Page 140 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

Durant glances at Aloysius, and he looks curious, too, now.

“We’ll start with our own bloodline,” Aloysius says. “And then when I have a worthy woman at my side, and a strong child, I will challenge everyone else.”

I am so glad no one else is hearing him right now. I am getting second-hand embarrassment just listening to him. Who does he think he is?

“And my siblings will be at my side.”

At this, I can’t help but laugh. “You were crazy up to now, but now you can also add delusional to the list. I am not going anywhere with you, let alone rule at your side.”

“You’d rather rule with a lowly werewolf?” he snarls.

“Yes,” I say without thinking twice. “I would rather rule with a man of integrity, who knows his own value, but also values those around him. Someone with respect, grace and dignity.” I pull my hair aside. “Or do you think I would just let any werewolf mark me?”

Aloysius looks at me, shocked. “You didn’t!”

“I did,” I say. “It was a surprisingly easy decision once I finally let my past go.”

“You chose the stupid, simple wolves!”

“No, I chose my freedom,” I argue. “And the right to live the life I want to live. I chose happiness and love. Meanwhile, what do you have?” I turn to Durant. “And you?”

“Leave him out of it,” Aloysius hisses.

“Oh, I am the one who is supposed to leave him out of this? It was you who manipulated him in the first place.”

“So what?” Aloysius snarls. “He is the youngest of us all with the least power. He should be happy I am paying him attention. He was useless before I took care of him.”

“He is his own person, with his own strengths and talents. And above all, he is our brother. He wasneveruseless.”

Durant turns his head to look at me, his lip quivering slightly.

“You are not useless,” I tell him. “I wish you would finally understand that.”

“So, what now?” Aloysius spreads his arms. “Are you going to fight me? It didn’t end well for you the last time you did.”

“That was because you tricked me. This time it’s different,” I say coolly.

“So, what, we’ll fight until one of us dies?” He laughs. “You know that’s impossible.”

“Maybe I am ready to kill you,” I point out. “And pay the price for it.”

“And leave your werewolf?” He laughs. “Who are you fooling?”

I frown. “You believe I am not being serious, but I am. You are not invincible. Why are you so convinced no one else might kill you? I know you were involved in a lot of shady stuff that’s happened over the last couple of years, including the kidnapping of a vast number of werewolves. Their community is just waiting to finally have a name to hunt down.”

Anger flashes in Aloysius’ eyes.

“What, you thought Alex and I wouldn’t be able to track that to you?” I ask, laughing. “Don’t be an idiot. You sold kids to your sick followers.”

Durant looks at me before turning to Aloysius. “So, it is true?”

“Oh, he told you he didn’t do it?” I ask. Deep inside, I am feeling relieved that Durant wasn’t aware of what’s going on. It means he is just stupid, not evil. “For years, he supported a trafficking organization,” I say. “You might remember how Alextalked about it. Plus, he meddled with a number of elitist alphas to take advantage of them.”

Durant stares at our brother. “Is that true?”

“Does it matter?” Aloysius snarls. “They are just lowly beings. Who cares about them?”

“They are living beings with dreams and hopes, with faults and strengths. Just like us. They deserve to live, just as we do.” I look at Aloysius insistently. “You messed up this time. The lycans have been waiting for me to verify it’s been you who is behind it all. You might be able to take it up against the werewolves, but against the royal lycans and their allies? Unlike you, they were smart and combined with different species. I don’t need to be the one to kill you. One ofthemwill.”