Undone

Chapter XIX

"Are you going to kill him?" Kate asked anxiously. After what Dimitri had done to her, she suspected that Jeremy would have no qualms ripping him to shreds. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about that course of action.

Jeremy glanced down at her, and she could detect his rage simmering just beneath the surface. "Believe me, I'd like nothing more. But I need him to admit to Roman's hand in all this. That's the only way I'll be able to prove that he's not a worthy leader."

"So you want to depose him?"

He nodded. "Being banished would be a fate worse than death for someone like Roman. He prides himself on his lineage, on his family's history. The blow would bring him to his knees."

Kate placed her head on his chest. "I take it wolves are not allowed to bite humans deliberately?"

"No. It's arguably our most important law and carries one of the most severe forms of punishment. Banishment means no interaction with any packs, anywhere in the world. You're literally thrown out with nothing, no connections, no family, no funds. In essence, Roman would be reduced to mutt status, less even."

"That sounds awful." Kate could imagine how isolating and humiliating that would be to someone like Roman. From what Jeremy had told her about the Russian alpha, he was a proud, arrogant man. Having everything he held dear taken away from him would probably be worse than death.

Jeremy placed a soft kiss on her temple. "It's no more than what he deserves. I almost lost you. I can never forgive him for that."

Kate glanced up at the fierceness in his tone. She could understand the sentiment. If their roles had been reversed, she knew she'd feel exactly the same way. "I hope you get him," she said sincerely.

He made to stand. "I should go. Get some rest. I'll send Elena up with something to eat."

She grasped his hand, halting him. "Promise me you'll be careful."

He smiled, cupping her cheek. "Dimitri's the one you should be worried about."

Despite the smile, she didn't miss the steely undertone to his words. Kate almost felt bad for the Russian. When Jeremy was angry, she didn't think anyone stood a chance against him. "Nonetheless, we want you back in one piece."

His eyes softened, his hand moving to settle across her belly. "Rest. I'll be back as soon as I can." He leaned down to kiss her before departing.

Kate reclined against the pillows. Poor Dimitri. Jeremy was not going to go easy on him.

Downstairs, Jeremy found Dimitri strung up inside the cage. Elena, Logan and Nick were staring daggers at him while Clay made sure his bonds were secure. When the young Russian saw Jeremy, his eyes widened with fear. Good.

"Elena," Jeremy said, addressing his daughter-in-law but not taking his eyes off Dimitri. "Would you stay with Kate, please? She shouldn't be alone right now."

Dimitri's mouth dropped open. "S-She's still alive?"

"You didn't factor that into your plan, did you?" Elena asked, sounding triumphant. She glanced at Jeremy. "Of course."

"I can make him talk," Clay said, moving to stand beside his father.

"No," Jeremy replied. "He's mine."

Clay and Nick inclined their heads, stepping back.

Jeremy removed his waistcoat, slowly unbuttoning it before throwing it onto the nearby table. With its removal he felt his inner beast unleash, the steely, judicious rein he exercised over his control, slipping incrementally with every step he took towards his foe. Rolling up the sleeves of his blue shirt, he approached the cage. "You came onto my property with the intention of harming someone I care about and thought you'd get away with it?" Jeremy couldn't have known the intimidating figure he presented, his face a cold mask of fury, his voice low and menacing, his advance unhurried, but filled with lethal intent. "You will tell me all about Roman's involvement in this scheme, but not before I show you what happens to those who think they can hurt my family and escape unscathed."