Page 108 of What a Wolf Demands

Guyon’s face was dispassionate as he watched the scene. “She’s right,” he said, almost to himself. “You’re no leader. The loup-garou deserve better.”

Remy let out a humorless laugh. “What, like you?”

Guyon looked up, his face grim. “I don’t want it. I never have. The loup-garou have a nasty habit of deposing their Alphas.” He shook his head. “I wouldn’t take it if the families offered it to me on a silver platter.”

No, Dom thought, someone like Guyon preferred working behind the scenes, where he could exercise power without risking his neck. He’d probably thought he found a convenient puppet in Thibeaux—a useful idiot he could manipulate and control. The problem, though, was Thibeaux wasn’t just stupid. He was also cruel. And like many people who lived in homogeneous, isolated communities, he had an inflated sense of his own genetic superiority. His single-minded pursuit of Lily was proof of that.

But like all bigots, he was also deeply insecure. In his heart of hearts, he knew he was weak and small. It was the reason he lashed out at anyone he perceived as different or other.

Thibeaux’s eyelids fluttered. His mouth went slack.

“Dumb bastard’s passed out,” Remy muttered.

“Good riddance,” Sophie said, her eyes hard. She had zero tolerance for bullies. One day, she was going to be an amazing mother.

The thought made the whirlwind events of the past hour come rushing back.

Lily was pregnant—and currently in wolf form crouched over an unconscious man.

Dom looked at Guyon. “Collect your trash and go. When you’ve chosen a new Alpha, we expect a full apology for the Louisiana Territory’s serious breach of protocol in this matter.”

Guyon was no fool. He knew he was lucky to leave with nothing worse than bruised pride. He lowered his gaze. “You’ll have it, Beta, just as soon as I can arrange it.” He signaled the loup-garou. “Move quickly, boys. And someone get some cleaner and paper towels to get his piss off the floor.”

Lily gave Luc a final growl, then detached her claws and stepped off him. The loup-garou sprang forward, grabbing him by the arms and dragging him away.

Dom walked around Lily so he could look into her eyes.

She sensed him and lifted her head. Cold blue eyes met his.

And softened.

Ah yes, his love was still in there. And she’d fought her own battle, defeating the enemy who had hounded her for far too long.

Sophie wasn’t the only one who was going to be an amazing mother.

He smiled, picturing the future. He hoped the baby was a girl—a redhead with sparkling green eyes.

He was going to teach her how to swing a killer right hook.

Lily tilted her head, her blue gaze questioning.

He felt his smile grow. “You ready to change back?” he asked his mate. “I need to steal a kiss.”

Epilogue

“I’m huge,” Lily whispered, looking down at her belly. She lay on her back, her neck and shoulders propped on several pillows. The mound of her stomach rose before her, its bulk obscuring her legs and feet.

Dom walked in the room, a plate of food in his hand. He froze. “What’s wrong? Is it time?”

She sighed. “No. Unfortunately.”

His shoulders relaxed, and he walked the rest of the way to the bed. He set down the plate, then climbed in beside her, his hand going automatically to her belly. A smile spread over his face. “You’ve never been more beautiful,” he murmured.

She rolled her head to the side so she could meet his eyes. “You’re joking.”

“Not a chance.” He reached up and brushed light fingertips over her cheek. “You’re gorgeous, and I’m a lucky bastard.”

“Well, one of those things is true.”

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