There was not a single cry from the crowd, either of horror or surprise, to indicate that they disagreed with the way that freed wolf was tearing his lycan apart; and by the time the Keqzhara’s circle of protection vanished, Milo, Alissa, Hikaru, and Raksha were already restraining him, for it was evident that he was severely unhinged.

Rhiannon gestured Alanna to leave them alone; after all, Aidan couldn’t hurt her without hurting himself.

The field gradually cleared until only Aidan, his Beta, Rhiannon, and the stony figure of Maddox, ten yards away, remained; no word or gesture form Alanna had made him leave the place.

Rhainnon released Brennan’s bonds, and Brennan untied Aidan’s.

“You could have fought for him,” Rhainnon murmured. “He was a murderer, but he was your father.”

“I know I could have fought, but I wouldn’t sacrifice Akela to a deranged wolf,” Aidan growled, staring at the ground as he wiped tears from his face. “I swore to protect him before anyone else, and my word is