CHAPTER 128-1
Alpha Darius’s POV
+25 Points
I pulled Clara closer against my chest, breathing in her scent as she settled deeper into sleep. Her body was warm and pliant against mine, marked and claimed in every way that mattered.
My wolf was finally at peace.
For months, he’d been restless, snarling at every alpha who dared look at our mate. Lucien with his calculating stares. Killian with his predatory interest. Ronan with his respectful but obvious attraction. And now Jaden, thinking he could summon her back like she was still his to command.
But tonight had changed everything.
“She’s ours,” my wolf said with deep satisfaction. “Completely. Let them all wish they had her. She’ll only ever
be ours.”
Those other alphas could circle all they wanted. Could send gifts and messages and make their pathetic attempts at seduction. Clara belonged to me now in every way possible, and after tonight, there would be no question about where her loyalty lay.
“It’s time,” my wolf urged. “Make it official. Show everyone who she belongs to.”
I knew he was right. I’d been putting off the formal announcement, telling myself it was because Clara needed time to adjust, time to be sure about her choice. But the truth was, I’d been the one who wasn’t sure. Not about wanting her, but about whether I was ready to make myself that vulnerable.
Taking a Luna meant more than just claiming a mate. It meant acknowledging that someone else had power over me, that my strength could be used against me if she chose to leave.
But Clara wasn’t going anywhere. Tonight had proven that beyond any doubt.
“Tomorrow,” my wolf insisted. “While Jaden’s mutt is still here. Let him see. Let him report back to his pathetic alpha exactly what he’s lost.”
r
The idea sent dark satisfaction through me. Derek would return to Shadowcrest Pack with more than just Clara’s refusal. He’d carry the news that she was about to become Luna of one of the most powerful packs
in the region.
I settled deeper into the bed, pulling Clara impossibly closer. Tomorrow would be a big day. Tonight, I would let myself enjoy the victory.
I woke before dawn, my internal clock pulling me from sleep with the efficiency of years of military discipline. Clara was still pressed against my side, her breathing deep and even. The marks I’d left on her skin were visible in the dim light filtering through the curtains, and the sight sent a primal surge of satisfaction through me.
Mine.
CHAPTER 1284-
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I slipped out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake her. She’d need her rest after last night. I headed to the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the hot water wash away the sweat and scent of our claiming.
As I cleaned myself, my mind was already moving to the tasks ahead. If I wanted to make this announcement properly, it needed to be done before Derek left for Shadowcrest territory. The timing would send exactly the message intended.
I dried off and dressed in my formal alpha attire. Black pants, white shirt, the dark jacket that bore the Shadowfang Pack insignia. When other alphas saw me like this, they knew I meant business.
I moved quietly around the bedroom, gathering what I needed while Clara continued to sleep. She looked peaceful, vulnerable in a way she never allowed herself to be when awake. It made something protective and possessive stir in my chest.
Soom, everyone would know she was mine. Officially. Permanently.
I left her a note on the nightstand, then headed for my office. The first thing I did was reach out through
the mindlink to Xander.
“Xander.”
“Alpha?” His response came immediately, instantly alert despite the early hour.
“I need you to call an emergency pack meeting. Everyone. Main courtyard. One hour.”
There was a pause. “Alpha, is there a threat? Should I alert security?”
“No threat. Just do it.”
“Of course. May I ask what this is about?”
“You’ll find out with everyone else.”
I cut the mindlink before he could ask more questions. Xander was a good beta, but some things needed to be handled with absolute authority. No discussion, no input, no room for debate.
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CHAPTER 120 2
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CHAPTER 128-2
This was one of those things.
I reached out through mindtink to the guard station next.
“This is Alpha Darius. I want Derek from Shadowcrest Pack brought to the main courtyard in one hour. He’s not to leave the territory until I give permission.”
“Yes, Alpha. Should we tell him why?”
“No. Just make sure he’s there.”
By the time I made it downstairs, word was already spreading through the packhouse. I could hear the rushed conversations, the questions, the speculation about what Could be important enough for an emergency meeting at dawn.
Good. Let them wonder.
I made my way to the main courtyard, a large open space in front of the packhouse where the entire pack could gather. It was where we held ceremonies, made important announcements, settled disputes. Today, it would serve as the stage for Clara’s elevation.
Pack members were already starting to arrive, some still in sleepwear, others hastily dressed. The confusion on their faces was obvious, but no one dared question why they’d been summoned.
Xander appeared at my side, looking perfectly composed despite the early hour and lack of information.
“The pack is gathering, Alpha. Should I have someone wake Clara?”
“No. She’ll learn about this with everyone else.”
His eyebrows rose slightly, but he didn’t comment. Smart man.
Within the hour, nearly three hundred pack members had assembled in the courtyard. Warriors, hunters, mothers with children, elders, workers. Everyone who called Shadowfang Pack home.
J
I spotted Derek near the back, flanked by two guards. His face showed confusion and growing concern as he realized he wasn’t being allowed to leave as planned. Perfect.
I stepped forward onto the raised platform that served as a speaking area. The crowd fell silent immediately, all attention focused on me.
“Members of Shadowfang Pack,” I began, my voice carrying easily across the courtyard. “I’ve called you here to make an announcement that will affect our pack’s future.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. I could see speculation in their faces, questions about what could be
so urgent.
“As your alpha, I’ve led this pack for eight years. We’ve grown stronger, richer, more powerful than any of our neighbors. We’ve earned respect through strength and fear through action.”
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Neds and sounds of agreement came from the warriors. They knew what we’d accomplished together.
But a pack is only as strong as its leadership. And strong leadership requires strong partnership.”
Now the murmurs were getting louder. I could see understanding beginning to dawn on some faces.
“Therefore, I’m announcing that Clara, my mate, will be our new Luna.”
The courtyard exploded into noise. Gasps, exclamations, rapid conversations as the news hit home. I let it continue for a moment, watching the reactions carefully.
Some faces showed surprise but acceptance. Others displayed confusion or clear concern. Many of the older pack members looked skeptical, whispering among themselves about traditions and the proper way of doing things.
But it was the group of warriors near the front that caught my attention. Tyler, Marcus, several others who had trained alongside Clara. They were exchanging looks and low comments that made me focus on them more carefully.
“She’s not even originally from here,” I heard one whisper.
“A rogue,” another muttered. “How can a rogue become Luna?”
“She was practically dead when the alpha found her,” Marcus added quietly. “And now she’s going to lead
us?”
“What do we really know about her past?” Tyler questioned. “About where she came from?”
The doubt in their voices was clear. These were warriors who had seen Clara’s abilities firsthand, but even they were questioning whether an outsider should hold such a position of power over the pack.
I raised my hand for silence, and the courtyard gradually quieted.
“This decision is final,” I said, making my voice carry the absolute authority of my position. “Clara has proven herself worthy of this role through her strength, her loyalty, and her commitment to this pack.”
“But Alpha,” called out Elder Morrison from near the front. “Shouldn’t there be a ceremony? A formal
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