Page 136 of Unforgivable

Rhet

I take the hit meant for Alpha Macon. With one terrible realization, Ted is suddenly the most dangerous wolf at the table. I understand his feelings. What this pack has done to his oldest pup is beyond horrifying. His eyes bleed black, pupils blown out from the brutal surge of his wolf. Protection is all he can focus on. It is the male's role in our world. Females must nurture their pups from the moment they are born. Males must protect. When our females are vulnerable from bringing new life to the pack, her male protects them both.

Ted has failed. It's not his fault. He loves all his pups. He's a good male. He believes in the authority the goddess grants to alphas to be the ultimate protectors. That was destroyed when Jax-ass ordered his daughter's Shaming. It's been wholly obliterated now. Two generations of pack alphas have failed Ted's family.

Why shouldn't he try to kill the third alpha from that bloodline?

"Rhet!" Lyri screams in panic as claws slice into my shoulder. She doesn't have to worry. I'm faster, stronger, and more agile than her dad. I can take some pain for my female.

Carmichael is already pulling Ted away before the claws can even find purchase in my flesh. "Don't hurt him," I tell my cousin.

I get an eye-roll in response. Later, I'm going to get some answers about this 'little mate' Alpha Macon mentioned. My cousin has been holding out on me.

Ted struggles against Carmichael's hold until it becomes apparent that he'll never wiggle free. He slumps over, his body showing submission, but his eyes still gleam with hatred for the former alpha.

"I'm very sorry, Ted. I had no idea. I should have, but... he's my grandson. I wanted to believe that Cloe was his truemate, even when the signs are there that she's not a capable she-wolf."

"She was never anything but an imposter," Ezra snaps. "Even as a pup, she was an annoying whiner."

A small smile crosses Luna Elizabeth's face. It's no secret that she didn't approve fully of Luna Jessi. Luna Elizabeth was known to remark that maybe in the south and east, they can have gentle lunas, but lunas are as tough as the alphas themselves up here. Sometimes, more so.

"There is no other male of my line that can be alpha."

Lyri lurches toward me, forgetting that Thjis has his arms locked around her waist, tight. "Ow! Let me go, Bear! Rhet is not going to Challenge that jerk! No way is that happening!"

I'm warmed by her concern and offended by her lack of trust in my ability. Even if I think she's right. I most likely wouldn't win in a former Challenge against Daan.

"You have recovered quite nicely, young Lyri," Luna Elizabeth, quietly watchful up until now, chimes in. "Mama Gloria had quite a few compliments for you."

"Thank you," Lyri says warily. Her hazel eyes look dark, almost as dark as Thjis'. The scar on her face is disappearing in the paleness of her skin. It's clear she doesn't feel well. She needs to be resting right now, not here fighting with the former alpha couple.

"No one wants a war," Alpha Macon says.

Both Carm and I snort derisively at the same time.

"Patience, younglings!" Alpha Macon booms. We both startle. Claws and fangs flash defensively before I realize that Alpha Macon is just being loud, not aggressive.

His eyes narrow on us. "I know what this means, more than any of you do. I've lived to see packs fall because of mates." He shakes his head sadly, "Daan has been spoiled into true rottenness, and I have many regrets. But... War." He meets our eyes, one by one, even a silently fuming Ted. "War means death and destruction. Not just of your enemy, males, but of your loved ones, too. Nothing will be untouched. Blood will spill, innocent lives will be lost."

He stares at Lyri, "I am assuming that young Alphason Reyes here is not here to Challenge my grandson?"

"I have my own pack, old male," Carmichael sneers.

Alpha Macon nodded, "then," he licks his lips, "then, we must discuss the reason we came here today. An alternative solution may be possible."

Ted suddenly goes alert. His lip curls up, not quite flashing fang, but close. "What did you want with Inuit?" he snarls.

All of us bristle with deadly intent. That's our little brother, not even shifted yet. Inuit stiffens, his hands curling into fists on the tabletop.

"I have reason to believe that young Inuit is actually Tarkik Ataneq, the alphason of the Adlartok wolves in the Arctic."

Inuit is stock-still. His face is ashen, grief shining in his eyes. Lyri moves to him, grabbing him and bringing his face into her hair. His shoulders start to shake, soft whines barely able to be heard over the soothing rumble of Lyri's she-wolf. He is clutching my angel tightly enough that I spare a moment to worry about her injuries. I know she won't let Inuit go, though. None of us will ever allow this pup to suffer a loss like he already has.

"This is a heavy burden," Alpha Macon continues. "However, the truth is, Daan has proven himself unfit for an alpha. Inuit... or Tarkik, offers us a new chance."

Slowly, Inuit lifts red-rimmed eyes from Lyri. "I am Inuit," he says raspily. "Tarkik died on the snows with the rest of his pack."

"Then you will remain Inuit, but a name does not make your wolf anything less than an alpha from one of the oldest and strongest bloodlines, young wolf."

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