Atticus's POV
The tension on the porch was thick enough to cut with a blade. I watched my mother standing rigid beside Evangeline, both women directing venomous glares toward Garcia, who appeared completely unfazed by their hostility.
Garcia's Squad members had positioned themselves strategically. Two of them moved to flank my mother, their arms crossed over their chests in a clear display of authority. I recognized Juan among them, his dark eyes burning with fury as he stared at Evangeline.
The air crackled with unspoken threats and barely contained rage.
Garcia turned her attention to Albert, Celeste's younger brother, her voice cutting through the silence like a whip. "Why did you attack Ralph?"
Albert kept his gaze fixed on the distant tree line, his jaw clenched in stubborn defiance. He refused to acknowledge her question, but I could sense the fear radiating from the younger wolf.
