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“Fuck you!” His eyes started to burn, and then his body jolted as an electric shock coursed through his body. I wanted to look away, but I forced myself to watch the pain contort his features and stiffen his muscles. This was the reality, and looking away would only show him that I was soft.
I wasn’t an idiot. I knew Troy would never willingly give me any helpful information. He would do it accidentally if I got him pissed enough, and there was no way to do that other than to bring up Night and his birthright. In the same way Troy had tried to break me in the cave, I’d need to play off his insecurities to get what I needed.
“This was a mercy,” I said once he calmed down, “compared to what Night wants to do with you. Don’t forget, Troy, that I’ll still be on the pack council even after the permanent Alpha is chosen. Night will take his rightful place as Alpha for both the Kings and the Wargs. Someday, we’ll even be able to merge the two packs.”
He spat out a laugh, still panting and sweating from the shock. “You’re delusional. The council will never fucking allow it.”
“Don’t be so sure.” I crossed my arms, putting on that questioning pout again. “I just came from a meeting with them and the elite families of both packs. Both sides are sick of burying their loved ones and would like to finally have some peace. They’re both interested in the idea of having more land and resources.”
“You lying bitch!”
I smirked. “You really underestimate the allure and appeal of Night Shepherd. After all, why wouldn’t they be pleased to have the pack’s rightful heir as their Alpha?”
His fists were red and bruising the more he banged on the glass and metal. “You’re not worth the cunt you warm his bed with!” he raged. “I am the rightful heir to this pack. Night is nothing but a bastard child. He meant nothing to my father.”
“But wasn’t it you who said that Gregor confessed the truth to you? Wasn’t he planning to announce that Night would take his place once he died? It sounds to me like Gregor was proud of the man Night had become and knew he would make the superior Alpha.”
Troy growled at me. “Gregor was a weak, sentimental fool on his deathbed. He was out of his goddamn mind. But that doesn’t matter. The stupid council doesn’t matter, either. The elite would never allow Night to take over because my family kept them in fucking line.” He smirked back at me. “There’s nothing you or Night can do about that.”
“We’ll see about that.” I showed my teeth when I smirked. “Thanks, Troy, for being so helpful.”
His eyes widened, and I turned from him to head back out of the cells.
“Enjoy the rest of your life, Redwolf!” I called.
His yelling followed me as I gave the guards the clear to resume their duties outside his cell. It was cut off by another shock. He didn’t frighten me anymore. Why would he, when he no longer had any power over me or anyone else?
I pushed the door closed and took a deep breath of fresh air. Troy had given me exactly what I needed. I knew now that I needed to prove to the elite families that Night was nothing like Gregor or Troy, that he wasn’t the feral beast that the Wargs had been made out to be. Troy was right that winning over the council meant nothing if their families and the rest of the elite weren’t on board. We could pivot our plans to focus mostly on them.
I stretched my arms over my head, feeling so much lighter now that I had some kind of plan for our next steps. I glanced the sky and found the sun beginning its descent toward the horizon. I headed back toward my cabin and enjoyed the breeze. My life was so different now from how it’d been just a couple of months ago. The girl who had grown up reading fantasy novels and longing for a place to call home now had the chance for not only a home but a large, loving family. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to do all this.
“Bryn!” Tavi was calling for me.
I turned, and gasped out loud. She wasn’t alone—Pax was with her! He let go of her hand and ran to me. I crouched, and he ran into my arms.
“Bryn, I missed you so much,” he said, sobbing into my shoulder.
“Oh, Pax, Pax, Pax,” I said, hugging him tight. “I missed you, too, brave little boy.”
His tears soaked into my shoulder as I held him as tightly. Tears stung my eyes thinking of how close he’d come to death, but my joy and relief at seeing him safe and sound allowed me to be strong enough to hold them back.
“His mom said that they were going to attend your binding ceremony, but he wanted to see you today. He was determined to make me take you to him,” Tavi said. “I couldn’t say no to him.”
I stood with Pax in my arms and looked up at her. After our talk, she had seemed in better spirits. But of course, the darkness lingered in her gaze. There was a smile on her face, but it seemed exhausted. My joy at seeing her and Pax was tempered by my concern for her.
“I’m glad you did,” I said, “but are you sure you’re okay?” I hadn’t forgotten that she’d told me that going around the compound alone made her uncomfortable. I imagine it was worse with a little boy in tow.
But she nodded. “More or less. There are a lot of people going back and forth, which is both really nice and a little overwhelming.”
“Ah.” I took in her hair and her clothes. “You look great, by the way, Tavi.”
Her raven-black hair was braided down her back, and the long-sleeved, smoke-gray sheath dress she wore went down to her ankles. My chest warmed knowing that the ceremony meant so much to her that she would dress up for it.
“Thanks.” Her smile was still more a reflex than a genuine expression of joy, but I wouldn’t let myself mourn that. I knew from experience that it was a huge undertaking to get dressed or shower when depression hit its hardest. I was so proud of her for doing this.
“You have to get ready, too, Bryn,” Pax said suddenly. He pulled back and wiped his eyes with his fists. “The Alpha ceremony is gonna start any minute!”
I laughed. “Well, we still have some time to get ready, but you’re right, I should get my butt in gear.”
