Ch. 7 Duty

Dane

We walk in silence through the pack grounds. Forest Trails is different from Mountain Ridge in nearly every way. Where our compound is structured, orderly, built for efficiency and defense, theirs sprawls naturally among the trees, cabins and training areas blending with the landscape.

The lake clearing is empty when we arrive, but I don't have to wait long. Alpha Bennett emerges from the trees, his expression thunderous. He's alone, which confirms this isn't an official meeting.

"I should kill you where you stand," he says without preamble. “I would if my daughter wouldn’t suffer because of it. I still might.”

"You could try." I keep my voice respectful but firm. This isn't my territory, but I won't be intimidated. “Does Finley know you’re here threatening me?”

He snorts, ignoring my question. "Don't tempt me, pup." He circles me slowly, assessing. "You marked my daughter without permission. In my territory. In front of five other packs."

"My wolf recognized his mate." I meet his gaze steadily. "Would you have preferred I deny the Moon Goddess's will?"

"I would have preferred you show some goddamn restraint! Asked her fucking permission first!" he snaps. "Do you have any idea what position you've put her in? What this means for her future?"

I don't respond immediately, because the truth is, I don't. I've been so consumed by my own situation, by Summit's demands and my father's fury, that I haven't fully considered how this affects Finley. The reality that I know so little about her hits me square in the chest.

My silence seems to infuriate him further. "She's being considered for Alpha, you arrogant ass. The first female Alpha of Forest Trails. And now you've marked her in front of the very council members who'll vote on her candidacy."

The implications hit me like a physical blow. A male Alpha's mate traditionally becomes Luna, supporting from the sidelines. But what happens when the female is the Alpha? Would I be expected to step back, to play consort to her leadership?

Summit bristles at the very thought. He's Alpha-born, dominant to his core. But the rational part of me—the part trained in pack hierarchies and diplomacy—recognizes the unprecedented nature of our situation.

And what would this mean for Mountain Ridge? I assumed she would come home with me, be my Luna. But it doesn’t sound like that’s a role she’s interested in, neither here nor there. Shit! My father will have a field day with that information. 

"I didn't know," I admit finally, keeping my concerns from showing on my face. "But it changes nothing. She's my mate."

"And apparently Stone's too." Alpha Bennett crosses his arms. "Care to explain that situation?"

"I know only what I sensed. They have a bond, but it's incomplete. Rejected." The words taste bitter. "Which means she's free to accept mine."

What I don’t say is that I know who he is. Youngest son of Glass Lake’s former Alpha, brother to the current Alpha. An Alpha wolf by blood but a Beta by default when the rightful Beta abdicated in favor of spending more time with their Luna and pups.

And I also know who he’s not. He’s not the mate Finley deserves. Not if he could reject the Goddess’ gift so easily. How a lesser man managed to keep his teeth out of her pretty little neck the moment the mate bond connected, I’ll never know. But she’s mine now. And I don’t share. 

"And what exactly are you offering her?" He steps closer, his Alpha energy pressing against mine. "Because from what I heard in my office, you're promised to someone else."

I set my jaw. "My father has expectations. I have my own mind."

"Pretty words." His scent shifts, something protective and fierce rising to the surface. "But I've been Alpha for twenty years, boy. I know political double-speak when I hear it. I’ve also met plenty of Alphas who have trouble sharing their toys, not wanting something but refusing to let go so someone else can have it. My daughter is not your fucking toy!

“So let me be perfectly clear: if you're planning to reject my daughter, do it now. Don't drag this out. She deserves better than to be your temporary amusement while you work up the courage to follow daddy's orders."

The accusation stings because it cuts close to the truth. What am I planning? If I defy my father, I risk everything—my position, my pack, possibly my life. Mountain Ridge isn't known for tolerance of those who challenge authority.

But if I walk away from Finley...

The bond flares at the mere thought, Summit howling in protest.

"I need to see her," I say instead of answering directly. "Speak with her privately."

Alpha Bennett studies me for a long moment. "Not tonight. She needs space to process what's happened. And frankly, so do you." His eyes harden. "Think very carefully about your next move, Parker. Because I promise you this—if you hurt my daughter again, I'll personally ensure you regret it for whatever remains of your very short life."

He doesn't wait for my response, turning and disappearing back into the trees as silently as he arrived. Not that I need him to stick around to elaborate. His message was clear: Don’t string Finley along. Don’t give her hope just to break her heart in the end. A Clean break.

But can I give her that? Can I let my mark wither and fade while we both suffer the death of our bond, all for the sake of a future that’s been chosen for me, but will never really belong to me?

I remain by the lake, watching the moonlight ripple across its surface. In the distance, a wolf howls—a sound so mournful it makes something in my chest ache. Without conscious thought, Summit responds, our voice carrying across the water in answer.

For a heartbeat, there's silence. Then an answering howl, higher but no less powerful. Nova. Finley's wolf.

The mate bond sings between us, strengthening with each exchange. Whatever human complications exist, our wolves recognize the truth. We belong to each other.

But as the night deepens around me, I face the cold reality of my position. I am Mountain Ridge's future. The pack's welfare depends on the alliances my father has carefully cultivated. Hundreds of lives would be affected by my choice.

And somewhere across the lake, a female Alpha candidate faces similar pressures, similar expectations. Her path is no less complicated than mine.

Summit presses against my control, demanding I follow my heart, follow our mate.

But a lifetime of duty isn't so easily cast aside.

By dawn, I need to decide which path I'll choose. And who I'll betray in the process.