“I’m so sorry.” The boy’s mouth hangs open. “I’m Beth’s brother,” he says as if I didn't already know that. “Darrion.” He bows and I frown, not sure how to respond to that. “May I speak to my sister?”
I narrow my eyes at the kid, not fully trusting him. I get that he’s still a child, but I don’t trust any of Beth’s family. They’re all clearly fucked.
“Don’t fucking move,” I snarl, then slam the door in his face.
I breeze back into the kitchen to see Jeremy setting the table. Basil carries Beth to her chair, and I take the chance to grab Killian for a second.
“Her brother is at the door,” I tell the pack alpha.
Killian pulls in a deep breath, then pushes it out forcefully. “Fuck.”
“What’s wrong?” Jeremy stares at us, his pale blue eyes wide with fear.
“It’s nothing,” Killian quickly says. “Beth. Your brother is here. Do you want to talk to him?”
“Yes!” She starts to stand, but Basil places his hand on her shoulder, pushing her back into her seat.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he says firmly.
“I’ll go get him,” Killian hands me a handful of silverware before walking off. I’m sure he’s going to warn the kid before letting him into our home. But I plan on sitting right next to Beth, letting the fucker know that I have her back should he try anything.
“Darrion!” Beth gasps when she sees the kid. I settle into the chair next to her and cross my arms. Waiting. “Ouch.” Beth’s gaze shoots straight to Darrion’s black eye, and her shoulders fall. “Did you walk into the pantry door again?” She motions to his eye.
“Yeah.” He snorts like it’s a joke. “That damn door is vicious.”
I don’t get it.
But Basil and Killian seem to understand. They both share a quick look, frowning.
“Um,” Darrion’s gaze drifts from his sister to me and back again. “Have you seen Dad?” His tone is tight, obviously alreadyexpecting the worst. “He said he was coming here.” The kid looks ashamed, struggling to look anyone in the eye.
“He’s gone,” Beth says as she reaches for her brother’s hand. “I’m sorry, alpha.” She calls him by his dynamic. Most people don’t start doing that until an alpha is grown and settled, but I guess it makes sense. Darrion will have to step up now that his pack alpha is dead.
“Do you have his body?” Darrion asks Killian, but the pack alpha looks at me.
“He’s gone,” I say flatly.
That’s a lie. I do have the fucker’s body. I dumped it out behind the shed until I can dispose of it later, but I don’t want to give it up. I don’t want this kid carrying that asshole’s carcass all the way, and giving him a proper burial. Burke doesn't deserve it.
“That’s okay.” Darrion gives Beth a sad smile. “I knew he probably wasn't going to return when he said he was coming here last night. It didn’t matter what I said, he was so confident he could take on your whole pack by himself.”
My fists curl, enraged that the boy knew what his father was going to do, but didn’t stop him. But no one else seems pissed.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Basil says with a little bow of his head. “Would you like to join us for breakfast?”
I snap my head around, glaring at the alpha.
“No, thank you,” Darrion says and I nod, happy with his decision. “I need to get home. Tony and Scott are holding things down.”
“Um,” Beth’s grip on his hand tightens, “Maybe you can bring mom to visit?” Her voice lifts, hopeful.
But the young alpha is already shaking his head. “That's not a good idea, Bethie,” he says gently. “It’s too dangerous for your kind to travel through these woods. Mom has to stay home.”
“Can you drive?” Killian asks.
But Darrion instantly frowns. “We have no car. Traveling by foot is the only way.”
Killian nods as if understanding.
