Page 72 of Deadly Wolf Bite

“Anthony was targeted because of you,” I say, temper rushing through me unchecked. “You used Lexi as bait against Franco, and he fired back—literally. He’s not going to stop coming for you until he’s done the same thing to you as he did to Anthony.”

“You have one job,” he goes on, ignoring my comments. “One way to repay me for stabbing me in the back: marry that bitch and force her to relinquish her title as alpha heir. And you can’t even do that without fucking it up.”

“You make it sound so simple,” I snap.

“It is simple.”

“It’s not,” I nearly yell.

“Why? Because she’s your mate?”

His words slice right through my growing temper. I don’t respond, but my silence might as well be an admission of guilt.

“Don’t bother trying to deny it,” he warns. “You think I can’t sense it? I’m your fucking alpha. Don’t forget that.”

It takes everything in me not to contradict him on the last part. He might be an alpha, but he’s not mine anymore.

“Why haven’t you bitten her, anyway? That’s the part I can’t figure out. I mean, I wouldn’t want the enemy’s spawn for a mate but you seem into her.”

“She doesn’t know,” I say, my wolf straining to react to his insult.

“Yeah, she made that clear earlier.”

My eyes narrow at the way he says the words. Like they’ve shared secrets or something. “You know a bite isn’t guaranteed,” I say. “I refuse to risk her life that way.”

“Her chances are a hell of a lot higher if her mate’s the one that turns her.”

“I’m not talking about this with you,” I say, and he laughs harshly, sending a ripple of unease down my spine.

“Fine, but just know that if you don’t do what has to be done, I will.”

“Stay away from her,” I snarl, but he merely grins. “No matter what you think of her, we have a code about mates. You can’t hurt her.”

His laughter dies, and his eyes glitter with hatred. “You broke the code when you tried to have me killed. There are no more rules between us except the life debt you owe me. You’ll get nothing from me when this is over. Not even your birthright.”

I stare at him, stunned, though I’m not sure why. Even though he’s never said the words aloud, I’d assumed it. “You’re not going to name me your heir.”

“You tried to have me killed,” he snaps. “In what world would I possibly name you my heir?”

I don’t answer.

My thoughts are a mess. It shouldn’t matter considering what I plan to do to him in the morning. But I guess knowing my father is such an asshole will never stop sucking.

“That title doesn’t mean shit as long as Franco’s alive,” I point out. “He’ll just turn around and name Dom or someone else the heir and then this is all for nothing.”

“He won’t.” The certainty in my father’s voice sets me on edge. “Once her wolf is triggered, I’ll be unstoppable,” he goes on. “You leave Franco to me.” More than certainty, there’s a smugness to his words that disturbs me.

I don’t say anything.

What does Lexi’s wolf being triggered have to do with his strength?

“And take care of this bullshit with Albero. I have bigger problems to deal with than a salty second.”

“I’ll handle Dom,” I manage.

He looms over me, curling his lip as if I disgust him. “You fucking better.”

My heart thuds wildly as I realize we’re actually alone. No security. No protection. I could challenge him. Shift right here and rip his throat out before anyone could come through that door.

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