Page 22 of Carnage Island

Although, there are a few here who are absolutely insane as a result of their very real rejection. They’re not Carnage Wolves, just rogue beasts that created the need for these Reject Islands.

Those males are not allowed to play our games. They’re kept busy with other menial tasks that keep the island alive. And they provide a decent front for us to hide behind.

“Gentlemen,” I greet as I step onto the dock. “You may have noticed the lack of a shipment arriving.”

A few of them chuckle, while the others nod.

“Guards dropped her in the water on the opposite side of the island,” Caius explains, infusing a hint of annoyance in his tone. “She’s… displeased.”

I nod. “More than displeased. She’s a bit broken to say the least.”

Several of them frown now, glancing at each other before looking at me. “She’s not a present from your father?”

The other three females were presents—otherwise known asvolunteers—for the males on the island. They were bored and wanted to play. So my father falsified their rejections to send them here to satisfy their own urges, as well as our men.

This female definitely didn’t qualify for that.

But I asked Caius to set up the games as an introduction to our life, thinking she might appreciate some play time.

Clearly, I was wrong.

“She’s from another pack,” I say vaguely, not ready to reveal her origin yet. Otherwise the men will hate her on sight. And until I decide what to do with her, I really don’t want to cause more problems. “We’ll need to postpone the games.”

“Who is she?” Alpha Kin demands, his muscles bulging as he folds his arms over his chest. “Where’s she from?”

“That’s her story to tell, not mine,” I deflect. “Which is hard for her to do since she’s currently in wolf form and refusing to shift.”

Alpha Dirk grunts. “Then make her shift.”

“I will,” I promise. “But I came here with Caius to deliver the news first. Once she’s ready, we’ll reschedule the introductions.”

Alpha Dirk and Alpha Kin share a look, their brows furrowing. “We want to see her,” Alpha Kin says then, looking back at me. “We want to assess her for ourselves.”

Because you can smell her, I translate, sighing to myself.

These two have always been a problem. Which is precisely why my father sent them here—he wants me to master them to prove my worth as Pack Alpha.

Which unfortunately means I have to use my fists more than I’d like.

But leadership has its requirements—both good and bad.

“I’ve assessed her,” I tell them. “And she needs time before she meets the rest of us.”

“So you’re keeping her for yourself,” Alpha Dirk hedges.

“I didn’t say that,” I reply, already bored with the posturing. “However, I’m deciding as Carnage Island Alpha to give her time to shift before we play our usual games.”

“I think this needs to be discussed,” Alpha Kin says, glancing around at the other Alphas and Betas in the crowd. “She’s not from your father. She’s from the Elders. That makes her open for debate.”

“I agree,” Alpha Dirk declares. “She smells different, too. Sweet. Like an Omega.”

This causes several growls of agreement to go through the crowd.

It doesn’t matter that she was wet and dropped off over two miles away from here; we’re wolves with enhanced senses.

They can also likely smell her on me and Caius, despite the fact I barely touched her.

“Are you hiding her because she’s Omega?” Alpha Duncan asks, his hazel eyes flashing with irritation. “Is this all a ruse?”