Chapter 20

KAEL.

Her words sparked my anger. Did she really request that I go search for Ruby? A mate that killed my father and broke his trust? A mate I had shown mercy to and had banished rather than ordered to be executed? A mate I had already rejected?

Which one of them?

My head tilted to the right, my mouth popping open, but no words came out. She tapped a finger on my hand, but I immediately retracted it.

“Did you really ask this of me?” I said in disbelief, after finally finding my voice.

Caroline sighed. “You and I know that you didn't let her defend herself. You were just told she killed your late father and you concluded with investigating the matter.”

I felt my anger rising, but I reined it in. She wasn't trying to provoke me—I reminded myself like a mantra—she was just trying to sow peace wherever she went. But I didn't want her peace when it concerned Ruby. She killed my father, the previous alpha of this pack, and there was no need to dig up what was already buried in crystal-clear