Page 24 of Claiming Her Alpha

“C’mon. Let’s make sure we don’t welcome our new wolf into a dusty old closet.”

Sean followed him out of the gym and towards the Nest.

“Look, I appreciate you standing up for me but don’t get into a fight with anyone because of me.”

“Sorry.”

“I know you have a big heart, but some things just don’t need recognition. The loudest man on the field isn’t always the strongest.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Now, are you ready to fight with your little brother by your side?”

“Oh fuck no! Don’t get me wrong, I love Devon but having him around me twenty-four hours a day is not one of my dreams.”

“Don’t tell me that,” Ryker laughed. “I might schedule you two to go on patrols together.”

“Please don’t make me do that! I’ll do anything!.”

It was tradition for every wolf to join the warriors for at least a year before they got the choice of staying a warrior or working for the pack. Depending on their skills, it was sometimes decided for them. Some men, like Devon, joined as soon as their wolves were united with them. Other wolves waited until they became of age.

Once the sun replaced the moon high in the sky, Ryker stood beside his alpha before the two new wolves that had joined their pack. Behind them, their fathers stood amongst the warriors, nothing but pride radiating off them.

Alpha Vallerian’s voice cut through his mind as he welcomed them. ‘Last night, Isis blessed you with your wolves. Tonight will be the night you will become part of the Blood Wolves. Tonight, you will strengthen not just our blood line, but the pack you swear to protect with your lives.’

As tradition dictated, Alpha Vallerian stepped forward and sank his claws deep into the shoulder of each new wolf. Blood began to drop down their fur as their flesh tore apart but neither of the young wolves flinched. It would’ve been a sign of weakness and weakness was not tolerated by their alpha.

Turning his back to the young wolves, Alpha Vallerian led them to the blood line. Gabriel and Ryker backed each of them. Leaving their fathers behind was a symbol for leaving their parental nest and joining the pack as wolves.

As they walked the blood line, Alpha Vallerian stopped occasionally to reopen the wounds so they could cover the entire circle. Other packs thought it was cruel to do such a thing, but the tradition had proven to strengthen both the pack and the warriors.

Though their territory wasn’t large, it still took them a few hours to walk it. The young wolves weren’t used to such distance yet and of course the blood loss weakened them. While Devon followed Ryker to the Nest, Gabriel took the younger wolf back to his family. They both shifted and walked into the living room, where Sean was awaiting his little brother’s arrival.

With a proud smile and love radiating from his eyes, Sean pulled Devon into a hug. “Welcome to manhood, little wolf.”

“Thank you.”

“He did well,” Ryker praised his new warrior.

“Tomorrow, hell starts for you,” Sean laughed and tugged Devon to the kitchen. “Let’s feed you so you can get some rest.”

“And here I thought I escaped Mother.”

“Just wait till tomorrow when I beat the shit out of you.”

Ryker listened to the two of them bickering as he walked back to his room. Though all he wanted was a shower, he was too exhausted–both physically and mentally–to do so. It only got worse when he walked into his room, hit with Kendra’s scent.

Drained to the core, Ryker let himself fall into his bed. He didn’t want to fall asleep knowing his dreams would take him back to Kendra, but at the same time he knew he needed the rest. He pushed his arm under the pillow to get comfortable, confused when a sheet of paper crunched under his hand. He pulled it out, tears filling his eyes when he realised what it was.

Ryker,

I’m sorry for how we met, but some things happen for a reason and Isis never gives us a task we can’t handle. Though I’m not sure why she needs us to be separated, one thing I do know is it is to help us grow stronger. I’ll remember you for the rest of my life and I pray to Her that she will reunite us once more when we are as strong as she needs us to be. Please know I’ll never regret meeting you, nor will I ever forget the kindness you have shown me.

I’m yours until we meet again, even if that means we meet before Her.

Kendra.

Tears poured down his cheeks and he quickly set the letter aside, not wanting to ruin it with his waterfalls. This little piece of paper was now his most prized possession, besides knowing that she was his.

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