The bitch laughed, and this time when she looked at me, there was madness in her eyes.

I’d never forget the first time I saw madness in a Were. I’d just turned thirteen when the Wayfarers were called to Washington State. I’d been allowed to go because it was supposed to be an easy trip. A fight between two pack members had escalated into a rift in the pack, and the Alpha needed help figuring out what was going on. When we got there, Dad had set a meeting with one of the men in question. Somewhere in the middle of the conversation it was like a switch had flipped. The madness had been visible—radiating out of him—and it’d made my skin crawl. He took out four of our wolves before Miles had finally snapped his neck.

Dealing with Vivian was going to be so much worse.

I fought a shudder as I kept staring her in the eyes. I wasn’t going to look away. Not a chance in hell. Power plays with mad wolves were dangerous, but this was our first encounter. I had to be strong now or she’d always have the upper hand.

“Back down. Or we will have a problem.” I tried to keep a calm facade going as we stared down each other.

It took what felt like a good ten minutes—but it was probably only seconds—before Vivian finally glanced down.

“True mate? Really, Don. I thought you were too old for such silly fantasies. We all know they don’t exist.”

“It would be better for you if they didn’t exist, but they do,” I said. “I know of two other true matches, and Donovan and I are a third. If you can’t get over that then you should think about leaving this pack.” Despite what I said, I knew she wouldn’t leave on her own, and even if she did, I couldn’t let her become another pack’s problem.

“She’s my true mate. You’ll respect her as such.” Donovan’s words cracked like a whip.

“You haven’t finished the bond.” Vivian’s glare sent a shiver down my spine “So, I’ll treat her as I do any newbie who has to earn her place in my pack.”

I started to lunge toward her, but Donovan stopped me.

Not right now. One problem at a time, and finding John’s killer has to come first. Let me handle her.

I barely contained a growl. He was right, but this woman was hitting all my nerves. Fine.

“Our business is our own, Vivian.” Donovan grabbed my hand and started walking away, leaving Vivian to her pouting.

Sorry about that. Donovan said through the bond. I wasn’t expecting a kiss. It took me by surprise.

It’s not your fault. Just try not to let that happen again. Because if it did, I wasn’t going to be responsible for my actions. I can’t believe you slept with her.

Believe me. I’ve a good many regrets when it comes to her. I wish I had what I needed to—