CHAPTER 17: THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Rian stirred on the concrete, a low, rough laugh bubbling up in his throat — bitter, wild, and completely unafraid. Kael stepped back, shielding his mother with one arm, his gaze sharp and dangerous.
“Laugh while you can,” Kael said, his voice cold as the basement walls. “You’re going away for life. Treason, kidnapping, working with cartels — every charge sticks.”
Rian pushed himself up slowly, spitting blood onto the floor, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. His eyes glinted with something dark and triumphant.
“You think I’m the one pulling the strings? You think I’m the leader of the Old Pack? Please. I’m just the messenger. The distraction. The one they put in front so you never look up.”
Kael’s jaw tightened. “Who, then?”
“Someon
