Page 12 of Marked by Alphas 2: Claimed (The Blood Moon Chronicle #2)
“Sloppy,” Derek said. In his rearview mirror, he saw his team’s vehicles fan out into attack formation. Ten of his best, all ex-military wolves who’d served with him before joining Stone Security. They moved like a single unit, smooth and practiced.
Try not to kill anyone, Marcus reminded him.
No promises.
Derek pulled his SUV to a stop, watching Knox’s wolves scramble to attention. They probably thought this was a standard border confrontation. Poor bastards had no idea they were about to learn the hard way why you didn't fuck with the Stone Pack.
“Remember,” Derek’s voice carried to his team as they emerged from their vehicles, “we’re sending a message. Make it memorable.”
Johnson, his second-in-command, fell into step beside him. The other wolves moved into formation—pairs of two, creating a perfect offensive line. Knox’s patrol wolves were already shifting, clearly sensing the threat.
Derek felt his wolf surge forward, familiar power rippling through his muscles. His team shifted in perfect unison behind him, a synchronized display that had taken years to perfect.
The first Knox wolf lunged. Derek almost smiled.
He met the attacking wolf mid-leap, his massive gray form dwarfing the younger beta.
One brutal shake and the wolf went flying into the station’s wooden walls with a satisfying crack.
Behind him, his team moved like a deadly dance troupe, each pair taking down their targets with practiced efficiency.
Johnson’s black wolf herded three Knox betas away from their radio equipment before it could be used to call reinforcements. Two quick strikes had them sprawling in the dirt while his partner Rivera demolished the communications array with precise strikes.
Through their pack bond, Derek felt Marcus sigh. Did you have to break their entire station?
They touched our mate, Derek replied, batting aside another wolf who thought size could match skill. Be grateful I’m not breaking their bones.
The sound of splintering wood filled the air as Sutton and Rodriguez, his demolition experts, systematically reduced the patrol station’s support beams to kindling. Their wolf forms moved with the coordinated grace that came from years of working together, making destruction look like art.
A young Knox beta tried to circle behind Derek, probably hoping to catch him off guard. Derek almost felt sorry for him. Almost. One powerful leap and he had the pup pinned, teeth grazing his throat in clear dominance. The beta went limp immediately, whimpering.
At least try to leave them something to rebuild, Caleb suggested through the bond, his amusement clear.
Derek released the beta with a warning growl, turning to survey his team’s work.
Johnson had the remaining Knox wolves cornered, their tails tucked in submission. Mitchell and Santos were systematically shredding any documents they’d found inside, while the rest of the team continued their choreographed demolition of the station.
You’re enjoying this way too much, Marcus observed dryly.
They’re lucky I am, Derek responded, watching another support beam crumble. Otherwise, I might get creative.
A high-pitched yelp drew his attention. One of the Knox wolves had tried to make a break for it, only to be caught in the practiced pincer movement of Thompson and O’Hara. They had him pinned in seconds, their larger forms making his struggles look pathetic.
Derek padded over, each step deliberate. The gathered Knox wolves shrunk back, finally seeming to understand exactly why the Stone Pack’s security force was legendary. His team hadn’t even broken a sweat while reducing their station to splinters.
He shifted back to human form, not bothering to hide his satisfied smile as he surveyed the destruction. Johnson followed suit, already pulling out his phone to document the “training exercise” for their records.
“Sir.” Johnson’s voice carried just the right mix of professional respect and barely hidden amusement. “I believe we’ve made our point.”
“Have we?” Derek turned to the gathered Knox wolves, who were n ow back in human form and trying very hard to look anywhere but at him.
“Let me be clear. This?” he gestured to the wreckage of their station.
“This is me being diplomatic. Touch our mate again, and diplomacy goes out the window. Understood?”
The rapid nodding would have been comical if he wasn’t still fighting the urge to do serious damage. His wolf hadn’t forgotten Kai’s scent mixed with fear, hadn’t forgotten how close they’d come to?—
Deep breaths, brother, Caleb cautioned, probably sensing his rising anger. Come home. Kai’s asking about you.
That got his attention. “Johnson, finish up here. Make sure our message is properly delivered.”
“Yes, sir.” Johnson’s grin promised creative interpretation of those orders. “Should I mention this was just the advance team?”
Derek allowed himself a small smirk as the Knox wolves paled further. Let them wonder just how many more wolves the Stone Pack could field. Let them imagine what would happen if Derek really lost his temper.
Let them remember why the Stone Pack had held this territory for generations.
Now you’re just showing off, Caleb accused through the bond.
Coming from the brother who once made it rain during a territory challenge? Derek started toward his SUV, pleased with the morning’s work. That’s rich.
His team fell into formation behind him, their satisfied energy palpable. They’d reminded everyone why Stone Security was feared, protected their mate’s honor, and destroyed Knox property before lunch. All in all, a productive morning.
You’re impossible. Caleb sighed, but Derek could feel his brother’s approval through their bond. Just hurry home. Maria’s making lunch, and Kai keeps asking where you disappeared to.
Derek’s wolf preened at the thought of their mate missing them. Maybe he’d even get some cuddles out of this, assuming Caleb hadn’t claimed their mate for the afternoon.
Behind him, the Knox wolves watched their departure with shell-shocked expressions. Derek didn’t need to look back to know the message had been received.
No one touched what belonged to the Stone Pack. No one.