Page 95 of Knotting Autumn

Regaining his breath, Sawyer threw a punch, striking Hunter on the cheek. But the bigger man pinned him down,getting one arm under his knee and twisting the other to his stomach.

Cole stared down at them, his face still frighteningly blank.

Shoving my chair back, I clung to the corner of the table, unsure of how I could help. Thorne moved beside me, his hand on my waist, holding me back.

“How dare you try to come between us, you disgusting stray. You never should have come here,” Hunter growled, his free hand closing over Sawyer’s throat. “You never should have existed.”

“Let him go, Hunter,” Thorne warned.

“I’m doing us both a favor. Neither of us want to share our mates,” Hunter replied, his focus entirely on Sawyer. He flashed his teeth in a frightening approximation of a smile.

Digging my nails into Thorne’s forearm, I begged, “Please do something.”

Sawyer’s face paled, his movements slowing.

“Brother,” Thorne tried one more time.

Grunting, Hunter shoved Sawyer harder into the ground. With a frustrated snarl, Thorne closed the distance between them, wrapping his hand around his brother’s throat and yanking him off Sawyer.

Hunter screamed in rage, and Thorne shoved his back against the wall. Baring his teeth, he addressed his power-hungry twin. “Hunter, you are formally removed from your role as alpha of our pack. You’ve broken many of our laws, ignored the sanctity of mating bonds, and abused those in your care.”

“Are you challenging me, brother?” Hunter said, his attempt at a smirk falling flat.

“No, I am deposing you. You are not worthy of a challenge, but if you want to fight to prove yourself, I would be happy to beat you.”

Satisfied that Thorne had his brother adequately restrained, I darted forward, dropping to my knees beside Sawyer. Angry red marks marred his throat, and his breathing was ragged.

“Cole,” he gasped.

“You can fuck off,” Hunter managed to say.

Without turning his head, Thorne addressed the room. “If anyone is not supportive of me claiming leadership, speak now.”

The absolute command in his voice had my head dipping in submission. This was the alpha in Thorne, and I knew he was made to lead.

His challenge to leadership was met with absolute silence.

“James, please escort Hunter into our safe room. Mia, please take Cole to medical so they can figure out what Hunter dosed him with and heal that fucking bite.” His lip curled in distaste over that reality. “Autumn, get Sawyer to medical too.”

His word was law, and the entire room moved in unison, those whose names were not listed falling into support roles. James produced zip ties and secured Hunter’s wrists, taking him from Thorne and leading him to the door. The guards, clearly unbothered by the change in authority, followed.

Thorne leaned against the wall he had shoved his brother against, his chest heaving.

“Will everyone fall into line that easily?” I asked, blinking up at him.

His sigh was weary. “Hunter secured loyalty through brute strength, so that is all it takes to remove him. And even those who supported him cannot stand by and watch what he did here. It was unforgivable to our kind.”

His gaze shot to where Mia and Joanne were supporting Cole, who slouched and stumbled toward the door.

“Go with them and watch over him. I have things to clear up here.”

Nodding, I turned away, pausing for a second. Wanting to show how much I appreciated him, I twisted, going up on my tip toes and kissing Thorne on the cheek. “You’re my hero.”

His dark expression cracked, and his mouth curved into the slightest smile for me.

Hurrying after Sawyer, I reached out and steadied him. His hands pressed to his neck, and his breathing still rattled, scaring me. I’d be counting on that werewolf healing to help him after such an ordeal.

Chapter 30