Axel’s POV

When the Goddess’ blessing descended on Hannah and Jax, I let out a sigh of relief that I did not know I was holding.

The impending mating with Hannah had been a thorn in my side that I could not get rid of.

She was loud, flirty and flashy, constantly rubbing in everyone’s faces that she was going to be the next Luna and Father had not made me the official heir yet.

But I had not argued with Father because I knew better.

You can not argue with the Alpha’s orders.

Then Chloe rejected mating me right to my father’s face.

“Must be nice to be Jax,” my best friend and future Beta, Tony said as we watched the chaos unfold from the balcony. “Having two beautiful women fighting over him.”

Chloe had already lost the battle. There was nothing she could do to insert herself into a mate bond that the Goddess had already blessed.

“Another poorly raised daughter,” I remarked as she kept refusing Father’s order. She really did not know when to stop.

Father only grew angrier and I wanted more than anything to tell him to stop. He could just find me another mate from one of our many allied packs.

But I knew he was acting in the interest of the pack.

So I stayed silent on the balcony, waiting for the outcome of the mess.

When Father decreed their punishment, Tony sighed. “I knew that was going to happen. What are you going to do now, Axel?”

“Someone from the clan leaders, I guess,” I replied, the idea settling in my chest with discomfort.

Marrying one of the daughters of the clan leaders meant a lot of extra politics. Just thinking about it gave me a headache.

I had wanted one of David’s daughters because despite all their attitude problems, they were less likely to have ulterior motives for approaching me.

Besides if they ever tried going rogue, their family and friends were right here in the pack, within my control.

“I guess that is that,” I said, straightening. My eyes were still glued to Chloe as her and her parents were led away.

Rather than fear or panic, her face was the epitome of determination. I could even go as far to assume I saw a hint of victory.

“Where are you going?” Tony asked.

I waved him to stay at the party with his mate. “Home. I have some work to finish up.”

***

My wolf could not sit still in the office so near midnight, I found myself walking into the forest.

“You have thirty minutes,” I said, taking off my clothes.

He burst out of my skin with urgency and started to run through the trees.

Tension that I did not know that I was clinging to eased off my body. We were about to circle back when I caught the hint of terror in the air.

I followed it until I emerged near a hidden lake that I had never been to in all my time in the pack.

Three men stood in front of the rogue over a young woman on the floor. I instantly recognized her scent, despite the blood mixing with it.

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