He whined, a low, pained sound. But slowly, his body began to ripple and change, fur receding, limbs elongating.
Krystal and I shifted as well, our human forms strange and vulnerable after the visceral intensity of the fight.
Elle and Bryce emerged from hiding, their eyes wide and frightened. "Is it over?" Elle whispered.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Bryce darted off and returned a momentlater with a coil of rope. Together, we bound Caleb's wrists and ankles, ensuring he couldn't escape or attack again.
Krystal tossed a blanket over his naked form, her lip curling in disgust. "Traitor," she spat.
I opened my mouth to respond, but a sudden commotion at the door made me whirl around.
Nathan burst into the room, still in wolf form, a snarling mass of fangs and fury. Gavin and the others were right behind him, everyone growling and snapping.
I couldn't help it. A slightly hysterical laugh bubbled up in my throat. "You guys missed the party," I managed, gesturing to the destruction around us.
Krystal snorted, wincing as the motion pulled at her injuries. "Yeah, about time you got here."
Chapter 31
Nathan
I shifted backto human form, the lingering adrenaline still thrumming through my veins. Around me, Gavin, Kendrick, Marcus, and Ula did the same, grabbing for clothes.
"Get dressed quick." I yanked on my jeans.
I glanced over at Elle and Bryce, huddled together, eyes wide with shock and fear. My heart clenched. They'd seen too much today already.
"Ula," I called out. She looked up from lacing her boots, grey-streaked braid swinging. "Can you take the kids to my house? Get them settled, and we'll meet you there."
"Of course." She straightened and strode over to Elle and Bryce, speaking to them soothingly.
They'd be safe with her. Ula had a calm, steadying presence that inspired trust. Plus, her tracking skills were unparalleled. If anyone could get them home quickly and discreetly, it was her.
Marcus and Kendrick efficiently checked the ropes on Caleb, expressions grim.
I stalked over to where Caleb was lashed to the chair, his head lolling to the side. Grabbing a fistful of his hair, I wrenched his face up to meet my gaze.
"Talk," I snarled. "Why are you doing this?"
Caleb just glared at me defiantly, his lips pressed together in a thin line. I could feel my wolf rising, pushing me to force him into submission. To rip the truth from his throat if I had to.
Suddenly, Rissa was at my side, her small hand on my arm. "Let me try," she murmured.
I blinked at her in surprise, some of my rage fading. Rissa winked at me, a glint of mischief in her eyes despite the tense situation.
"Watch this," she said conspiratorially.
Leaning down so she was nose to nose with Caleb, Rissa locked eyes with him. Power rolled off her in waves, smacking into me like a physical force. My wolf went wild, howling and scrabbling inside me to be let loose. To claim what was his.
"Talk," Rissa commanded, her voice layered with alpha authority.
I sucked in a harsh breath, fighting the overwhelming urge to shift and take her right there in front of everyone. She was magnificent. A true alpha female. My mate.
Caleb's face went slack, his eyes glazing over slightly. Then the words started pouring out of him like water from a burst dam.
He glared at me. "Your brother killed my father."
I rocked back on my heels, shock reverberating through me. "What are you talking about?" I bit out. "Quinn would never?—"
