Chapter 57
His face goes pale.
I wasn’t going to–11 mean, I would never–1”
1 burst out laughing, giving him a light slap on the shoulder. “Relax, I’m joking. Sort of”
He lets out a nervous chuckle, still unsure whether I’ll bite his head off if he so much as blinks wrong. He was clearly in love with my mate–and it’s obvious he isn’t over it yet.
I step back, nodding.
“You’ve got a lot to take in. But you’re not alone anymore, Caspian. But for now… rest. Heal. And prepare.”
You’re
the Alpha
now.
of
this pack. Of your pack. I’ll make the announcement soon.
He nods slowly, still stunned–but there’s something new in his eyes.
Purpose.
He might not believe it yet, but I see it.He was born to lead and now… he finally can.
The hospital air feels different when you’ve just changed someone’s life.
I step out of Caspian’s room, my palm still throbbing from the blood ritual. The hallway is quiet, still, and cold. Just ahead, the old doctor stands with his hands clasped in front of him like he’s silently praying I don’t notice him.
But I do.
His back straightens the second our eyes meet.
“Alpha,” he says, lowering his gaze. “Is he…?”
I stop in front of him, arms crossed over my chest.
“He’ll live,” I reply. “More than that–he’ll lead.”
His eyes widen slightly, but he’s smart enough not to ask further questions. I start to walk past him, then pause a few steps later.
“I heard the Beta of the Red Night Pack was admitted here,” I say casually. “Where is he?”
The doctor hesitates, then gives a solemn nod. “Yes, Alpha. He collapsed about a week ago. Said he could feel his mate’s pain… from the torture.”
My jaw ticks.
“Is that so…”
The doctor’s gaze drops to the floor. “Yes. He tried to reject her–said he couldn’t handle the pain of the bond,” he mutters, his voice tinged with disgust. “Thought that if he severed it, she’d suffer alone. Fortunately, she didn’t accept the rejection. So when the bond stayed intact, he passed out.”
Coward.
“Take me to him.”
The doctor nods quickly, wisely choosing not to speak again. He turns and leads the way, his footsteps brisk and tense. I follow in silence, the sound of my boots echoing. He’s nervous–I can smell it on him. Maybe it’s my aura, or maybe he simply knows that whatever’s coming won’t be pleasant.
1/4
Chanter st.
We stop at a closed door at the end of the hall. I glance at it, then turn back to him
Don’t follow me in
He blinks Confused, “Alphar
If you hear screaming” 1 add, slowly, “mind your business. Continue your duties.”
His eyes widen slightly but he bows. “Yes, Alpha.”
Without another word, he turns and quickly disappears down the corridor like a man running from a ghost.
Smart man.
I push the door open and step inside.
The sharp scent of antiseptic hits me instantly–cold and suffocating. The room is dimly lit, a single lamp glowing weakly in the corner. On the bed lies an older man I recognize from the pack files–Kali’s adoptive father. Her mother’s mate.
The one who stood by while she was tortured..
He’s lying flat on his back, breathing deep. Too deep. I know the sound of a fake sleep when I hear one.
I shut the door behind me. Loudly.
“I know you’re awake,” I say, voice sharp enough to slice through the silence.
A beat passes.
Then his eyes snap open. His gaze lands on me–and instantly, the color drains from his face. He pushes himself up with shaking hands, eyes wide with barely–contained fear.
“W–Who are you?” he croaks.
I smile–slow, cruel.
“I’m your worst nightmare.”
He freezes. The way his fingers twitch against the sheets tells me everything–he
“I’m here to make you pay,” I continue, taking a few slow steps forward, “for all
His head tilts slightly, confused.
..Mine? You mean-?”
“Kali,” I say, watching his soul leave his fucking body.
“Kali is your mate?” he whispers, horror dawning.
“Bingo.”
He flinches. “W–Who exactly are you?
exactly what I mean.
sins. For what you did to your mate. And for what you did to mine.”
“I already told you,” I say, my voice dark with amusement. “I’m your worst nightmare, Logan.”
Then I lean in, letting my power wash over him..
“I’m Alpha Jack. Alpha of the Blood Fang Pack.”
2/4
Chapter 57
nerally chokes on alt as he scrambles to get out of the bed, his hands slipping over the blanket. He tumbles to the floor, landing with ” loud thud, and begins crawling toward the door like a damned cockroach.
Pathetic
1 stalk toward hum slowly, not rushing, not bothering to hide the predator in my steps. When I reach him, I grab his leg and yank him back in one swift
move
CRACK.
He screams.
His leg bends the wrong way under my grip, and he howls, clutching at the shattered bone. “Please–Alpha–1 I’ve changed! I swear!”
I crouch beside him, eyes hard, unmoving.
“You’re a coward,” I hiss. “You beat your mate. Beat her daughter. You stood by while they were hurt. All to keep your precious Beta title.”
Tears stream down his face now. “I didn’t know–I didn’t-”
CRUNCH.
I slam my boot down on his hand, snapping the fingers like dry twigs. His scream echoes through the room.
“That hand won’t be hurting anyone ever again,” I growl.
He sobs. Tries to beg. But I’m not finished.
“You were supposed to protect them. To protect your mate. But instead, you turned your back on her. Rejected her so you wouldn’t feel her pain. You let Diana torture her. You let it happen.” My voice cracks with fury.
I draw my dagger, the silver gleaming under the pale light.
He sees it.
He shakes his head, bloodied lips trembling. “Please–no–please, I’ll do better–I’ll—”
“You don’t get to speak to her,” I say softly.
Then I shove the blade into his mouth.
He gags.
And with one clean slice, I take his tongue. The scream that follows is wet and gurgling. He thrashes, body twitching, blood pouring from his mouth like a fountain of guilt.
I wipe the blade on the sheet beside him. His sobs rattle in the silence, but I don’t care.
I stand looking down at the broken man on the floor, wishing I had done worse to my uncle than merely crippling one of his legs.
Now, this one will never walk again. Never hit again. Never speak to Kali. Never lay a finger on her mother.
Justice.
I let out a breath and roll my neck. Then I smirk–just a little–and step out, leaving behind nothing but blood and ruin.
There’s no guilt.
Chapterst
Only the quiet satisfaction of a promise kept.
