Page 77 of The Night Wolf
“Just believe, Frank. You saw the evidence with your own eyes. Mother Moon is real, and she wants us to stop fighting among ourselves and find peace. I’m not sure what this ‘Alpha Supreme’ is, but I’m sure Sean will know.”
It was hard to believe that his mate had been the vessel for Mother Moon. His gaze shifted to his shoulder, where the wolf now resided. It made sense: Sean bore the mark of the moon, and Gareth the wolf. The two could not exist without each other, and Gareth took comfort in that.
“Take the babies, Frank. I’ll carry Sean. I want to get them home, away from this fetid place, and let them be among people who love them. If no one from this cursed pack wants to remain, I’m going to tell Lyram to burn the buildings to the ground. I want the reminder of what Ryker was to be left on the rubble of his depraved dreams.”
“Of course, Alpha.” Frank took the babies and smiled down on them. “They’re beautiful, you know.”
There was no way Gareth could disagree.
Frank led the way, as Gareth picked Sean up and held him close. He got them out to the SUV and all settled in.
“Can you stay with them a few minutes? I need to finish this once and for all.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Gareth stalked through the streets. The people who remained eyed him warily, with the exception of Margaret, who rushed to him and threw herself into his arms. He held her for a moment, then kissed her on the forehead and placed her down.
“Where are your parents, little one?”
She scowled. “I don’t know. Alpha said he sent them away, but my mommy would never have left without me.”
It was likely Ryker did something to Margaret’s family, but now wasn’t the time to get into that. Maybe one of the doctors Frank had called in would be better able to broach the subject.
“I’ve got a very nice lady at home. Her name is Dani, and I know for a fact she loves to bake cookies. Would you like to come back with us? She’ll take care of you.”
A watery smile. “Yes, please. I knew you’d win. He was so mean, and he hurt us all the time. No one wants to stay here.”
Gareth pointed to the SUV. “See that man? You go tell him that I said you were going home with us. Okay?”
“Yes, Alpha!” She squealed as she ran to where Frank stood. He knelt down and put a hand on her shoulder, then glanced at Gareth. There was such sadness in his eyes. Maybe if Frank were willing, he and Marcella would consider taking Margaret in. He would talk to Lyram about it.
He found Lyram loading a bus with people from the pack. It sickened Gareth to see they had almost no personal belongings. Though he didn’t want to celebrate Ryker’s death, he would not mourn him either.
“Would you believe no one wants to stay here?” Lyram tapped the screen of his pad. “They’re falling over themselves to get on the bus. I’ve contacted Dani and let her know that we are on our way home. She’s gotten some of the people from the pack to help her make a buffet so that everyone can get something to eat in them.”
“What about the people who abused the kids?”
Lyram sighed. “When I asked, they were turned in by the pack. I had two of my men escort them back to Lydon, where they’ll stand trial for crimes against our people.”
Gareth frowned. He didn’t envy Lyram, who wasn’t even aware yet what was coming. “Did you have to kill anyone?”
“Only two.” Lyram puffed up his chest. “They tried to grab kids and keep them from getting on the bus. I ordered them to stand down, but they wouldn’t listen. I dragged them off into the woods so no one would see what happened to them. I threw them in a pit with Ryker’s body.”
“Good. I want this whole place torched. I don’t want a damn building left standing. Have Deke present a plan on how to best use this area once it’s ready to be built on again.” He put a hand on Lyram’s shoulder. “I couldn’t do this without you, I hope you realize.”
His pink cheeks gave Gareth a reason to smile. “Thank you, Alpha. Or is it Alpha Supreme now? I don’t really understand what’s up with that.”
“Me either. I’m guessing Sean will know. At least once he wakes up.”
“He did good today. I had no idea Mother Moon was real, but now that I do, I’m going to go home and dedicate something to her.”
“I’m sure she’ll like that.” Gareth turned toward the SUV. “I’m going to get my mate home. I’ll see you there.”
Lyram gave a sharp nod, then went to carry out Gareth’s orders. By this time tomorrow, it would all be gone and, hopefully, the healing could finally begin.
Chapter Twenty-Two
SEAN OPENEDhis eyes to greet the new day. He rolled, thinking he’d find Gareth beside him, but the bed was cold. He got up and left the bedroom.
