CHAPTER 45

  Alec's POV

  "Then what is the truth, Kane?" I demanded, my voice rising. "What are you here to tell me? What the hell do you want?"

  I felt Carter's presence in my mind as he kept his position hidden in the ridge behind me. I watched Selena flinch as she kept her focus on trying to locate Carter as her brother kept glaring daggers at me.

  Kane didn't flinch. Instead, his lips curled into a faint, almost sad smile. "You're not the future Alpha anymore. I am."

  The words hit me like a blow to the chest. My mind reeled. I had been prepared for anything—but not this. Not the challenge. Not the betrayal.

  "You?" I repeated, my voice thick with disbelief. "You've been gone for years—and now you think you can just waltz in and take everything from me?"