Page 31 of Coveted By the Alpha Pack

Glancing at my phone, I note the date, my heart skipping a beat. “In about two months, I’ll go into heat again, and we’ll use that to lure the ex out of hiding.”

Nicolai’s complexion drains of color, and before he can voice his concerns, Griffin interjects. “Grace has already consulted with the doctor. She’ll be receiving a shot to prevent pregnancy this cycle. She’ll still experience her heat, but no children will result from it.” There’s a melancholy tint to Griffin’s eyes as he looks at his brother, understanding the longing Ethan harbors to become a father. It’s a desire I share, just not at this moment.

“Are you sure this is the best option?” Ambrose’s voice is laced with concern as he draws nearer, his presence adding weight to the gravity of our discussion.

Drawing in a deep breath, I pace. The floorboards creaking beneath my footsteps. “My ex will be drawn to my scent like a moth to a flame,” I explain, my words tinged with a mixture of fear and determination. “He’s fixated on the idea of having his own male offspring. He knows I’m capable of carrying and birthing a pup without any complications.” My gaze shifts between Ambrose and the other alphas in the room, silently pleading for understanding.

Griffin’s voice cuts through the tense atmosphere, his words echoing my concerns. “He was obsessed with tearing her away from us, even in her final moments,” he says, his tone heavy with the weight of past conflicts. “His desire to possess her, to breed her, outweighs any sense of reason or logic.” As he speaks, he gestures to each person in the room, locking eyes with them one by one. “As much as it pains me to admit it, Grace has presented us with a viable solution.”

The acknowledgment from Griffin brings a sense of validation to my proposal, yet it’s accompanied by a pang of sorrow for the necessity of such drastic measures. We find ourselves at a crossroads, faced with tough choices born out of the harsh realities of our world.

“We have several advantages now that we didn’t have before,” I announce, stepping away from my mates and Ambrose. The weight of my words hangs in the air, a palpable tension that seems to ripple through the room.

“I’m not a weak human anymore,” I continue, my voice steady but tinged with a newfound strength. My gaze sweeps over them, lingering briefly on each face before moving on. “Not only can I shift, but I possess Luna powers that could bring even the strongest to their knees.”

Despite my attempts to exude confidence, a flicker of uncertainty dances behind my eyes. The unknown looms before us like a shadow, casting doubt on our plans and strategies.

“The only downside,” I add, my tone slightly softer now, “is that we don’t know if it will work on rogues.” It’s a sobering realization, a reminder of the hurdles we still face in our quest for dominance.

But even as I speak these words, I refuse to let doubt consume me. We may face unknown dangers, but we are also armed with newfound strengths and a unity that binds us together. And with that, I square my shoulders, determined to face whatever challenges lie ahead with unwavering resolve.

Chapter 19

Griffin

-Angry Again- Megadeth-

Almost 2 months later…

Until this past month, the resemblance between my brother Ethan and me never struck me as profound. But now, as Grace meticulously styles our hair to match, I can’t help but notice how uncannily alike we appear. Even Conrad, our younger brother, has taken to wanting his hair cut like mine, hoping to blur the lines further.

Grace has gone to great lengths, purchasing a special line of Omega scent-killing soap for us to use, all in an effort to mask our individual scents. She’s determined to ensure that from a distance, even someone as discerning as Conrad might mistake one of us for the other.

Mom’s warm smile reflects both pride and amusement as she steps back to admire her handiwork. With a gentle touch, she perfects the last details, making sure that every strand of our hair falls just so. Standing before her, Ethan, Conrad, and I are like mirror images, with only slight variations in build distinguishing us from one another.

Her words linger in the air, spoken with a mixture of maternal affection and a touch of marvel. “If I wasn’t your mother, I would have a hard time telling the three of you apart just by looking into your eyes.” Other than Conrad being lighter built than Ethan and me, the similarities are almost eerie.

Mom’s warm presence envelops me as she leans in close, her nose brushing against Grace’s throat, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Your heat is almost here,” she murmurs, her words carrying both excitement and trepidation. The anticipation of what’s coming sends shivers down my spine.

Grace meets my gaze, then nods, her resolve shining through. “It’s time,” she declares, her bravery clear as she prepares to act as bait for her dangerous ex and the missing elder.

Now it’s my turn. Mom guides me to a chair, her touch steady and reassuring. We had planned this last night—to shave my head and assume the role of Ethan, venturing beyond pack lands. The low buzz of the clippers fills the air, setting my nerves on edge as Mom approaches with them. The initial contact against my scalp nearly startles me, but I steel myself, knowing the importance of this disguise.

Ethan and Grace draw nearer, my brother holding a straight razor he typically uses on his own head. “My cut and a long-sleeved shirt are laid out on the bed, the ones I wore before the shower,” Ethan reminds me, his voice steady and reassuring. “And don’t forget your jeans, boots, rings, and fingerless gloves—all essential for maintaining the illusion.”

As each lock of hair falls to the ground, I can sense Grace struggling to contain her emotions. The challenge now is to pull off a convincing farewell between Ethan and Grace. Thankfully, our bond allows my brother to guide me through the motions, ensuring that our performance is flawless.

As soon as Mom finishes with the clippers, Ethan steps forward, holding the straight razor with a determined grip. “In some sense, I feel this is unnecessary,” he remarks, his voice steady but tinged with an underlying tension. “But then again, we don’t know who in our pack may be leaking information to the rogues.”

I watch him closely as he speaks, noticing the subtle signs of strain that he tries to conceal. There’s a faint twitch in the corner of his right eye, a giveaway to the turmoil he’s grappling with internally.

“You did good hiding the accent,” he continues, his tone attempting nonchalance. “Just think that most of the beings aren’t worth your time speaking to them, and you’ll be able to impersonate me.”

His words draw a smirk from me as I feel the cold steel of the razor gliding over my scalp. My brother’s touch is gentle yet purposeful as he runs the razor over my head, leaving behind smooth skin. I can feel the coolness of the oil he applies, the scent familiar from countless times he’s groomed himself. Ethan’s fingers, skilled and precise, trace the lines of his tattoos onto my skin, each stroke a reflection of his own artistry.

My gaze stays lowered as Ethan works, my attention drawn to the intricate designs taking shape on my neck. Grace’s presence lingers in the air, her essence palpable despite her physical absence. I glance up briefly, catching sight of her standing nearby, her eyes betraying a mix of emotions.

“Grace’s part is perhaps the easiest to portray,” Ethan remarks, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “She just has to say goodbye to you like she would to me.” His words resonate within me as he continues, his instructions painting a vivid picture of the woman I love. I can almost feel Grace’s presence, her warmth, and intensity enveloping me.

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