Energy hums through the air, causing the hairs along my arms to stand on end.
But it’s for an entirely different reason today than two months ago.
I’m in the same field.
Standing in the same place I once kneeled.
Only now I’m standing. I’m clothed. And I’m staring directly at the male who once rejected me.
Seeing Canton now, I can’t remember why I ever found him attractive. He has nothing on my three mates.
He’s a fucking pansy ass, Volt says to us all. Look at him. He’s ready to wet himself just like last time.
That pansy ass managed to keep a hold on Clove’s wolf for almost a week, Tieran reminds him. Looks can be deceiving.
He’s right.
I remember feeling Canton’s power.
He’s certainly not weak.
He took advantage of an untrained shifter, Volt argues. Hardly makes him strong.
Also a fair point. I didn’t know how to control my inner animal and she was pissed at me for denying her all these years. It made her easy to manipulate.
Alpha Crane clears his throat. “Well. We’re here,” he says, gesturing to his pack. “What do you want, Tieran?”
“Alpha Tieran,” Caius corrects him. He’s standing to my left.
Volt whistles from right behind me. His hands are on my hips, where they’ve been since we arrived. “Yeah, not a good start, Alpha Crane. Insulting your superior?” He makes a clicking noise with his tongue. “Not recommended.”
Tieran says nothing on my other side, but I feel his displeasure at Alpha Crane for the clear insult to his title.
“Please excuse me,” Alpha Crane says, not sounding apologetic at all. “What do you want, Alpha Tieran.”
Several of the Carnage Wolves behind us growl. They all showed up in wolf form rather than human form, something Tieran requested of our pack. He wanted to prove that they don’t need weapons in a fight. Their teeth and claws will do just fine.
Of course, Volt, Caius, and Tieran are all armed, just in case Alpha Crane decides to commit suicide today.
We have a few surprise guests, too.
“Well, I have a problem,” Tieran starts, his tone lethally serious. “You see, the Elders are under the misconception that my mate is feral. They think she killed her mother. And that’s not what happened at all, is it?”
Alpha Crane shrugs. “I have several witnesses you could ask about it if you would like clarification regarding what happened that day..”
“Before you call any of them forward, I just want to caution you that Alpha Tieran doesn’t react well to lying,” Caius says conversationally.
“He’s right,” Tieran confirms. “I would suggest you ask Bryson about it. But he’s a bit indisposed at the moment.”
Alpha Crane studies Tieran for a long moment. “What do you really want, Alpha Tieran?” This time he speaks with a breath of respect that surprises me.
“I want the wolves who raped and killed my mate’s mother to step forward so that I can see that justice is served,” Tieran tells him honestly.
Silence falls as Alpha Crane considers the request. “What do I get in return?” he asks.
“Your life,” Tieran replies without hesitation. “And that’s twice that you’ve insulted me now. I don’t recommend going for a third.”
Our pack growls behind us, agreeing with their Alpha.
Alpha Crane’s sharp gaze goes to me before he looks at Canton. “You’re the one who chose the punishment, son. What would you like to do?” The irritation in his tone almost makes me smile.
But the memory of what was done that day keeps me from being able to grin.
Because while it’s true that Alpha Crane told Canton it was his punishment to give, he ran the show. Alpha Crane was the one who said crude things about Black Mountain Pack, saying the wolves didn’t understand hierarchy and were feral beasts, using me as an example.
Canton actually tried to stand up for my mother at first, confirming that the Carnage Wolves were known for their brutality.
Perhaps not an accurate statement, but it is what the Santeetlah Pack and Nantahala Pack believe.
Which makes Canton almost as much of a victim as me.
Because he’s been entirely brainwashed by his father.
“I don’t remember Canton giving my mother to your men,” I say. “But I remember you nodding approval to two of your wolves to step forward and take her.” My words are for Alpha Crane.
And oh, he is pissed.
His eyes are narrowed into slits, his jaw clenching.
But I’m not done.
“Canton’s crime is rejecting me for being feral and not allowing me to shift back into human form.” My statement makes Canton’s brow furrow.
“I didn’t trap you in wolf form,” he says, causing his father to growl beside him. “But yes, I called you feral. Because you were.”
“I wasn’t,” I correct him. “It was my first time shifting and I couldn’t change back to use my mouth. So I growled instead.” And yeah, my wolf also wanted to rip his throat out after she realized what a bad mate he would be. But that doesn’t qualify me as being feral.
Alpha Crane looks ready to explode.
But Canton appears thoughtful. He nods. “She’s right. What happened to her mother wasn’t my decision.” He looks at his father. “However, since you’re stating it was my decision, I’ll correct it.” He looks at his wolves. “David and Brown, step forward.”
Clever, Caius says to us mentally. He’s upstaging his father to gain favor with the pack.
By handing over two of the wolves, Volt replies. Not sure that’s the wisest way to gain favor.
It is if the pack dislikes their behavior, Caius points out.
“Langston and Hicks,” Canton adds. “You should step forward as well since I know you participated in the punishment.” He turns to point out all four wolves he’s named, just in case they decide to disobey.