Page 18 of Alpha’s Fake Marriage

I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, the lingering fear lurking just beneath the surface. They were worried about the potential risks associated with my relationship with Irina, and I couldn’t fault them for it. But I needed them to understand we were not alone in this fight.

“Even if people show up trying to bring Irina back,” I continued, my voice unwavering, “they won’t stand a chance against us. We’re a long way from Seattle, and there are way more Walkers than a single outsider pack, or even two, can take on. They can either stay away, or they can get thrown out with their asses beaten. Don’t forget, we have the Blackpaws and the Cresent Moons on our side, too. We’ve faced threats before, and we’ve come out on top every time,” I continued, my voice filled with conviction. “And this time will be no different. We’ll face whatever challenges come our way, together, as a pack.”

As I looked around at my pack mates, their faces filled with determination, I felt a swell of pride wash over me. They were more than just my friends—they were my family, my brothers and sisters in arms. And together, there was nothing we couldn’t overcome.

After reassuring my pack mates,I felt a sense of duty to inform the other pack leaders about the situation with Irina and her ties to the Russian mob. James and Jesse were the first ones I sought out, knowing that their support and cooperation would be crucial in navigating the challenges that lay ahead. The peace treaty meant they had to, but I wanted to be sure that they were okay with this.

I needed everyone to be okay with this.

As we gathered in James’ den, the weight of the conversation hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the dangers that lurked just beyond the horizon. I prepared myself to explain the situation to them, laying out the details of Irina’s connection to her father and the potential threats that it posed to our pack.

“James, Jesse,” I greeted them as I entered, my tone serious and determined.

“Octavio, what’s on your mind?” James asked, his expression mirroring my own seriousness.

“I am truly starting to believe that Irina is my mate. But it’s more complex than that.” I sighed heavily. “Irina’s father is Alpha of the Russian Bratva,” I explained, watching their expressions shift from curiosity to concern. “It’s a dangerous situation, and one that we need to be prepared for. Her father, Piotr, has been using Irina as leverage to avoid paying off his debts to the Bratva,” I continued, sparing no detail as I explainedthe extent of Piotr’s involvement. “So she run off. But now she’s worried that her father will come after her.”

James and Jesse exchanged a look, their expressions grim as they considered the implications of Piotr’s actions.

“This changes things,” James remarked, his voice serious. “We need to be prepared for any potential fallout from this.”

Jesse’s brow furrowed in thought as he considered the implications of what I had just shared. “That’s serious business,” he remarked, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation.

I nodded in agreement, knowing that the safety of our pack and our loved ones was at stake. “We need to be vigilant and prepared for any potential threats,” I emphasized, my tone firm and resolute.

James nodded in agreement, his expression solemn. “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect our own,” he declared, his words echoing the sentiments of solidarity that bound us together as leaders. “And if Irina is your mate, then we include her in that. Obviously.”

It was clear that they understood the seriousness of the situation, and I was grateful for their unwavering support.

“We’ll drum up backup for you, Octavio,” James continued, his voice filled with determination. “If anything should happen, we’ll be there to have your back.”

I nodded in agreement, grateful for their offer of support. But even as I accepted their assistance, a sense of caution gnawed at the edges of my mind. We were already walking on thin ice with the Wolves of the Russian mob, and the last thing we needed was to make more enemies.

“Thank you, James, Jesse,” I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. “But let’s try to keep this situation under wraps as much as possible. The last thing we need is to go making more enemies among the Wolves of the Russian mob.”

There was a collective nod of agreement as we reached a consensus, a silent acknowledgment of the delicate balance we were trying to maintain. We would stand by each other in times of need, but we would also tread carefully, mindful of the dangers that lurked just beyond the shadows.

As we parted ways, each returning to our respective packs, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, as allies, as friends, as leaders united in our commitment to protecting our own.

A subtle shiftin the dynamics caught my attention as I navigated the daily responsibilities of leading my pack. Despite the looming threat posed by Irina’s ties to her father and the Russian mob, there was an unspoken consensus among my pack mates that abandoning her was not an option.

I couldn’t help but notice the unwavering support and solidarity they showed, especially as they witnessed firsthand how much Irina was starting to mean to me. It was a testament to the strength of our bond as a pack, a silent acknowledgment of the value we placed on loyalty and compassion.

At no point did anyone suggest abandoning Irina, even as the risks continued to mount. Instead, they rallied around me, offering their unwavering support and reassurance in the face of uncertainty. It was a gesture that touched me deeply, a silent reminder of the depth of their commitment to our pack and to each other.

As I reflected on their unwavering loyalty, I felt a swell of gratitude wash over me. Irina had become more than just a woman I cared about—she was a part of our pack now, and mypack mates recognized the importance of standing by her side, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

As I made my way home in the evenings, Irina always consumed my thoughts, her presence lingering in the air around me like a gentle caress. I couldn’t shake the image of her from my mind; her smile was etched into my memory like a beacon of light in the darkness. With each passing moment, my feelings for her seemed to grow stronger, an unstoppable force that threatened to consume me whole.

Despite the cover-up story we had concocted to protect her, I couldn’t help but wait for the day when our relationship could become more than just a façade. I yearned for the day when I could call her mine without fear or hesitation, when our love could be celebrated openly, without the shadows of secrecy looming over us.

But for now, all I could do was dream, to imagine a future where Irina was by my side, her laughter filling the air with joy and warmth. It was a distant hope, a flickering flame in the darkness, but it was enough to sustain me through the long nights ahead.

ELEVEN

IRINA

It was extremely early in the morning when the familiar doorbell chime echoed through the head shop as another customer stepped inside. I looked up from behind the counter, offering a polite smile as I prepared to assist whoever it was, but the sight that greeted me froze me in place.

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