Marcus let the old man’s words sink in. Maybe Gerald was right. Maybe Alexander’s move was not strategic, but emotional.
Maybe this really was stupidity disguised as bravery.
But Marcus had never underestimated Alexander’s physical strength. If the boy had one advantage, it was his raw power... at least that was what he had heard. Alexander could hold his own. He could even win—if Marcus allowed sentiment to dull his edge.
But Marcus didn’t do sentiment.
He smiled, slow and cold, his fingers tightening around the invitation.
“I will accept,” Marcus said simply. “I will give him exactly what he asked for.”
Gerald’s smile widened. “Good. Because once he is gone, the pack will have no choice but to follow you. And the family business—finally—returns to the hands of someone capable.”
Ma
