“Don.” The sound of Vivian’s whine broke us apart, just as she intended. “You rushed off without me this morning. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m your second now. You should consult with me before you take any actions to find who killed Thomas. If you care enough to do anything about it. Running off with a non-pack member while all of this is going on, and kissing in the hallway?” Vivian stepped between Donovan and me to run a fingertip down his arm. “What’s that say to us? And I’ve heard she’s been cursed. You with a cursed wolf? Seems like you’re making a lot of wrong choices these days.”

That was it. I’d heard enough.

I grabbed Vivian’s arm, turning her toward me, and then slammed my fist into her face. I moved to the side as blood spurted from her nose and she crumpled to the ground.

“Oh, whoops. Did that hurt?” I squatted next to her and grinned as she moaned. “Next time, don’t throw home decor at me and don’t touch my mate. Ever.” I paused to let my words sink in. “I’m Donovan’s mate, and you might have warmed his bed once a long time ago, but that’s the past. I’m here now. I’m his true mate and I outrank you. Never forget that.”

“You bitch. You’re not worth half of what I am.”

What was she even talking about? Power? Financially? Who cared?

I stared her down. “I’d get moving to wherever your medic is hiding. Your nose is healing crooked, but if you want me to break it again, I’m always ready and able.”

She screeched, and the madness thickened in her eyes. Her face contorted with rage. “You bitch.” Spit flew from her mouth as she whispered fiercely at me. “Come at me again, and I’ll make what I did to Ciara seem like a dream.” She whispered the last few words so softly I could barely hear them, but she’d forgotten that Ian and Donovan were right behind me. If I could hear her, so could they.

Good work, Donovan said through our bond.

I grinned. This couldn’t have worked out better if I’d planned it. “Ian? Did you hear that?”

“Aye. I bloody well did.”

I leaned closer to her. “See. Madness always shines through, sooner or later.” I stood up. “I’d call that a confession. Witnessed by the three of us. Enough to call a tribunal? Not yet. But with this, and Ciara’s statements, that’s two pieces of proof. We just need one more.”

Vivian jumped up, leaping at me, but my laugh stopped her.

“Please. Do me a favor and come at me again. Let’s see if we can get that home run right now.”