Page 180 of Carnage Island

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.”

Several of the female Carnage Wolves howl in approval of their Alpha’s words and I join them, pleased that he chose to add that final jibe.

He doesn’t wait for Alpha Crane to reply, he steps in front of me, presents the other Alpha his back, and kisses me with a fierceness that knocks me off my literal feet.

Fortunately, Volt catches me. But then he spins me and kisses me just as intensely.

I’ve forgotten how to breathe by the time Caius takes my mouth.

My stomach clenches with a desire that permeates the air.

Volt presses his nose to my neck, inhaling deeply as he rumbles in approval. “Please tell me I can fuck her in this field.”

“That would require removing her clothes,” Tieran says, his nose in my hair.

“No,” Caius says against my mouth. “We’ll devour her in the den.”

My lips curl at the mention of our den.

It’s a new one in Black Mountain Pack territory surrounded by fir trees with a little creek that runs alongside it and a lot of land for running.

My mates surprised me with the beautiful home just last week. And it’s absolutely perfect.