Page 19 of Forced Wolf Bride

"And what is that?" I sigh, already knowing it will be stupid.

"You've got the girl. Word is they've been looking for her everywhere. She may not be pack, but she's clearly important to them." I feel my wolf begin to pace as Marcus speaks. "Let's send a video, get her to act scared for you—I'm sure you can make her do anything, Diego. Get them to bring a ransom for her."

"Maybe something where she's on her knees..." One of the wolves next to Marcus begins to laugh, and my feet move before my brain can catch up. I backhand him, sending him flying into the wall with a sickening thud.

"Woah, Diego," Marcus starts but freezes the moment my glare turns on him.

"No one—and I mean no one—will talk about my mate that way.Ever."

The crowd falls silent.

"There will be no videos,” I add.

"Now, Diego,” one of the elders says calmly. Although I don’t have to take his advice, I will show him respect. “The boys here are wrong to be so... belligerent about it, but they have a point. The girl is clearly important and could be used to draw the men into the open. Perhaps she'd even help you if she's your mate."

But I know Quinn would never turn on her friend's pack. I turn my back on the gathered crowd and run my hand through my hair.

"What's more important? Vengeance for Tyler, or some hot woman's feelings?" Marcus taunts me.

I snap, launching myself at him. Marcus and I punch and slice until he surrenders. He lies on the floor with his bloody arm covering his face for protection, his eyes down. He’s a strong wolf, but no match for an alpha. The sooner he realizes that, the safer he might be.

“Enough of this,” I growl. “I have listened to my pack. We will draw all three out and kill them, but it will not involve my mate. The matter is settled."

I turn, and the crowd parts as I storm out. Zack follows me to the door. "What do you want me to do with Marcus?"

I sigh. "Get him cleaned up and let him know this is his final warning. Have him and his boys clean up the tournament field. It's about time they thought more about community than fighting or their dicks."

Zack smirks at that and gives me a mock salute as he turns to go back in. Before the door shuts, I call out to him. "You think I'm doing the right thing, taking out all three?"

Zack shuts the door so it's just us standing outside. "He was your boy, and they killed him. They knew the consequences of doing that. The way things are going down shouldn't be a surprise to anyone."

I nod, a mixture of anger and adrenaline still rushing through my veins. My mind turns to Quinn, waiting back at the cabin, and suddenly, I want nothing more than to be with her. Possibly even more than I want vengeance for my son.

Chapter 10 - Quinn

Looking out from my comfy seat in the huge bay window in Diego's den, I can't believe how the seasons are beginning to change already. The vivid greens of the trees that surround Diego's mountain home are beginning to intermix with bright yellows, reds, and oranges. It's like a fall painting come to life. The leaves dance in the gentle breeze, rustling together as if performing just for me. I can feel the chill in the air now, and I'm finding that I need warmer clothes as each day goes by.

I've been here for weeks now, and I'm more confused than when I arrived. I can barely admit to myself how much I'm falling for Diego. He's nothing like I imagined when I heard what his pack was doing to Mateo's or how they'd kidnapped Gina. I'd assumed he was just like his son, an abusive and dangerous man.

Although loyal to a fault, Saffy has told me tidbits about Tyler. It appears she and most other women were scared of him. His behavior bordered on psychotic. He abused his position as the alpha's son and thought he was entitled to do whatever he wanted.

I think she's a bit scared of Diego, too, but not in the same way. She’s simply timid around her alpha, but clearly admires him. She told me that Diego tried everything to make Tyler a better man, a better wolf. Diego wanted Tyler to lead the community and be involved with the business of running the pack, but Tyler just wanted to “have fun.” I shiver to think what his idea of fun must have been.

It confirms my suspicions about Diego, though. He clearly loved his son despite his faults and thought he could change someday. The situation with Silverstar means that Diego will never get the chance to rehabilitate his son. If that was ever even possible.

I can't condone the attacks on Gina's pack, but I understand Diego's rage. It comes from a place of deep sadness and grief.

I also suspect that Marcus and his boys conducted many of the more destructive acts of their own accord, using Diego's grief as an excuse for violence. Diego seems more concerned about killing Mason, Mateo and Lucca than destroying fountains or setting a few cars on fire.

The fact that I'm starting to feel more concerned about Diego's well-being than anything else scares me slightly. I dread the thought of him attacking Silverstar pack... and losing.

I don't wantanyoneto get hurt.

My thoughts turn back to Gina. Have they realized I've been taken, or do they think I'm dead, vanished? She must be so upset. She's already been through so much and had just gotten her happy ever after with Lucca. Now this.

I need to ask Diego again to let me contact her. I'm almost scared to, though, because everything is so damn near perfect between us. Diego is dominating, self-assured, and pure alpha, but he’s also sexy, intelligent, and surprisingly funny. I never expected him to have such a playful side, and while it took a while to come out, now his whole demeanor is brighter. His laughter comes more easily. At first, I thought it was the bond making me feel things for him, but now I know: it's him.

If I can talk to Gina, perhaps we can find a way to bridge the hostilities between the packs so no one gets hurt again. I have to try.

---