I stalked over, heart pounding with hate. "What now? Come to gloat?"
He pushed off the tree, smirking faintly. "Feisty as ever, Irene. Heard your little outburst. Stirring trouble already?"
"Trouble?" I crossed my arms. "Just truth. Your 'loyalty' rules are bullshit. Forcing praise for a merger no one wanted."
He chuckled softly, voice low and smooth. "The pack's adapting. You should too. It's for the best—stronger together."
"Best for you," I spat. "You killed rivals, framed my father. Ruthless killer hiding behind charm."
His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ruthless? Maybe. But effective. Keeps threats at bay. You could learn from it."
"Learn? From you?" I stepped closer, voice venomous. "I'd rather rot. You're a monster, Devon. All that cool exterior? It's a mask for the black heart underneath."
He tilted his head, charm undimmed. "Monster or not, you're here. Following orders. That's a start."
