Carnage Island (Reject Island)(86)

It’s a mistake. He’s still hooked up to the speakers, allowing me to hear Clove’s response.

She’s in pain and she’s furious.

But he doesn’t seem to realize that because he’s grinning triumphantly.

The three enforcers at his back don’t appear nearly as confident because they are all who remain of Bryson’s team.

Meanwhile, all my wolves are still alive.

Because I have something he doesn’t—heart.

He uses hive mind manipulation and enslaved pussy to tame his wolves. That only allows for so much loyalty in a pack. And those wolves at his back don’t appear too keen on dying for their insane leader right now.

Because they know that’s what’s about to happen.

A roar comes through the phone, the source of it all Clove, and a loud crash follows. Beta Gafton dropping the phone, I translate.

Volt is moving before I can even lift my weapon.

He has two blades on Bryson’s chest in the next breath, just as Caius sends a bullet into the enforcer closest to the Alpha. I take down the next two with my own gun, firing without thinking and giving them both a quick death.

Then I walk up to where Bryson is wheezing on the ground. “I choose your death,” I tell him, aiming at his head.

And pull the trigger.

There’s one thing I’ve learned in my training—never prolong a death just to gloat. One never knows when the opposite party will gain the upper hand.

Just like we did now while Bryson paused to enjoy his victory.

“Cocky fucking wolf,” I mutter, shooting him again.

“Well, that was anticlimactic,” Volt says as he retrieves his knives.

“He needed to die,” I say flatly.

I bend to pick up the phone, hoping to see the source of all the snarling come through the loudspeaker.

But the screen is black. I try to unlock it, only to realize it’s already live.

Which means the camera is either turned off or the phone is facing the gro— My head snaps up as a fresh scent catches my nose. “Santeetlah Wolves,” I hiss.

This isn’t their fight.

They need to learn to back the fuck off.

And I’m about to show them why.

Because I’m fucking done with this war. Bryson caused it. I’m finishing it.

I don’t wait, I howl.

All my furious energy and pent up rage goes into the echoing sound. It’s a warning, one I hope those assholes heed. Because I will shred every single one of them.

I don’t know if Clove is alive or dead. And I’m pissed that I didn’t claim her. If I did, I would be able to feel her right now.

Instead I’m staring at a black screen with a dead fucking Pack Alpha at my feet.

I’m fury incarnate.

A wolf mourning the loss of his potential mate.

An Alpha devastated by everything that’s befallen my pack.

Alpha Crane responds with his own howl, attempting to regroup his likely startled wolves.

So I open my mouth once more, unleashing another wave of power. Only this one is amplified by the howls of Caius and Volt. The three of us sing in unison, capturing the night with our dark and deadly song.

Silence greets us when we’re done.

I wait.

Alpha Crane appears several minutes later with only two wolves at his side.

Volt has his gun drawn. Caius, too.

But I just hold the phone, waiting for an image to appear.

“The Elders will hear about this, Tieran,” Alpha Crane says, his disgust palpable as he takes in Alpha Bryson’s dead body. “Using guns instead of teeth. It’s despicable.”

“I agree,” I tell him honestly. “But Bryson is known for his silver tactics. I merely beat him at his own game.”

A true wolf fights with claws and teeth.

But Bryson proved long ago that he wasn’t a true wolf.

“Tell the Elders,” I add. “I look forward to finally presenting my case.”

Alpha Crane’s brow furrows. “What case?”

I don’t grace him with a response. He hasn’t earned one. But I do offer him one final comment. “When I ascend, I’ll be calling a meeting. I suggest you attend. We have a few items to discuss.”

One being Clove’s mother.

I continue checking the phone.

There are no sounds coming from it now.

Come on, Clove, I think. Tell me you’re okay.

It’s almost an appropriate punishment—me not knowing.

“You can go,” Caius says calmly, his words for Alpha Crane. “We'll be in touch.”

The Santeetlah Alpha bristles at being dismissed, so three of my wolves step forward without guns. They simply snarl.

And Alpha Crane stiffens.

He has a pack of weak wolves, similar to the one we just destroyed.

And he came without weapons.

I meant what I said about the guns. But that doesn’t mean he trusts me to honor him in a fair fight.

He believes all the rumors, which are helping me in this situation.

Because he accepts our dismissal with a low grunt, making his displeasure at the insult known, and leaves with his tail tucked between his legs.

“That’s Alpha Crane’s heir?” Volt asks, sounding entirely unimpressed. “His son, right?”

“Yeah, the shaking one was his son,” Caius confirms.