Page 13 of Wolves in Love

A grinning werewolf was a sight to see, and her smile had to match his.

Her wounded heart had healed around, but blood matted her fur as she dismounted from Anders and faced the three alphas. By now, silence had fallen the entire clearing, every werewolf watching the five of them.

She howled long and loud, so every single one of them could hear her. If you’re going to kill him, you’ll have to kill me too.

Holding her breath, she stared down the alphas. The only werewolf she had seen dare to attack Anders’s father had been him, and she hadn’t realized until now how seriously wounded the alpha was. As for her father, he looked as if he had aged fifty years since she had last seen him.

Now, the real battle—the battle of words—was about to begin.

10

Anders could hardly believe it. He had been claimed and had claimed her back. Misti was finally his, and he was hers.

But for how much longer would they be alive?

Emboldened by her fiery strength, he moved to stand beside her, a unified front. We can continue down this familiar road and slaughter each other, and all can perish—

Or we can have unity and peace, Misty finished.

What of the Wild Shades? Kastner demanded, his howl low and deadly.

Out of the three alphas, the only one to still look impressive was Kastner. Had he partaken in any of the battles? Or was he that fierce of a warrior? Either way, although Kastner was smaller than his father, Anders would not want to face him on the battlefield.

You can return to the mountain if you wish. Anders stared down his father, daring him to refute his command. Honestly, Anders had no leg to stand on. He could only remain upright via channeling from Misti, and she wouldn’t have the strength for both of them for long. They had to finish this, and peacefully, and soon.

You are no son of mine. His father’s familiar howl filled his ears.

You are not my heir, her father added.

For once you agree on something. Misti’s howl managed to sound dry.

Give us leave to live in peace. None of the packs need us. We aren’t heirs. We gave that up, and we forsake any right to leading the Shadowed Stars or the Red Nightwalkers. Let us go and—

And what about them? Her father jerked a claw toward the other two alphas. They killed my wolves.

And you killed theirs, Misti pointed out. Violence will only serve to fuel more violence. Hasn’t this gone on long enough? Even the Wild Shades are being dragged into it.

Because of you. Kastner glowered at them. Nothing could be more intimidating than a wolf’s glower.

You were willing. Anders glowered right back.

Yes, well…

The mountain is mine. Misti’s father curled back his upper lip.

You have never had the mountain. Anders’s father bared his fangs.

The mountain doesn’t belong to either of you, Misti cut in. The mountain is everyone’s. Werewolves, animals, hell, if humans wanted to hike it, could you really stop them without risking exposure?

Why are you talking? her father snapped. I should kill you where you stand right now. Claimed by a Shadowed Star.

He is no Shadowed Star. Anders’s father shoved dirt toward Anders.

Then we have no quarrel. Anders slid back a step.

Oh, but we do. You’re a traitor to your people.

But if you renounce me as heir, how can I betray people I no longer have a duty toward?

---