Chapter 336

“Stop fucking calling me boy. I’m a twenty-seven-year-old man,” Derek snarled, but I just smiled.

“If you want me to treat you like a man, like a male worthy of the beta title…then act like it.” I turned to Vince. “Are you ready?”

“I am quite busy,” he started, but froze when another savage growl ripped out of me. He raised his hands. “But I will make the time to come down with you right now to remove my command.”

I nodded. “Good. Sorry, I am obviously on edge. She is the last member of my pack, and I failed her.” I looked at the wall and waited for Vince to nod.

No alpha wanted to feel like they failed a member of their pack, and I can understand your anger. You left her in my care, and you came home to this.” Vince scratched the back of his neck like he was feeling bad, but I knew this was just an act. “I apologize for my hand in this mess.”

I nodded. “I appreciate it, as long as it’s rectified today.”

Brandon walked over and grabbed my hand. “I’ll tag along.” He nodded solemnly. “I know what you’re saying, but I want to see Lynn for myself. I want to see the impact this kind of thing can have on a wolf.” I looked into his eyes and nodded.

Then, like we planned it, the three of us turned to Derek. I tilted my head. “Make your choice. I’m over these games.”

Derek looked at Brandon and then Vince before he sagged. “I’ll accept her rejection.”

I nodded. “Good. Let’s go.” I spun on my heels and opened the door, holding it open for the three men. “I assume you know the way to my house.”

Brandon turned with a confused look. “Did you walk here?”

I laughed. “I ran here.” I shut the door behind us as they trailed down the stairs.

“We aren’t walking, are we?” Derek looked disgusted.

“I’ll drive us.” Vince walked to his car and slid in. He wanted this done as soon as possible. Good. So did I.

I slid into the back, and Brandon, who I assumed would sit in the passenger seat, slid in close, grabbing my hand and pulling it to his lap. “Do you mind?” He looked down at our entwined hands and slowly looked back up at my face with a small smile.

I looked out the window, ignoring him completely. “No, I don’t mind.” He squeezed my hand as we drove.

“I meant it, you know.” His words were soft.

“Meant what?” I turned to face him, confused.

“That if you would say yes, I would make you my luna. The letter I wrote you, I meant it.”

“We are friends.” He nodded.

“We are, and we could be more.” He smiled as he leaned closer. I knew he was going to kiss me. I was battling against myself to allow it or not when the car stopped. He pulled back, but I watched everything drain from his face. The smile was replaced by what I can only call revulsion. “You did that?” His words were full of horror. He turned to the front seat; I was forgotten. “I saw Lynn before I left for school. She was strong, vibrant, funny even. She was full of…” He was at a loss for words, but I knew what he was trying to say.

“Life,” I finished for him. “She was full of life.”

He turned his eyes back to me, and I could see the pain there. I couldn’t tell if he was faking it or not, but it was there. “I understand.” I nodded and stepped out of the car.

I walked over to my wolf, where Toya was holding her up. Her hollow eyes were full of malice as she stared at the car. Derek and Vince got out of the car and came over. Lynn started to tremble. I couldn’t tell if it was from fear or anger, but I wrapped my arm around her.

“I’ve got you.” I hugged her close and faced the men. “Do it.” Derek lifted his lip in disgust, but I held my hand up before he could speak. “I want you to think about what you are about to say. I am on a knife’s edge. The only reason you are still alive is because I respect Brandon and Alpha Vince. If I didn’t, I would have ripped your head from your shoulders the minute I saw you.”

He scoffed. “Brandon held you back.”

Brandon sighed. “She allowed me to hold her back.”

Derek looked at his friend. “What?”

“Amy is better trained than most of our warriors. She already told you that. She was trained by her father,” Brandon continued as Vince shook his head. “She could have killed you before either of us could have reacted.”

“You’re lying.”

I smirked. “Do you want to try? Or do you want to do what you came here to do?”

Vince cuffed his head and stepped up. “Lynn, I remove any and all commands I have laid on you since you came to my pack lands.” Lynn sagged as the command left her.

“Derek?” The threat was in my voice as I called for him.

He snarled but stepped forward. “I accept your rejection.” Then he spun on his heel and got back into the car.

“Amy.” Brandon tried to reach for me, but Lynn turned to me.

“Alpha.” Lynn’s ragged sob ripped through the air, and her tears came fast. She sagged into my arms.

“It’s okay now. I have you.”