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CHAPTER 026
Last Updated:
2025-03-15 23:58:38
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THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 027
A loud, almost hysterical laugh escapes me as Ezra’s words ring in my ears.Ezra watches me like I’ve gone mad, but he doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t take it back."What did you just say?" I demand, needing confirmation that I didn’t just mishear something so absurd.Ezra takes a deep breath, his face unreadable. "You are going to be Lucian’s Luna. In the human world, that means you will marry him."I laugh again—louder, more unhinged. He has to be joking."I hope you told them that will never happen." I declare, shaking my head in disbelief.Ezra stands abruptly, his entire demeanor shifting into something I’ve never seen before. His eyes darken, his jaw tightens, and the air around us suddenly feels heavier."Ingrid," he barks, his voice firm, and unyielding. "You will marry Lucian. That is not up for debate, it’s an order coming from your alpha."My breath catches in my throat. He’s serious. He’s not joking.The weight of his words slams into me like a freight train, knocking the breat
Last Updated : 2025-03-15THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 028
LUCIAN."Lucian, there are people here to see you." Dash’s voice interrupts my focus as I go through some documents, sipping my coffee.I exhale sharply, already irritated."Who is it? Can they wait?" I growl, not in the mood for unnecessary disruptions."It’s the Alphas. They are here to talk to you."That gets my attention. I set my cup down and rub my temples.If they are here in person, it must be something serious. I take a deep breath before nodding."Send them in."I lean back in my chair, waiting for whatever nonsense they’ve come to throw at me.The three Alphas step into my office, each carrying the weight of something unspoken.I motion for them to sit, but none of them speak right away. I already don’t like this."To what do I owe this visit?" I ask, cutting straight to the point.They glance at one another before turning to Michael, who shifts uncomfortably in his seat."I don’t have all day. Someone speak or get the fuck out." I bark, my patience wearing thin.Michael cle
Last Updated : 2025-03-16THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 029
INGRIDIt’s been almost a week since I last saw Ezra.No one was allowed to visit me in my so-called new chambers.My only contact with the outside world has been the food that magically appears on my bedside table while I’m asleep.I’ve tried everything to get out, picking the lock, forcing the door open, even breaking the lamp to use a shard of glass as a weapon, but nothing works.Now, I lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my body tense with determination.“Tonight, I will catch whoever sneaks in." I whisper to myself.“Kira, help me stay awake,” I whisper.Silence.She has been giving me the silent treatment ever since I refused to marry Lucian.We argued for hours—her insisting that I should do what’s best for the pack and me refusing to let politics dictate my life. So, when I wouldn’t back down, she simply stopped talking.I check the clock on my bedside table and I see it’s almost midnight. Someone will be coming in any minute now.I hear faint footsteps approaching, and my
Last Updated : 2025-03-17THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 030
LUCIAN"Hey, Dash, I just got word from one of the Alphas that were here." I blurt, a slow smile stretching across my face as I swirl the whiskey in my glass."It looks like there's going to be a ceremony."Dash, who had been lounging on the couch across from me, straightens up, confusion creasing his brow, "What kind of ceremony?"I take a deliberate sip of my drink, letting the words roll off my tongue."it seems like Ingrid has agreed to become my Luna." I respond.Silence follows for a minute until Dash rises on his feet and begins pacing the room."You're marrying that bitch?" he sneers. "She broke my leg and fled."I chuckle escapes my lips shaking my head at his dramatics."No, Dash. You attacked her, and she beat you up. That’s what happened." I remind him, giggling.Dash turns to face me, his fangs peeking out as a low growl rumbles in his chest."I will not let you marry her." He threatens, his breathing increasing by the second.My amusement fades instantly and my grip tigh
Last Updated : 2025-03-18THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 031
INGRIDEver since I agreed to marry Lucian, I’ve been trapped in my own thoughts.I locked myself in my old room, replaying Ezra’s words like a cursed melody in my head."No matter how far you will run, Silas will still find you."It’s the only reason I stayed. The only reason I haven't torn through the walls in an attempt to escape.I had spent hours flipping through old books, reading about what it meant to be a Luna. Some of it wasn’t as terrible as I expected. As long as I stay out of the Alpha’s way, and don’t challenge his authority, I’ll be fine. That is something I can handle.But then I came across the rituals, and that’s when the unease started creeping in.The idea of kneeling before Lucian in front of the entire pack to prove my submission? Didn’t sit right with me. What is this, 1928?I could barely tolerate being in the same room as him, let alone bowing at his feet.And then there was the warrior’s fight—a test of strength, where I’d have to battle a warrior from anoth
Last Updated : 2025-03-18THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 032
INGRIDI spend the next couple of days deep in the woods, training relentlessly.I push myself harder than ever before, making sure my fighting and defense skills are flawless. I can’t afford to be anything less than perfect.I have something to prove, especially to Lucian.He needs to understand that I am not just some girl he can push around and bully whenever he wants.Kira is the guiding force in my head. "Use your speed. Your reflexes. Your heightened hearing. You have advantages that other wolves don’t." she reminds me every time I seem to forget.And she’s right.By the time we finish, I’m covered in sweat, and my muscles are burning with exhaustion."I think we’re ready, Ingrid," Kira whispers, sounding just as tired as I feel.I exhale deeply, stretching my arms."Mmh, let’s go get some rest," I hum in agreement.I grab my bow and head toward the gate when suddenly I hear a crack on the back of my head followed by a sharp pain."FUCK!" I groan, stumbling forward before spinni
Last Updated : 2025-03-19THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 033
INGRIDAfter knocking on Ezra’s door a few times, I finally hear some movement and a second later, the door swings open."Come on in," he blurts, motioning me inside his chambers.I sigh and step inside, my eyes scanning the room before my gaze falls on a box placed on a small table in the corner.Ezra walks toward it and picks it up before turning back to me."I wanted to give you something for your wedding," he grunts, bringing the box to me.I hesitate, looking from the box to his face."Oh, what is it?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me."It’s a little something. You can open it now if you want," he replies.I take the box from him and place it on the carousel table behind me.I slowly untie the bow, my fingers careful in case it’s something delicate. When I finally push the wrapping paper aside, my breath catches. Inside is a dress. Or rather… a gown.I glance up at Ezra, confusion knitting my brows together. "What is this?""It’s a wedding dress," he snaps. "You can wear
Last Updated : 2025-03-20THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 034
LUCIANThe day to claim my title as the Alpha of the largest pack has finally arrived.The power, dominance, and control will finally be mine. I smirk at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the cuff of my black tailored suit.By the end of the day, every wolf in the territory will bow to me, and yet, despite my excitement, there’s one thing tainting my mood. And that is Ingrid.The thought of marrying her is a bitter pill to swallow. If there were another way to secure my place in this new pack, I’d take it in a heartbeat.Unfortunately, Ezra and the other Alphas made it clear that this was the only way. She’s the bridge between the packs.A soft touch trails down my back, pulling me from my thoughts.The warm hands glide over my shoulders, and I recognize the scent before she speaks."I still can't believe you're marrying her, Lucian." Victoria’s voice echoes, laced with bitterness.I turn around slowly, catching the pout on her perfectly glossed lips. I grab her waist and pull he
Last Updated : 2025-03-20
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THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 048
LUCIANEver since I got back, my mind has been unsettled.Aiden is still unconscious, and that fact alone makes my nerves coil tighter with each passing hour. I need answers.I need to know exactly what happened in Shadow Ridge and, most importantly, how the hell he escaped."Why is he not awake yet?" I demand, my voice sharp as I stare at the nurse standing before me in my office.She shifts uncomfortably, her hands clasped together."He seems to have a head injury," she replies, her voice tinged with concern.I narrow my eyes. "I want him awake," I order coldly. "Go figure out something."The nurse nods quickly, not daring to argue, and scurries toward the door.As soon as she’s gone, my gaze snaps to Ezra, who is seated across from me, his expression tense."What did he say when he was brought in?" I ask, leaning back in my chair.Ezra exhales heavily. "He didn’t say much," he mutters, rubbing his jaw. "Just called for Ingrid, and that was it.My muscles tighten, and I straighten,
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 047
INGRID.A week has passed, and people are still talking about my cake.I didn’t expect it to be such a big deal, but now, every time I pass through the compound, someone stops me to ask when I’ll be baking again.It’s almost comical how something so small can bring people so much joy.But to be honest, I don’t mind because it made me feel normal again. Like I still have a piece of my old life left. So, I decided I’ll be baking for them whenever I get the chance.As for Lucian, he hasn’t been around the past week.I overheard Ezra telling some pack members that he was away, handling “personal business,” but I knew that was a lie.I noticed Victoria was gone, too, and it didn’t take a genius to put two and two together to figure out they were together.At first, it bothered me, and I hated that it did.I thought something shifted between us that day on the field and back at that kitchen, but clearly, I was the only one who felt something.Now, I am seated on a bench, watching Ezra play
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 046
LUCIANAs I watched Ingrid storm off the training field and disappear into the house, I felt something heavy in my chest.With a frustrated sigh, I grab my shirt from the ground, slip it back on, and button it up one by one.I feel the weight of the pack’s stares before I even lift my head.Irritation flares in my chest, and I turn. “What the hell are you looking at?” I growl, my voice sharp and heavy.They scramble, diverting their gazes as if they weren’t just openly gawking at me.“Go back to training. Now!” I bark.The murmurs die down, and the clanking of fists against flesh and grunts of exertion fill the space again.I exhale, rolling my shoulders.Should I go after her and make sure I didn’t hurt her? I think to myself, but something inside me pushes the thought away immediately.She’s a fighter. She doesn’t need me running after her like some desperate fool.Instead, I decide to focus on something productive, but after just a few steps, I run into Victoria.I see the anger bef
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 045
INGRIDTHUD! I bang the door shut behind me, my breath coming fast, my hands shaking.The air in my room feels heavy, like it’s pressing down on my chest, making it impossible to think straight.With a frustrated sigh, I reach up and untie my hair, letting the strands fall around my face. My fingers thread through it as I try to calm my racing heart, but it’s useless. The memory of what just happened refuses to leave me.“What was that?” I mutter to myself, pacing across the room, my bare feet making soft sounds against the wooden floor.I squeeze my eyes shut, but it only makes the memory stronger. The way our chests collided at one point, his breath against my skin when he whispered in my ear, and the warmth I felt on my skin whenever he touched me. I groan and kick my bed in frustration, which is a big mistake.“Fuck!” I gasp, stumbling as pain shoots up my leg. A tear spills down my cheek, caused by this stupid, self-inflicted injury.I sink to the floor, clutch my foot, and blow
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 044
LUCIAN.Training had officially kicked off.Ezra and I chose the strongest warriors and the weakest, pairing them together so each strong fighter could train a weaker one.Ingrid’s job was to ensure that the strongest warriors kept their skills sharp.I had been watching her for a few days now, and I have to admit that Ezra was right. She’s an asset to this pack.She trained them with so much precision and grace, like she was born for this."Use your hands as your guard!" she yells at Dash for what feels like the hundredth time.I stop and watch."There is nothing you can teach me, Ingrid. I’m older and faster than you," Dash sneers, clenching his fists.I see Ingrid’s demeanor shift, and her breathing becomes erratic, like Dash's words had hit a nerve."Go teach the younglings. Leave us alone," he adds, turning to walk away from the training field.The other older pack members laugh, high-fiving each other in agreement.As he walks away, Ingrid pounces on him from behind, wrapping he
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 043
INGRIDAfter spending the entire day in the compound making sure everyone, especially the kids, were well settled, I was exhausted.All I wanted was to collapse into my bed and rest my eyes, but the children wouldn’t let me.They followed me everywhere, asking endless questions about where I had learned to fight and who had taught me.Of course, I couldn’t tell them exactly where I’d learned.Luckily, their mothers eventually called them back as the sun began to set, finally releasing me from their shackles.With a deep sigh, I use my walking stick to drag myself toward the house, my body aching with every step.Just as I am about to reach the main door, I stumble into the posse again, and this time they look pissed."You know, you will never fit in no matter what you do," Victoria sneers, her arms crossed over her chest.I scan her from her perfect blonde hair to her polished boots before limping past her without saying a word."I’m talking to you, Ingrid!" she calls after me, her voi
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 042
LUCIANAs soon as I storm out of her room, I lean against the door, pressing my palms against the cold wood.My chest rises and falls unevenly, my heart pounding for reasons I refuse to acknowledge.From the other side, I hear hers. The steady rhythm of her heart, slightly faster than before.I curse under my breath and push away from the door, clenching my fists as I stride down the hallway."What the hell was that, Lucian?" I mutter to myself.I wasn’t supposed to go in there, but after barely sleeping the entire night, I woke up with only one thought. To see her.So I did.The moment I walked in and saw that damn robe loosely tied around her waist, I wanted to grab her and claim her right then and there.That’s why I had to leave. Because if I had stayed another second, I would’ve done something I might regret.I spot a pack member striding past me and bark, "You. Get Ezra. Tell him to see me immediately."Without waiting for a response, I head straight to my office, leaving the doo
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 041
INGRID"What the hell was that, Kira?" I mutter, limping across the room, my fingers trembling at my sides."He was just standing there, watching me while I was naked."Kira chuckles like it’s funny, but it’s not."I feel so violated," I add, my skin crawling at the thought of his eyes on me.I rush back to the window and peek through the sheer curtain expecting to still find him there, and he is, except he is kissing Victoria.My stomach twists as I watch him lead her inside the house, his hands firm on her waist, his lips moving against hers like he wasn’t just—“The fuck? I gasp, yanking the curtain shut completely.I shake my head in disbelief, my jaw tightening, and I feel sick.I drag myself back to bed and slip under the covers, pulling them up to my chin as I close my eyes.I don’t want to think about this. About him.*****************************A loud bang on my door startles me awake, and I blink rapidly, trying to clear the fog of sleep from my mind.I groan, dragging myse
THE WOLF WITHIN:CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA CHAPTER 040
LUCIAN,I haven’t seen Ingrid since I had her brought here. I ordered her to be settled in the room farthest from mine. I know she wouldn’t want to be near me, just as I didn’t want to be near her.There was a moment I thought about checking up on her while she was unconscious, but I stopped myself. I figured it would send the wrong message to Ezra, and he would start thinking I cared.Instead, I threw myself into handling the transition of the packs. I let Ezra deal with the settlement during the day, while I patrolled the borders at night with Dash, who had come on board after I explained why I made Ezra my Beta and not him.Other than that, I haven’t been sleeping well.Every time I try to close my eyes, I see Ingrid. Her face, specifically the expression she gave me after defeating Victoria. That look wasn’t just pride. It was something more. Something I couldn’t place, and it keeps haunting me.That’s why I need a distraction immediately.“Dash,” I bark as we return from patrol. “
