Page 79 of Frenzy

Actually, Courtland had locked down everyone he even suspected of being involved in the coup. Half the Legion Force was stood down, the remainder given promotions. Courtland had decided that it was better to have a small, elite, loyal force than a big army out for power. While he couldn’t stand down the Legion Generals he suspected of being involved, they were all under suspicion except Joshua. I thought that perhaps there may be a complete overhaul of positions soon, and some new blood leading the Manix into the future. But not yet. Not while Courtland was still recovering.

Most of the town had expressed shock and anger, but then, most of them were sheeple. Who knew how many of them would have gone to see that asshole and given him the same platitudes?

I wasn’t ready to write off the whole town yet. Today, everyone had turned out to welcome the kids home, and to celebrate our bonding. We were now the De Léon Pack, and it felt like all the pain and heartache was worth it somehow.

Naja came over and hugged me close to her side. “I’m glad you stayed, though I wouldn’t have blamed you for leaving.”

It had been tough, especially for Pryce, who’d had all his hard-won confidence ripped away in an instant. Watching him being cautious walking out our front door had been more painful than my recovery.

But I’d grown up here, so had Radic. Courtland was bringing the change the town needed. Our families were here. We weren’t running.

Still, it had been hard.

Courtland lifted his chin at me, and I wandered over. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and the rest of the Pack closed ranks around me.

Courtland cleared his throat, but the voice that came out was deeper, rougher than usual, and laden with Alpha power.

“Friends, family. It's my pleasure to present”—he looked down at me, and then over at the guys—“the De Léon Pack.”