"How generous, of you" Richard managed, the words thick with blood and bitterness.
Marcus's expression didn't change. "Alpha Kade's orders. He wants you gone, not dead." A pause. "Those are different things."
The distinction hung in the air like a threat.
"Let's go," Richard said, pushing away from the wall with visible effort. Luna tried to steady him, but he shrugged her off. "I can walk on my own."
Pride. Even now, bleeding and defeated, his pride wouldn't let him lean on anyone.
They moved toward the entrance as a group, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous hall. Every Nightshade staff member who passed averted their eyes, some from respect, others from the sheer discomfort of witnessing such a spectacular fall from grace.
Outside, three armored SUVs waited in the circular drive, their engines already running. But there was a fourth vehicle now, a sleek black sedan with tinted windows and the Nightshade crest on the door panels.
