Page 22 of The Flame

Luther looked over at him.

He shrugged, as he looked sheepish. “That’s the best I could do?”

“What does this mean?” Amira asked as she stepped closer to Rissa.

She stood very still as she said, “His demon should have stayed trapped in that burning pile.”

Kimle spoke up, “The demon was welded to the coyote for so long...perhaps he evolved and when you broke my curse, a new being was born.”

The MC men stared at him.

“Well, that’s a good guess, I suppose?” Diesel stated.

His MC brothers now all looked over at him.

“Hey, now.” Diesel raised his hands up. “I’m just as freaked out as you all are, but at least I’m trying to keep up.”

“Yes, but what kind of being?” Swag asked.

“Not the good kind, kid,” Diesel replied.

Chapter Twelve

“So what are you going to do now?” Amira asked.

Everyone looked over at her.

She was staring at her grandfather, Griffen.

He looked more than spooked. “If you are asking, will I join him? The answer is no... and fuck no. He will now try to lead us. No...he will lord this over us. I refuse to be a bucket he kicks around when he has this new power.”

The five other Weres with him all turned their heads to stare at him.

He looked back at them. “My no good lying bastard of a son lied to us. He also got me to lie. I have made excuses for years for him and...” he paused. “...and for myself. It has now led to this.” He raised his head. “I do not wish to live under his rule. Would any of you wish for that?”

The Weres all grumbled and shook their heads.

Griffen nodded. “I find that I don’t want that gold anymore. In fact, I am leaving. I plan to return home and see about repairing the damage and have the pack decide who the new Alpha will be.”

Silence reigned all around.

Griffen looked over at Kinsen, Trent, and Jacks. “If you wish, you can return as well.”

The three Weres all stared at him then looked at each other. They all knew where their place was.

Kinsen looked back over at him. “We have pledged our oath of protection to Amira and we will see this through.”

Griffen gave him a nod, as he didn’t look surprised by this. He now looked over at Amira. “There are no words to say how...” he paused. “...horribly you were treated. And I have no way of even apologizing for that mistreatment by my son. Let alone for my part in it. I only hope that someday, you can forgive me.” He bowed his head then turned to walk away.

The Weres with him did the same.

The six of them then shifted as they ran, they were now wolves, returning to their pack.

Rissa glared at their exit. “We did not destroy the demon,” she stated.

Winsome and Amira stepped up on either side of her.

Winsome gently grasped her arm. “We will be stronger the next time, Mother.”

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