Page 177 of Carnage Island

“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 themfeel.

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.