Three, two—
The redhead bolts before Caius reaches one and Volt takes him down with a quick shot to his kneecaps. Several wolves snarl and two of the Santeetlah Wolves pull their weapons. Which causes Caius to pull his and take aim as Volt shifts focus to them as well.
Beverly is on the ground.
Jack and Bischel are trembling.
And Alpha Crane is vibrating with anger. “You can’t just shoot my wolves!”
“I can if they run,” Volt tells him. “You agreed to justice. He tried to flee. Surely you don’t want that kind of coward in your pack, yeah?”
“Correct,” Canton says. “My punishment, my decision, right, father?”
Alpha Crane growls.
Canton growls back.
Tieran tops them both with a howl that makes me weak in the knees. He exudes alpha energy, his dominance a palpable wave in the air that brings several wolves to the ground beneath the force of his command.
When Caius and Volt join him, even more wolves collapse beneath their authority.
The only reason I don’t is because of Volt holding me to him.
He won’t let me kneel.
Unless it’s in the bedroom.
When Alpha Crane starts to tremble, my mates stop howling.
“The next reminder won’t be verbal,” Tieran tells him, his tone edged with superiority and underlined in astute command. “Beverly, begin your questioning. Now.”
The four wolves in question are all on the ground with the redhead just a few feet away from them, curled into the fetal position.
It’s not the kindest trial, but it beats being locked up in a cage in wolf form.
At least these assholes can talk.
And every time they even think about lying, Tieran growls.
In the end, they tell the truth and admit to raping and murdering my mom—under Alpha Crane’s authority.
That last bit surprises me because I expected them to blame Canton.
But Tieran’s lingering threat appears to force them to be fully honest.
Do you think Alpha Crane wanted the blame to fall on Canton? I wonder, asking my clan. Maybe that’s why he wanted him to choose what to do? To be able to pin some of the fault on him?
I think Canton and Alpha Crane have been playing a dangerous leadership game these last few years, Caius replies. And the student has just become the master.
Yes, we will need to watch him carefully. But he has made some wise decisions today, Tieran says. Then he clears his throat and thanks Beverly for her service. “Jack, Bischel, if you could please escort these four wolves to Wolfe Island, it would be greatly appreciated,” he says at the end.
Jack and Bischel immediately move forward to do exactly what he requested, causing my lips to twitch a little.
Mmm, I told you Clove would enjoy watching me work, Volt muses at us all. She’s a natural wingwoman, too.
You’re not taking her on assignments, Tieran replies immediately. I only okayed this one because it wasn’t dangerous.
Volt snorts. She’s not a damsel, T.
No, she’s pregnant, Tieran reminds him flatly. With your child.
Or that’s the guess, anyway.
They’re going based on scents and mine has been a bit more coppery lately.
“Are we done?” Alpha Crane demands, drawing our focus back to him.
“You’re not going with your wolves?” Tieran asks. “You don’t want to defend them or your own actions?”
Alpha Crane narrows his gaze. “I’ll attend the trial once a date is set.”
“Do that,” Tieran tells him, ensuring he hears the demand in his tone. “Oh, and Beverly?” he calls as she’s about to enter the passenger seat once more. “I expect you to provide daily updates to Alpha Dirk on Carnage Island. He’ll let me know if he doesn’t hear from you.”
Alpha Dirk nods, his stoic expression making him that much more intimidating.
Beverly visibly swallows. I’m not sure what kind of wolf shifter she is, but she resembles a deer in the headlights right now. “Yes, Alpha Tieran,” she manages to say, her voice a bit raspier than before.
“That’ll be all,” he says, dismissing her before looking at Alpha Crane once more. “We’re taking the Nantahala Territory. If that’s a problem for you, speak now. Otherwise, I’ll take your silence as acceptance of our intentions.”
Alpha Crane’s jaw clenches. “You will not enter my lands.”
“I’m not talking about Santeetlah Territory, I’m talking about Nantahala Territory,” Tieran replies. “I have no need for your pack or your lands, and it’ll remain that way until you give me reason to feel otherwise.”
“What will happen with the Nantahala Wolves?” Alpha Crane asks, a hint of hesitation in his tone.
“That’s not your concern,” Tieran replies flatly. “However, as a token of good faith, I’ll respond. The majority of the women and children have chosen to seek shelter with our pack. Several of the men have as well. Those who shared Bryson’s pack philosophies have been given thirty days to relocate. Anyone who chooses to remain past that deadline will be dealt with accordingly.”
It’s a stern summary, but a fair one.
Almost ninety percent of the survivors have sought refuge with the Black Mountain Pack.
It’s an arrangement I didn’t expect Tieran to make with the Nantahala Wolves. But it’s one I respect and appreciate since several of them were friends at one point.
And those who weren’t are either dead or have fled.
For the first time today, a glimmer of respect graces Alpha Crane’s expression.
He’s realizing that if we ever take his land that we’ll likely offer refuge to his wolves, Caius says. That relief right there demonstrates that he does care for his pack, he just goes about it in a backward manner.
It’s the only reason he and his son are going to be allowed to live another day, Tieran replies. “We’re done here,” he says out loud. “Next time we meet, I expect you to bring your whole pack. That includes the women. They’re wolves, not slaves.”