fine job,” Tieran says. “He’s taking ownership for a mistake that wasn’t his, and for that, I may just let him live when this is done.” He locks gazes on Canton. “You did, after all, insult my mate by calling her feral.”
“And knocking her out,” Volt adds.
They made me tell them everything about the ceremony a few weeks ago, wanting to be prepared for today.
I’m somewhat regretting that now.
But also not.
“He also tried to add you to a harem, right?” Caius asks me.
“Yes,” I confirm.
Tieran nods. “Well. To say I’m dissatisfied with Clove’s initial treatment would be an understatement.” He tilts his head. “But keep being honest and perhaps my wolf won’t want to rip out your throat.” With that lingering threat, he pulls out his phone. “Just one moment. As I said, I want to ensure justice is served.” He dials a number and waits. “We’re ready.”
He hangs up, his focus on the four wolves Canton called forward.
They look terrified.
And maybe a little furious.
Because there’s absolutely nothing that can save them now.
The sound of an approaching car has Alpha Crane surrounding himself with his enforcers. When he gestures for Canton to join him, he doesn’t. “An Alpha should be able to defend himself,” he tells his father. “It’s something I’m realizing you failed to teach me.”
A few of the Santeetlah Wolves exchange glances, making me wonder if Caius is right about Canton trying to upstage his father. If he is, he’s doing a good job of it.
Alpha Crane appears ready to commit murder.
Something Volt is paying close attention to.
His mental humor has died and now he’s focused on any and all potential threats. It’s a fascinating transition how he goes from easygoing to assassin in the blink of an eye. His thoughts shift accordingly going from dark sarcasm to lethal intent.
My wolf likes this side of him.
As do I.
Caius is reading the crowd as well, his mind cataloging everyone’s movements and reading their intentions from their expressions.
He’s an expert at cues.
Tieran is listening to all of it, cataloging the details and thinking through potential scenarios at rapid speed.
It’s no wonder these three males created their own clan. They all compliment each other in their own unique ways.
I’m the heart, as Tieran likes to say.
I make them feel.
Something the three of them are doing a lot of now, as they can hear some of my memories of this field within my thoughts.
And none of those are good memories.
The four-by-four vehicle comes to a stop and Alpha Dirk exits the driver’s side. He opens the back door to allow two very familiar faces to appear.
Jack, also known as Mister Muzzle, from my initial trip to the island.
And his buddy, Bischel.
They take one look at me and shudder.
Or maybe it’s the male behind me.
Perhaps both.
We recently had a chat with Jack and Bischel, one where Volt allowed my wolf to play a little. We expressed our concern over the bribe they took from Gafton, told them what havoc he caused, and asked if they wanted to die or make it up to us.
They chose the latter.
And now they’re here like good little guards.
But the woman in the passenger seat is an unexpected attendee.
My lips part as I realize it’s my former social worker. What’s she doing here? I ask my mates, stunned.
A friend of ours named Reese did some digging into your case for us, Caius says casually. Tieran and Volt paid the lady a visit afterward, and wouldn’t you know? She offered to help us today. Such a kind hearted individual, hmm?
Volt doesn’t reply, his focus still on the Santeetlah Pack.
But Tieran’s lips curl just a little as he says, “Beverly, thank you so much for volunteering to join us today.” He speaks to her like she’s an old friend, but the discomfort in her hazel gaze says she disagrees.