ShaneThe new few hours consisted of reviewing the offerings from the Lord’s in attendance and assuring them they would be compensated for it. I always thought about claiming my birthright, but I never thought of what kind of Alpha I wanted to be. I demanded loyalty and obedience, but I didn’t want the people to think they had to pay me in order to be safe in their homes. That didn’t sit right with me.Had I just killed my father in cold blood?Yes. Had I just killed his ranked leaders as they mourned over him?Yes.Would killing other ranked members give me pause?No.They were men who were in charge over the territory and pack members.They worked under me and carried out my orders.The men who held those stations… must be loyal.Even though I was determined to rule with an iron fist… I didn’t want my people to fear for their safety.“Is there anything my brother needs for the Alpha’s Table?” Beta Mave asked, cutting through my thoughts.Good question.“The other times the Alpha has
AdeaAlpha didn’t do anything to me last night, he held me as I lost myself to my grief. I think that’s what messed with my mind. It was the fact that I had no choice but to lean on him. The word was bitter on my tongue, but I had no choice but to trust that he would hold me together while I cried. I think that’s what would drive me mad while I remained in these castle walls.The damned birds chirped like it was beautiful day and we were all lucky to be alive. I turned on my side and ice froze my heart as I came face to face with a large muscular chest. I was too shocked to cry. The knowledge that I had spent the night in his arms and woke up by his side in the morning was gut wrenching. I’d done with Alpha what was only meant for him.It was inhaling his scent with each breath that caused my eyes to burn. It was knowing that I had his scent on me because we’d shared a night together. It was knowing that he had been vulnerable and spent the night with me and it didn’t end in his death
AdeaI was more than relieved when Alpha didn’t start anything that morning. He didn’t push for more, just stayed in bed with me until an hour passed. There was a lot that still needed to be done today before we could leave. I didn’t speak another work to him as he touched me and caressed my face. I was thankful when the servants knocked on the door. He let them in and gave them clear instructions. I would not be bathing today, but they were permitted to wash my face. He excused himself so they could get me ready.After he leaves, a hoard of servants come through the door. They greet me with their heads bowed and eyes on the floor. I leave them for Nicole and Beka to deal with them. Quickly, they tell them what to do and everyone starts to move. I’m seated at the edge of the bed when a few young girls step up to me with a wooden bowl of water and a cloth. I nod for them to come closer and they start to wash my face gently.I’m led to and fro as they get me ready for the day. I didn’t
Adea“You look beautiful,” Ava said.My sister’s eyes roamed down my body approvingly. I didn’t want to smile, but I did. I hated that I craved this so much, I hated that I wanted companionship so badly I was happy over a compliment from her. I wanted to sigh, but ended up just nodding my head as I stared at her. She wasn’t seated next to Alpha, she was seated across from Odis. There was seat in between the two of them. I didn’t want to know why she wasn’t sitting next to him. I didn’t care about what he did.“How long will you be with us, Ava?” I asked.“Are you ready for me to leave?” Ava asked.“I was only curious,” I said.“I’ll be here for awhile,” Ava answered.I sneaked a glance at the silver haired woman who was biting into a slice of toast. A servant was by my side and I watched as he lowered plate after plate in front of me. I thanked him as he retreated back to his place along the wall. A plate of thick sliced fresh bread and butter sat on one plate and ham, hash browns, an
AdeaThe carriage door opened and got to his feet, the carriage was so large he could stand straight. He stepped out and down the stairs, only stopping to turn around and look at me. I was expected to get up and follow him out. Imagine if I fell to the floor, kicking and screaming. The look on his face would have been priceless. Sadly, I was raised for these sorts of events. I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to. I took a deep breath of air and got to my feet. I stopped in the doorway and took his outstretched hand, placing my hand atop his. I took the first step, followed by the second and the third until I was firmly on the ground. After three hours of sitting in that carriage, my backside was throbbing.The first thing I saw was tall stone walls that made up the front of the packhouse. A large sum of warriors stood guard outside. They watched every movement, every step, every breath we made. A large man who I’m assuming is an Alpha stands a few feet away from us. He’s and older ma
ShaneIt felt as if days had passed, we left when it was still dark out and we traveled on as the sun rose. I’ve never wanted for something more than I have wanted to arrive. When the mountain came into view, it was harder to keep a lid on my nerves. My sister wasn’t facing me, but I knew she was watching me. She didn’t say anything as my leg bounced anxiously.I gripped my thighs and stared out the window as started our ascent up the mountain. Clouds surrounded us and everything was hidden from view. Had I not ordered my best warriors to follow at a safe distance I would have felt uneasy.The meeting would be the best way to lure an enemy pack in, but I was not their enemy, not all of them anyway. There were more than a handful of Alpha’s my pack had alliances with. My Beta would ensure the they were still strongly in place. If need be, we would renegotiate, but I wasn’t worried about that. There was only one thing on my mind.Her.She was the only thing, the only person that occupie
AdeaWhen my eyes adjust to the dark meeting room, the first thing I see is obsidian eyes staring back at me. My heart that had been hammering in my chest, skips a beat, the blood in my ears is roaring, as he drinks me in like his life depends on it. I can’t look away, I hold his gaze almost too afraid he’ll disappear if I do. The tears that had dried up, threaten to come back full force and it takes everything I have to fight them back. It feels as if I’m feather light as the weight that had been on my shoulders lifts. I sway on my feet and feel the floor rushing up to meet me.A firm arm wraps around my waist and pulls me close. The scent is wrong, all wrong, but there’s nothing I can do. He holds me upright and I know if he hadn’t held me I would have fallen. There’s nothing I can do as those already dark eyes somehow darken more. I’m ushered forward as someone announces our arrival. Luckily I don’t have to go that far, our seats are near the door. A hand on my chin pulls and I’m f
AdeaMave’s eyes were on Alpha, her eyes wide, her pupils blown. There was something in the air and I wasn’t sure what it was. She didn’t move, she just took deep inhales of breath. Alpha’s hand on my back stopped moving and his claws extended. His eyes flashed and I knew whatever it was had his wolf pushing forward.I don’t know what it was and I tried to look around the room. There was nothing that alerted me to trouble. If I hadn’t felt his claws against my back I would have sworn I’d imaged it. Beta Odis only confirmed my suspicions when he leaned close. His eyes on Alpha as he tried to calmly remind him where we were and what we were doing.Alpha Rich stood to his feet and announced that they would be voting. The majority would win. He asked each pack to state their choice. One by one the alpha’s announced that they didn’t have an issue with the new alpha. It came down to Alpha. His face was a mask of indifference as he leaned back in his seat. His hand firmly placed on top of mi