Page 42 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

The words drove the air from my lungs.I'd suspected something was amiss with Briggs and Ruby, but I never imagined she was dead.

It explained why now, after all this time, he forced me to return.I was his backup plan.I didn’t think he could hurt me more than he already had.

How wrong I was!

Rieka’s lips peeled back.A savage snarl ripped from our throat, prompting Scarlett to dance back a step.But the smug smile never left her face.

"Face it, Ivy.You're a stand-in.A pale imitation he'll never really want."

She flicked her hair over her shoulder, superiority dripping from every pore.

A rising tide of bloodlust battered at my control, demanding release.It blurred the edges of my vision, narrowing the world down to Scarlett's taunting face.

I didn't realize I was launching myself at the female until a blur–Kiera, the third female–slammed into my side.The collision sent us tumbling across the mossy bank in a tangle of fur and snapping jaws.

Enraged, I popped up only to be knocked down again by both Scarlett and Ember whose wolves had jumped in the fight.I’d taken some damage, but I hardly felt the wounds.

The sounds of snarls and yelps filled the air as we fought, my inner wolf reveling in the release of pent-up aggression.Three against one wasn't a fair fight, but I wasn't about to back down from these stuck-up bitches.

With a savage twist, I broke free from Kiera's hold and launched myself at Scarlett once again.My claws raked across her muzzle, drawing blood.

Before I could land another blow, Ember lunged at me from behind.Rieka deftly side-stepped the she-wolf and took a swipe of her own.

The impact sent Ember stumbling backward into Kiera, causing them both to collide and fall in a heap.My wolf pounced on the opportunity and lunged at Scarlett once again.

Suddenly, the air shifted, a distinct sense of dominance spreading through the clearing.Onyx, massive and dark as night, leapt into view.

Without hesitation, he launched himself into the fray, his larger form easily tossing Ember aside like a rag doll.Scarlett yelped in surprise, skittering backward and bumping into Kiera.

He snarled at the trio who hastily backed up with tails tucked between their legs.His icy stare met mine briefly before he turned his attention to Scarlett.

Onyx flashed fangs at them, a clear order to shift.They quickly obeyed but I let Rieka hold on to our fur form.

When he turned and did the same to me, I snapped at his muzzle, demanding he move so I could tear into Scarlett's smug face.Maybe scar it up a little.

Briggs shifted into human skin.“Ivy, it’s done.”

I didn’t accept that.My attention swung to Scarlett who stood panting to the side.Bloodied and bruised, she still managed a triumphant smirk.

I’d chew that smile right off her pretty face!

I lowered, ready to spring but Briggs got to me first.Pinned to the ground with his weight pressing me into the damp earth, I was trapped.

Rieka howled in frustration, thrashing against his hold.

Scarlett's mocking laughter rang in my ears."You should put a leash on that psycho, Alpha.Before she hurts herself."

A vicious growl rumbled through Briggs's chest, vibrating against my back."One more word, Scarlett, and it will be your last.Now report to Colten immediately.Explain what happened and tell him I want him to decide your punishment because if I decide it, the three of you will be found floating in this lake.In pieces.”

The female clamped her lips shut.Her friends shared worried looks.

“And,” he continued, “if your story isn’t identical to Ivy’s, that’s exactly what will happen once Colten is done with you.”

Briggs's grip didn’t loosen.His body remained an immovable force above me until long after they’d left.

Slowly, the red fog began to recede, leaving me weak and trembling in its wake.The coppery taste of blood filled my mouth.

Briggs’s weight lifted.His hands remained to inspect my wounds.

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