Page 41 of Claiming Her Alpha

“I’m actually speaking as his true heir, though I understand that is unusual.”

“Let’s add a lie to the long lists of insults, shall we?”

“My father wasn’t lying. As my wolf only united with me during the last Moondance without my pack present, my father didn’t know about her. I myself still had to figure out what had happened when I came to visit your pack. I never intended to lie, but I chose not to present my wolf to anyone–not even family. I hope you understand the special circumstance and hope you can forgive me.”

“That doesn’t excuse your brother disrespecting us.”

“No it doesn’t, and I truly wish I could change his behaviour. Jenevea is in our care as of last night. I thought you or her family would like to know that she is safe and will be in our care until she chooses differently. I deeply regret what has happened, but now that she is carrying my niece, I consider her my family.”

“So, you approve of what they’ve done?”

“I don’t, though I believe a child shouldn’t pay for mistakes made by their parents.”

“What will be your brother’s punishment?”

“When Jenevea came to our gates last night, Kent wanted to send her away. I didn’t approve and neither did my wolf. We showed ourselves and with that set the path to take our rightful place. My brother, though the first-born son, will no longer take my father’s place as alpha.”

There was a long pause in which Kendra hoped Alpha Finlay wouldn’t notice her rapidly racing heartbeat.

“I accept your punishment for him. He will no longer be welcomed on our land; he will no longer exist for us as he has brought great shame upon our pack.”

“And I accept that. I do hope we can overcome the actions my brother has done, so our packs may grow the bond further that my father tried to plant during our visit.”

“A tree does not grow overnight.”

“It doesn’t, but I do hope we can look back at that growing tree in many years.”

“We shall see.” Then the call disconnected.

She set the phone aside, her hands slightly shaking. Her body had tensed without her paying much attention to it and now her muscles slowly eased.

“I believe we’ve made the first of many steps,” her father said.

Avery’s proud smile beamed down at her. “I believe so too, Alpha.”

“Now we should tell the rest of the family and the pack. They don’t deserve to be kept in the dark any longer.”

Chapter Twelve

Ryker woke up, reaching for Kendra who had just been laying in his arms. And like every morning for the last five months, his heart shattered. He’d hoped by now he would’ve gotten used to it, but he hadn’t. He took a few moments to sort his feelings and glue the pieces back together before dragging himself out of bed.

Today was Sunday and the day he’d promised to go fishing with Adam and Gabriel. He got dressed and packed a bag before heading over to his beta’s house. Adrianna greeted him with a smile and a plate loaded with pancakes and maple syrup.

“You came!” Adam chirped as he hugged Ryker’s waist.

Adam had just turned seven and was like a nephew to Ryker. “I said I would, didn’t I?”

“You did.”

“Now tell me where your father is hiding. Or should we just leave him behind and go alone?”

“Oh! Alpha Vallerian wanted to talk to him.”

“I think that’s a valid excuse, more time for us to eat pancakes.”

“Do you think we’ll catch some fish today?”

“I sure hope you three do,” Adrianna laughed. “I’ve prepared everything to cook a fish supper tonight.”

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