Desandra sighed. “Brandon. He just turned twenty a month ago. A classic case of second child syndrome: he has an older brother who is better than him at everything and he’s pissed off at his parents, because they mostly ignore him. Jennifer is really good at making him feel special. That’s her secret talent. She picked up on his insecurities and made him feel like he’s her hero. From what I found out, that’s how she got Daniel, too. He must’ve had some inner demons that needed soothing. The woman is very good at it, I’ll give her that.”

“How loyal is Brandon?”

Desandra shrugged. “Jennifer is older, attractive, more sexually experienced, and higher up on the food chain. Brandon is dying to be appreciated and praised for the special treasure that he is. Plus, I’m pretty sure she’s playing that whole forbidden-sex card. ‘I want you but we can’t. It would be so wrong.’ I know they haven’t slept together yet, but she must’ve dropped hints, because she’s got a leash around his dick and when she tugs, he comes running. He would throw himself off a cliff for her. That put-down I did on the bridge wasn’t for his benefit. It was for the others, in case they get any wrong ideas, because let me tell you, Kate, if Jennifer tells him to stab you in the back, Brandon will do it.”

Nice to know. Yet another wolf to beware of.

“Derek?” Desandra looked at him.

“Yes?” he said.

“Let’s say I do make a bid for the alpha spot. What will it take to earn your support?”

He shrugged. “I’m just another wolf.”

“We both know that’s bullshit,” Desandra said. “You’re a member of Curran’s inner circle. You’re practically family. You have a lot of pull in the clan. What will it take? Would you like the beta spot?”

Derek smiled. “No.”

“Aiming higher?” Desandra raised her eyebrows.

“No. I watch them.” Derek nodded at me. “I can see how happy the alpha spot makes them.”

“The sarcasm, it burns,” I said.

“Why do you want it?” Derek asked.

“I can make things better,” Desandra said. “I can make the clan run smoother. I can make the people feel safer and happier. And one of my children is a monster.”

If the younger of Desandra’s twins ever tasted human flesh, he would become lamassu like his father. He’d grow wings and huge teeth. We weren’t exactly sure what else he was capable of.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Ascanio asked.

Desandra smiled at him. “Jennifer will never let him grow up in the Pack. She all but said so.”

Jennifer, you dumbass.