Read Online Dark Moon Rising (The Revenant Book 2) by Kali Argent - Free Book Online Page B

and though he didn’t speak again, he commanded attention and respect.
    “Alpha,” Rhys said, speaking first with a slight bow of his head.
    Kara, on the other hand, threw herself at the male, clinging to him like a frightened child. “Daddy, she attacked me.”
    “ Daddy ?” Thea scoffed. “You have to be kidding me.”
    The alpha petted Kara’s hair in a tender gesture. “Kara, go back to the party.”
    “But, Daddy!”
    Taking her hand, he held it up, looking between Rhys’ injuries and Kara’s blood-caked fingernails. “As far as I can see, you’re the only one here who has drawn blood. Do I need to remind you that violence isn’t permitted at the Gathering?”
    Her lower lip slid out into a simpering pout, making her look much younger. “No, Daddy.”
    “Go back to the party, Kara. I’ll deal with you later.”
    Hanging her head, Kara retreated back into the main room, but not before casting a last, threatening glare at Thea.
    “I’m sorry for my daughter’s behavior. She’s young yet, and it’s nearly the full moon. I’m sure you can understand.”
    “That’s a bullshit excuse,” Thea challenged. “Being young isn’t her problem. Being a spoiled, narcissistic little bitch is.”
    Settling her back on her feet, Rhys unwound his arms from her and groaned. The alpha, however, laughed.
    “You wouldn’t be alone in your assessment, but you would be the only one to speak it aloud.” Blue like the clear waters of the ocean, his eyes shifted to the side. “Go tend to your injuries, Rhys.”
    “The cuts are shallow,” Rhys argued, angling himself in front of Thea. “They’re already healing.”
    “Be that as it may, I’d like to speak to your mate alone.”
    “She’s not my—”
    “Don’t insult me with lies.” His expression darkened, his mouth twisting into a shrewd grin. “You more than anyone should know I’m always watching.” The cloud lifted, and he appeared genial once more. “She’ll be in good hands, I promise.”
    Thea saw no way out of their predicament. She’d attacked the alpha’s daughter, threatened her, and had Rhys not stopped her, she would have killed her. The alpha knew about their relationship, however new and tentative it may be, which didn’t work in their favor, either.
    “It’s okay.” Touching Rhys’ shoulder, she tried to smile, but gave up the pretense when he frowned. “Really, I’ll be fine. No violence at the Gathering, right?”
    “No harm will come to her,” the alpha confirmed.
    With a curt nod, Rhys leaned in and touched their lips together in a chaste kiss before turning and stomping off the patio.
    “I’m Alpha Bricksten Chase,” the alpha began once they were alone. “Tell me, shifter, what is your name?”
    “I thought you knew everything?”
    His lips twitched at the corners. “True. I was merely trying to be courteous.” Linking his fingers together behind his back, he circled her in slow, measured strides. “I like you, Thea Mendez.”
    “Then let me go.” She knew it would never happen, but she’d be a fool not to try.
    “You know I can’t do that.” Stopping in front of her, he reached out to tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear. “Since the virus, every werewolf is in danger of becoming a Ravager, of losing his or her humanity. The games, the Gallows, provide a distraction, an outlet, if you will.”
    “Of course. It’s all for the greater good, right?”
    He didn’t react to her sarcasm. “It is. Tell me something. Would you rather a few travelers go missing every month? Or would you rather have a large pack of Ravagers roaming the highways?”
    Honestly, neither option appealed to her, and he had to know that. So, she focused on facts instead of hypotheticals. “It was your pack that destroyed the Revenant bunker on the highway, wasn’t it? How many people did you kill in the process? How is that any different than the Ravagers?”
    “Do you know what it’s like to not be able to