Page 78 of Deadly Wolf Bite

We could be done with this fucked-up game once and for all.

But then the generals would tear me apart and the only one left standing when the dust settled would be Franco.

I can’t let that happen.

Instead, I say, “Dom always thought Franco planned to name him alpha someday, and Lexi being part of Franco’s bloodline threatened that future for him. He lured us here tonight so he could kill her. I did what I had to do to protect her.”

Vincenzo glances at Lexi’s arm, which she’s cradling to her chest. He frowns. “What’s wrong with your arm?”

She clears her throat. “I think it might be broken.”

I ignore the twinge her words bring me. Her pain still affects me even now. That fact only pisses me off more.

“Albero did that?” my father asks.

“Yes,” she says.

Vincenzo looks at Rocco. “Do a sweep of the entire building. Make sure this asshole didn’t bring any friends.”

“Got it, boss,” Rocco says and slips out.

“Alvaro, check the security cameras. Verify their story.”

After a quick nod, Alvaro leaves too.

Only Charlie remains. I don’t look at him. I can’t. Not after our conversation earlier. He’ll either condemn my actions or condone them. Either way, our moment at the church doesn’t make us allies—not for this.

“There’ll be a massive shitstorm,” Charlie tells my father.

“Should be considered an eye for an eye,” he grumbles.

I stare at him, a little surprised, though I probably shouldn’t be. He’s right. Franco killed Anthony. We killed Dom. They were both generals. It should make us even. But it doesn’t. We all know it doesn’t.

The rule here is that Franco punishes, and we take it.

Now, I’ve broken that rule.

The consequence for that is death.

Even through the haze of Lexi’s betrayal, I realize this is really fucking bad for me.

“Franco’s not going to let this go,” Charlie says when the silence stretches.

My father’s expression is pinched. He’s thinking. Spinning scenarios. I usually don’t bother interrupting his ruminations, but tonight, several of those scenarios undoubtedly involve my death.

“What if he doesn’t know?” I ask.

My father’s head snaps up. He glares at me, but when he doesn’t tell me I’m out of line, I press on.

“Franco has no idea Dom came here tonight,” I say. “Dom kept it a secret, which means Franco won’t be able to track him here. The only people who know Dom is dead or that I’m the one who killed him are in this building. We could keep it that way.”

My father studies me. “Did you plan this?” he asks, and I’m too startled by the question to answer right away. “The party. Getting us all together, distracted, drunk.”

My gut churns. He’s so close to the truth, but I can’t let it show on my face. “The party was for Anthony. He deserved to be honored.”

“You didn’t give a shit about Anthony so stop pretending you did. The only reason you’re even here is to do your job with the asset.”

Lexi flinches.

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