Steven’s POV
“No, no, I killed the Demon Wolf when I ripped Alpha Calix’s heart out,” I said firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument.
“But the clues…” Liam hesitated.
“Only point out that whoever did this used the Demon Wolf’s sword.” I paused, my gut churning with certainty. “And I trust my instincts. This has Maya written all over it.”
I rose from my seat abruptly, the need for vengeance surging through me like fire.
“Where are you going?” Liam asked, stepping into my path.
“To give Maya and her pack a befitting reply to this,” I declared, my tone cold and final.
Liam reached for my arm, his grip firm. “If they’re truly behind this, they’ll be expecting you. It could be a trap, Steven. You walking into this alone isn’t just dangerous-it’s reckless.”
“Do you think so little of me, Liam? Do you think I’m that powerless?” I asked, a low growl escaping my throat.
“No, of course not. I’ve seen your strength, your power. I know what you’re capable of. But let me come with you, as backup.”
I shook him off, narrowing my eyes. “No, Liam. I’m going alone.”
“Steven-”
“I said no!” I roared, my Alpha authority leaking into my tone. “This is where I need you. Protect our family, protect our pack. Until I return, that is your duty. I will come back, Liam. After I’ve made them pay.”
Before he could argue further, I turned and left, the sound of the door slamming echoing through the pack house.
******
Liam’s POV
“I don’t understand why you’re so worried about him,” Ashley said, leaning against the armrest of the couch. “If anything, I’d be more concerned about Maya and her pack. They’re the ones who should fear Steven.”
I turned to her, my brow furrowed. “You’ve seen how powerful Steven is?”
“And ruthless,” Ashley added with a smirk. “He’s made that abundantly clear on several occasions.”
“She’s not wrong,” Freya chimed in, her voice trembling slightly. “But I can’t help it, Liam. He’s been gone for hours, and I’m worried. What if something went wrong?”
“I’ll go after him,” Roy said, standing up with determination.
“And I’ll join you,” Williams added, matching his resolve.
Before we could move, the door creaked open. We all turned, our hearts pounding in anticipation.
“It’s you,” Freya said, her voice laced with disappointment as Bella stepped inside.
“Yeah, it’s me,” Bella replied casually, glancing around. “Why is everyone so tense?”
Freya stepped forward, explaining, “Some of our pack members were killed. Steven believes it was the Moon Clan’s doing, and he’s gone to seek revenge.”
Bella scoffed. “Good. Those arrogant wolves deserve to be taught a lesson.”
“You’re not worried about him?” I asked, my voice barely hiding my anxiety.
Bella rolled her eyes. “Worried? About Steven? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how he wiped out an entire pack on his own. If anything, you should worry about those poor wolves he’s about to slaughter.”
“Exactly what I said,” Ashley muttered, crossing her arms.
“Anyway,” Bella continued, “I’ve had a long day. Excuse me.” She climbed the stairs, leaving us in silence.
We waited another hour. The room grew quieter as exhaustion took hold of everyone.
“You should all go to bed,” I finally said. “If he’s not back by morning, we’ll search for him.”
Freya shook her head, her eyes heavy with worry. “And leave you here alone?”
“I’ll stay awake,” I assured her. “You need rest, Freya. Especially you, Ashley.”
Ashley groaned from her spot on the couch. “I’m fine here. Just let me sleep.”
“No, you’re going to your room,” Freya said, dragging her up despite Ashley’s protests.
After they left, I turned to Roy and Williams. “You two should rest as well. I’ll keep watch.”
Reluctantly, they agreed, leaving me alone in the dimly lit room. I tapped my foot against the floor, the ticking clock mocking my impatience.
Where are you, Steven?
******
Hours later, the door creaked open again. I leapt to my feet, my heart racing.
Steven stood in the doorway, his body drenched in blood.
“Steven!” I exclaimed, rushing toward him. “For the love of the goddess, how many did you kill to end up like this?”
“As many as I crossed paths with,” he replied nonchalantly, stepping inside.
I stared at him in disbelief. “Was Maya among them?”
He shook his head, his expression darkening. “Unfortunately, no. She wasn’t there. Only a handful of their underwolves.”
“By handful, how many are we talking about?”
“Ten,” he said absently.
“Twenty!” I exclaimed. “You call twenty wolves a handful?”
“They deserved it,” he said coldly. “They messed with my pack, Liam. And no one messes with my pack.” He turned to leave, heading up the stairs. “Consider this a warning to Maya and her clan.”
I sank back into the couch, my hands trembling. Everyone had been right. I should have worried about his victims, not him.
*****
Steven’s POV
The room was dark as I entered. My body ached from the fight, and the blood clinging to me felt suffocating.
I opened the wardrobe to grab a towel when I heard movement from the bed.
“Is someone there?” Ashley’s voice broke through the silence, shaky and unsure. “Who’s there? Show yourself!”
Her footsteps grew closer, her fear palpable. “If you think you can harm me, know this-I’m Steven Blackwood’s wife, Luna of this pack. He’ll rip your heart out without hesitation!”
She bumped into me in the dark, her scream piercing the air.
“Ahhh! Who-who are you?!”
I sighed, flicking on the lights.
Her eyes widened as she took in my blood-soaked figure. “Ahhh!” she screamed again, backing away.
I smirked. “You hated the idea of being married to me, but it seems you’re enjoying it now, seeing as you’re so quick to use me as your shield.”
“I wasn’t boasting. I was defending myself!” she snapped, her eyes darting to the blood. “Wait… is that… are you covered in their blood? You must’ve torn them apart for this much to be on you!”
“Keep talking, and I’ll tear you apart next,” I warned, my voice low.
Her mouth snapped shut, her hands flying to cover it.
“Good.”
I left her standing there, walking into the bathroom. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I let out a deep breath.
This is who I am. The ruthless, merciless Alpha of the Oakwood Pack.