I am your alpha!

Kayson's POV

As I watched Reese, my Beta  walk out on me, his defiance still lingered in the air. I couldn't believe he had the audacity to disobey me in front of a stranger. But I pushed aside my anger and focused on the wounded female in front of me. She looked pale and fragile, her small frame almost disappearing into the bed.

"Go back to bed," I told her, my voice firm but gentle. "We'll talk later, when you're feeling stronger. You'll need all your energy for our next conversation." I paused, my eyes locked on hers. "You owe the pack an explanation and the truth about why you're here, and what you want."

She stuttered out a thank you, her eyes darting away from mine. I could sense her fear, her uncertainty. She knew she was at my mercy, that her fate was in my hands. And I knew that fate was usually sealed for strays like her, who stumbled into our territory uninvited. But something about her struck a chord in me. My instincts whispered that there was more to her story, that she wasn't just a random stray, I mean Rage chose her.

I could sense her hesitation, her fear of being rejected or punished. But I also felta connection with her,  a connection that made me think she might just be worth taking a chance on.

"I am the alpha," I reminded myself, leaving the room with careful consideration. "I decide who stays and who goes”

As I sought out Reese, my usual reliable Beta, but I couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and concern. His recent behavior had been unacceptable, and his insubordination in front of a stranger was a direct challenge to my leadership. I needed to address this situation privately, wolf to wolf, with only Artemis as our witness. I knew I'd find him by the creek on the eastern slope of the woody mountain, where our wolves had first met under the full moon's silvery glow.

As I approached the creek, I instinctively went into stealth mode, drawing on my years of experience as a sneaky pack member before becoming alpha. I ducked behind shadows, using the darkness to conceal myself. My eyes locked onto Reese, his back still turned to me, but his ears twitched, alerting him to my presence. I could sense his tension, his awareness of my gaze.

"How dare you speak to your alpha with such disrespect in front of a stranger?" I demanded, my voice low and even, but laced with a hint of warning. "How dare you question my authority?" I took a step closer, my eyes boring into his, my dominance asserted.

Reese turned to face me, his eyes flashing with defiance, but I could see the faintest glimmer of fear in their depths. "How can I not speak out?" he countered, his voice laced with a hint of challenge, but I raised my hand, asserting my authority as his alpha.

"You've said enough, Reese," I growled, my patience wearing thin. "As the Alpha of this pack, I decide who stays and who goes. I'll do what I deem fit, and you will respect my decisions and trust my judgement. Do I make myself clear?" My eyes bore into his, my gaze unwavering, as I awaited his response.

Reese stood tall, but I could see the faintest glimmer of submission in his eyes “I meant no disrespect, Alpha” he said, his voice laced with a hint of apology, but I couldn't tell if it was sincere or not.

"I remember when I was just a young wolf, working as a bartender for the Beta of our pack," I said, my voice low and reflective. "He'd tell me stories, call me his puppy, and share wisdom like this 'A dog never chews the bone tied to his neck.'" I paused, my eyes locked onto Reese's. "I may not recall all the details, but the message stuck. And it applies here, today."

I took a step closer, my voice firm. "You won't be joining me at the meeting, Reese. You'll stay here, in charge of the pack, including the girl." My gaze narrowed. "She's the bone around your neck, Reese. Don't get too comfortable, don't get too attached. She's not for you to chew on."

With that, I turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Reese to ponder my words. The conclave awaited, and I had no time for distractions. The pack's future was at stake, and I would ensure its safety, no matter the cost.

APRIL'S POV

As I paced back and forth in the room that had become my prison, I felt a sense of unease. I had decided to flee, to escape the uncertainty that hung over my fate like a dark cloud. I couldn't bear the thought of causing a civil war within the pack. The Alpha's softening stance towards me was clear, despite his attempts to hide it behind a mask of authority.

I felt like I was cursed, always facing danger and uncertainty. I tried to listen for any signs of movement, but the silence was deafening. I took a deep breath and began to move stealthily along the shadowy walls, my feet barely making a sound on the ground. After a few moments, I took flight, sprinting across the forest with all my might.

I ran for what felt like hours, my breath ragged and my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't care where I was headed, just as long as I got far away from the pack's territory. I dreamed of a life free from strife and conflict, where I could live without constantly looking over my shoulder.

But my escape was short-lived. As I ran through the underbrush, I felt a sudden sting on the back of my neck. I tried to reach for the spot, but my vision began to blur and the forest around me started to spin. I stumbled and collapsed, my world going dark as I lost consciousness.

BETA REESE'S POV

"As I stomped back to our pack's territory, I couldn't help but wonder what the fuck that weak Alpha took me for! leaving me behind?!!! ," I, Beta Reese, muttered to myself. "Does he think I'm not capable of handling myself at the conclave? All because of that...that...FUCKING BITCH!, he's keeping me here like a babysitter."

My anger and frustration boiled over, and I let out a bitter laugh. My body craved the thrill of the hunt, the rush of adrenaline that came with being a predator. And then, I saw her, a pale, ghostly figure running through the forest like a fleeing spirit.

My face lit up with a fierce grin as I gave chase, my senses on high alert. The thrill of the hunt was on, and I was ready to prove myself once again.