Page 78 of Freeing My Alpha

This is authoritarianism, Alpha, and I think more wolves are going to agree with me than you’d care to admit. Mason glares.

That’s when I see the other eyes in the forest, glinting over Mason’s shoulders in the moonlight. Unfamiliar wolves stalk closer.

I press closer to Noah, my tail tucking. Noah leans closer in response, his counterpressure acting as a wolf-hug.

Come on, man. You’re suspicious as fuck, and you won’t cooperate after presenting yourself as a threat. I don’t like that you're unwilling to show your face, Hart. That’s not normal.

One of your Betas recognizes my wolf. Or did you not listen to him either?

Noah paws at the dirt with a grunt. Dude, cut the dramatics. You have something to hide, and you're doing a shit job of hiding it.

Mason growls, and my heart leaps into my throat. I can’t believe he’s still challenging Noah this heavily. He's completely outnumbered.

I have something to hide, huh? Mason drops his chin, gazing at us with a flash of the whites of his eyes. Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.

For the first time, my body runs cold at the familiar phrase Jenny and I say in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy. Only Amy, Noah, and Jenny know I have OCD, but the way Mason said that makes me feel sick. Like it's not a coincidence.

Mason turns his back, padding through the forest.

Noah’s breath hitches, his lips curling to show his enraged grin. That’s how you’re going to play this, huh?

What? I’m showing you my back, Alpha. Completely vulnerable to you. You’re gonna go after me when I'm already hurt?

Mason isn't just cocky. He’s dangerously entitled.

I want to humble him. I’m afraid if I don’t do it now, he’ll only tighten his hold on the situation.

I stalk after Mason, circling in front of him to look him in the eyes. He tenses, tracking my every step with raging, frantic eyes.

Omega!? What are you doing?! Noah bristles in the corner of my eye, sneaking closer.

Don’t threaten him, Alpha. I just want to talk, I mindlink.

Mason stands straighter, his tail rising in a proud taunt. That’s hilarious, did she tell you to stop? She doesn't need protection, anyway. Right, Alpha? Omegas don't need our strength.

Ignoring his taunts, I sit on my haunches, staring him straight in the eyes. Let’s hope this dominance challenge doesn’t get me into deep shit.

But Mason hasn't moved. As I glare, a momentous rage wells up in my core.

Instead of letting it consume me, I exhale it through my snout like dragonfire.

Mason Hart.

He loses any and all remaining confidence when I mindlink his name, his wolf going rigid.

There'd be no conflict between us if you hadn't created it, yourself. You know that, right?

Mason sneers, but he’s unable to hold my stare. My fur bristles, craving deeper dominance over him.

Maybe you’re not used to anyone seeing through your cries for victimhood. But from an actual victim to a clear manipulator— My lips lift on their own, flashing my fangs. I recognize you for who you really are. You can’t hide from me.

Mason’s tail tucks, his breath short and rapid. He backs away quickly, pressing lower and lower to the floor.

But it’s not enough for me. My dominant scent extends on its own, making every wolf shrink—except for Noah and his alert, tilted head.

Omega, you smell like... Noah’s awe trickles through our bond, but I have to keep focused. Glare at Mason until he realizes I’m serious. Serious enough to end his life if he threatens to take ours again.

When I lower into the deepest growl I can manage, baring my full fangs, Mason scampers away, his tail tucked as tight as possible in submission.

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