Page 45 of Luna: Posy 2

Explains why wolves are suddenly exploding in green flames, Garnet said dryly.

The fight around me cleared for a moment, and I took the chance to locate the newcomers.

Standing in the thick of things, Angelo della Morte wore military-grade armor and bristled with weapons. Knives on the front of his vest. Pistols at his waist, underarms, and small of his back. A shotgun holster on either hip and tied down above each knee. Probably a lot more that I couldn't see.

You think he's as good as the rumors say?Garnet asked.

We watched as he took out three wolves with three shots and no wasted motion.

I think he's so good, he doesn't feel the need to prove it,I answered.

Ariel and her cousins fanned out behind him and hurled hexes, and it was clear that they'd fought together before - and more than once.

Two wolves I didn't recognize ran protection around the witches, and I figured they were the Maxwell twins. I made a note of their coat colors and patterns so we didn't accidentally go after them, and sent that info to my brothers through the alpha link.

Ash was the only one to acknowledge me as the rest were too busy fighting, and I could tell from his sour tone that he was still ticked he'd lost Rock-Paper-Scissors and was stuck searching the alpha house.

Too bad, so sad,I smirked to myself, and Garnet snorted.Just find Ariel's sister and Gamma Reuben.

I'm trying! This house is a maze of locked and hidden doors,he muttered.

Soon enough, only Halder's wolf, Ruby, was left snapping and snarling at Onyx, and the rest of us circled around the two of them. We all knew the king was struggling to rein in his wolf. Onyx wanted to kill his enemy while King Julian wanted to take him alive.

After Onyx had Ruby backed against a giant tree trunk, the king took charge and shifted. Standing before the red wolf, he clenched his hands into tight fists and ordered him to shift, and Halder had no choice but to do so.

“On your knees, dog!” King Julian snarled with a blast of power, and Halder dropped to the grass like his legs had gone boneless. "Leo Halder, I officially strip you of all titles, positions, and recognition."

The king's unique triad of power rippled over my brothers and me. It would spread to every alpha in the kingdom and let them know Halder had been deposed.

"On a personal note," King Julian hissed, "for every hurt you have given my queen, I will repay you tenfold."

Then he drew back one fist and slammed it into Halder's jaw, knocking him out cold. Looking at us over his shoulder, he started issuing orders.

"Garnet, Topaz, escort this piece of filth to the prison and lock him in a cell. Zayne and Zayden, you're on guard duty. And Granite,pleaselink Ash to bring me some shorts or boxers. I'm getting sunburned in places a guy should never get sunburned in."

Our chuckles came to an abrupt end at the sound of twin pistols cocking.

"No one moves or the wolf king dies.”

#

Cole

Angelo stood in a perfect shooter's stance with a gun in each hand. Both of them were trained on the back of King Julian's head.

Behind Angelo, Ariel and the other two witches spun hexes in their hands while their eyes scoured the yard for further threats.

Boss, I thought they were on our side?Topaz was as confused as I was.

Just be ready for anything, I told him.

Quartz slunk around, trying to flank the guy, but Angelo was too good. He caught the motion in his periphery and one pistol moved to track Quartz's approach.

"All my ammo is silver coated, wolf," he said. "I have no beef with you, but I will end you just the same if you keep moving."

Quartz froze, but growled low in his throat.

"What are you doing, Angelo?" the king asked. "And can't you wait until I get some freaking clothes on? I don't like you staring at my naked ass while you're threatening me."

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