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Marcus didn’t quite run from the council chamber, but it was a near thing. His wolf was already turning toward their borders, toward where Derek’s presence burned like a warning beacon to any who would dare threaten what belonged to the Stone Pack.

Knox would learn exactly why their territory had remained unchallenged for generations. And if Derek happened to make that lesson particularly memorable… well, that’s what brothers were for.

Derek Stone watched the line of black SUVs snake through the misty forest roads, his wolf already itching for a fight. Through their pack bond, he could feel Marcus at the council meeting, exuding calm diplomatic energy that made Derek want to break something.

Just remember,Marcus’ voice echoed in his head,this is a warning, not a war.

They tried to take our mate,Derek growled back, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. The memory of Kai’s scent mixed with fear still made his wolf snarl.

And we’ll make them regret it,Caleb chimed in.But try not to burn down the entire forest? Some of us like those trees.

Derek’s lips twitched despite himself. Trust Caleb to joke while he was planning mayhem. His youngest brother was probably curled up with Kai right now, the lucky bastard.

He’s actually helping Jorge organize the pantry,Caleb corrected.It’s adorable. He keeps categorizing everything by color.

The mental image of their tiny mate attempting to impose order on Jorge’s chaos almost distracted Derek from his mission. Almost.

Johnson’s voice crackled over the radio, pulling Derek back to the present. “Sir, Knox’s border patrol station ahead. Six wolves on duty, minimal security.”

“Sloppy,” Derek said. In his rearview mirror, he saw his team’s vehicles fan out into attack formation. Ten of his best, all ex-military wolves who’d served with him before joining Stone Security. They moved like a single unit, smooth and practiced.

Try not to kill anyone,Marcus reminded him.

No promises.

Derek pulled his SUV to a stop, watching Knox’s wolves scramble to attention. They probably thought this was a standard border confrontation. Poor bastards had no idea they were aboutto learn the hard way why you didn't fuck with the Stone Pack.

“Remember,” Derek’s voice carried to his team as they emerged from their vehicles, “we’re sending a message. Make it memorable.”

Johnson, his second-in-command, fell into step beside him. The other wolves moved into formation—pairs of two, creating a perfect offensive line. Knox’s patrol wolves were already shifting, clearly sensing the threat.

Derek felt his wolf surge forward, familiar power rippling through his muscles. His team shifted in perfect unison behind him, a synchronized display that had taken years to perfect.

The first Knox wolf lunged. Derek almost smiled. He met the attacking wolf mid-leap, his massive gray form dwarfing the younger beta. One brutal shake and the wolf went flying into the station’s wooden walls with a satisfying crack. Behind him, his team moved like a deadly dance troupe, each pair taking down their targets with practiced efficiency.

Johnson’s black wolf herded three Knox betas away from their radio equipment before it could be used to call reinforcements. Two quick strikes had them sprawling in the dirt while his partner Rivera demolished the communications array with precise strikes.

Through their pack bond, Derek felt Marcus sigh.Did you have to break their entire station?

They touched our mate,Derek replied, batting aside another wolf who thought size could match skill.Be grateful I’m not breaking their bones.

The sound of splintering wood filled the air as Sutton and Rodriguez, his demolition experts, systematically reduced the patrol station’s support beams to kindling. Their wolf forms moved with the coordinated grace that came from years of working together, making destruction look like art.

A young Knox beta tried to circle behind Derek, probably hopingto catch him off guard. Derek almost felt sorry for him. Almost. One powerful leap and he had the pup pinned, teeth grazing his throat in clear dominance. The beta went limp immediately, whimpering.

At least try to leave them something to rebuild,Caleb suggested through the bond, his amusement clear.

Derek released the beta with a warning growl, turning to survey his team’s work.

Johnson had the remaining Knox wolves cornered, their tails tucked in submission. Mitchell and Santos were systematically shredding any documents they’d found inside, while the rest of the team continued their choreographed demolition of the station.

You’re enjoying this way too much,Marcus observed dryly.

They’re lucky I am,Derek responded, watching another support beam crumble.Otherwise, I might get creative.

A high-pitched yelp drew his attention. One of the Knox wolves had tried to make a break for it, only to be caught in the practiced pincer movement of Thompson and O’Hara. They had him pinned in seconds, their larger forms making his struggles look pathetic.

Derek padded over, each step deliberate. The gathered Knox wolves shrunk back, finally seeming to understand exactly why the Stone Pack’s security force was legendary. His team hadn’t even broken a sweat while reducing their station to splinters.