Page 119 of Crimson Moon Falling

“We’re here to watch the five o’clock news together?” one of the Alphas joked. Then the Associated Press started running a breaking news banner as the polished news anchor paused mid-story.

The man stared at his prompter. “We appear to have breaking news at this hour. Fernanda Stratton of the New York Times just released an explosive news story, along with an exclusive interview with… Riley Blackthorne, the new Alpha Mate of the Northwestern Mountain States Pack Alpha, Conall Segerson.” The news anchor paused again, as if scanning the text. “Blackthorne is also a special investigator with the National Park Service—” The news anchor continued the story as the Alphas around the table swiveled to stare at Conall.

His jaw locked as the screen filled with Riley’s face. Her eyes were bruised and tired, and her dark hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, the white streak stark against her face. Bandages were visible at her wrist as she sat in a conference room, with Mangus beside her, making her look even smaller. She looked so fucking beautiful that his heart squeezed.

Her vibrant blue eyes were steady as she told Fernanda she was a Spooler and explained how the reporter could verify it. The story cut to footage of the Mary Mountain facility, then to stills of Wilson and Senator White. Riley’s voice continued, calmly detailing the thermal energy source, the Chimera Project, and the planned military coup.

A few Alphas in the room growled as the screen showed grainy security footage at the pediatrician’s office, then of Riley being carried unconscious into the Las Vegas Apex facility. The visuals ended with a shot of the dead ogre agent in the parking garage.

Riley’s face showed on screen again. “General Wilson admitted to using the shifter registration vote as cover for a military coup. In fact, he bragged about it as he and Director Langston stood and became aroused as an Apex doctor sexually assaulted me.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I’m a high-level Resonant, and I could feel their emotions,” Riley replied calmly.

Conall’s hands curled around his armrests, the wood creaking under his grip. Several Alphas stole glances at him, and Alpha Glazer snarled.

The reporter’s voiceover cut in. “Ms. Blackthorne also stated that Alpha Segerson mated with her specifically because of her Spooling ability, describing it as a strategic advantage for his Pack.”

“Well played, Segerson,” someone muttered.

Excitement rippled as the Alphas realized they had a Spooler in their ranks. The identification and intelligence value wasn’t lost on them.

Conall’s wolf rose, gold bleeding into his vision. His snarl started low in his chest and built until it filled the room, making the glasses on the sidebar rattle. Several Alphas went still.

“I mated her,” he growled, each word precise and cold, “because my wolf demanded it. She is more generous, kinder, and smarter than any of us sitting here in this fucking room.” His eyes swept the table. “If anyone wants to comment about my ‘strategic’ mate selection, say it now.”

The room went dead silent. Finally, Malachi pushed off the wall, his mouth curving into a big, lazy grin.

“I’m thinkin’ your wolf has superb taste in women, Segerson.” He stretched, rolling his shoulders.

Sawyer nodded. “She just took down a military coup on national television while wearing hiking boots, a park uniform, and bandages. I agree.”

Someone chuckled, and the tension broke enough for everyone to take a breath. Conall didn’t laugh, but he yanked back on his power. His wolf was still pacing, snarling, desperate to get to her. The bond hummed against his sternum, a live wire of fear and fury, and a love so ferocious it terrified him.

On the screen, Riley’s face held steady, her blue eyes clear and unflinching as the world learned exactly who and what she was. He’d never been more scared or proud.

When the meeting was over, Ingrid hung back. “Where’s Christopherson?” She asked Conall and Sawyer.

Conall folded his arms. “We didn’t invite him. He’s not going to be the Northwestern States Alpha much longer, so I didn’t see the point.”

The Alaska Alpha tilted her head. “Why isn’t he going to be Alpha?”

“Because we’re going to kill him,” Sawyer answered.

Ingrid tilted her head. “Why?”

Conall explained what he’d found out, and by the time he finished, Ingrid’s face was flushed with rage. “You two really want his territory? Because that’s what’s gonna happen if you kill the bastard.”

Conall stared at Ingrid. “You have another idea?”

The Alaska Alpha nodded. “We kill the traitor tonight and agree to hand the territory over to Lucas, his son. He’s living in my territory, and frankly, he’s more Alpha than I am. The Northeastern Pack would be in good hands.”

Sawyer and Conall exchanged glances, and Conall shrugged. “Fine with me.”

When Conall made it back to his hotel room hours later, he had a nasty bite on his left flank and claw marks along his ribs. There was also blood under his fingernails.

He sat on the window ledge, his phone in his hand, hesitating. He didn’t know exactly what would come out of his mouth when he heard Riley’s voice.