The Alpha Heir’s Reckoning at Pinecrest Lodge

"Your arrogance truly knows no bounds, yet you're not even worthy of—"

"Enough!"

Selene Frostveil's snarl cut through my words, her eyes dripping with contempt.

"Kael Nightcrest, I never imagined you'd still run your mouth when you're standing at death's door."

"I'm done wasting breath on you. Get on your knees, bow your head to the floor three times, and then crawl out of here! Let's pretend we never crossed paths!"

I paused for a moment, then shook my head with a slight smile.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm still waiting for your mate's formal apology and that hundred acres of borderland territory."

At those words, the wolves gathered around the feast table could no longer hold their tongues.

"Sister Selene, since this bottom-feeding runt refuses to accept your mercy, why bother showing him any kindness at all!"

"Besides, he insulted Alpha Darius in front of everyone here. How can we let him walk away without teaching him a lesson!"

"That's right, Sister Selene! Just give the command! The few of us will pin him down and make him press his forehead to the ground for you!"

These opportunistic wolves weren't about to miss their chance to prove their loyalty. One after another, they urged Selene to use force against me.

Selene pressed her lips together, then slowly nodded her head.

"Anyone who puts their hands on him tonight gets rewarded with a hundred thousand in pack credits!"

Several broad-shouldered males immediately rose from their seats, moving to force me to my knees.

Garrick Pineward saw the danger closing in and instantly positioned himself as a shield in front of me.

I glanced at my phone and raised a single finger.

"Fine. I'll remember each of you. But let me give you a warning—you have exactly one minute left."

Selene froze for a heartbeat, then threw her head back in a wild, vicious laugh.

"What, are you trying to say that in one minute, my mate will show up and instead of backing me, he'll stand behind a worthless stray like you?"

"You really won't shed tears until you see your own grave. What are you all standing around for? Take him down!"

Selene waved her hand dismissively, and the male wolves charged forward.

At that critical moment, the chamber doors were kicked open from outside with tremendous force.

"Everyone stand down!"

The newcomer was none other than Ronan Pineward, the Denmaster of Pinecrest Lodge.