Maya sighed and held Elder James’s hand tighter, her grip warm but firm. “Make sure you reach me when you get home. I might even attend your Alpha’s proper funeral.” Her lips curved into a wicked little smirk.
The words were sharp, cruel even, but she didn’t care. The whole world had already heard the news Alpha Rio’s death had spread like wildfire, echoing across every pack’s territory. Even the wolves who hated him whispered about it with a strange kind of awe.
Elder James chuckled under his breath, though sorrow still lined his old eyes. “You haven’t changed, Maya. You still spit fire with every breath.”
Maya helped him into the sleek black car, her arms surprisingly gentle for someone who had just flung venom so easily. She hugged him, inhaling the faint earthy scent of age and wisd
