Page 6 of Alpha’s Fake Marriage

I didn’t know if I could risk it.

What if he saw me differently, viewed me through the lens of my troubled history? Would he still look at me with the same warmth and affection, or would I become nothing more than a burden, a reminder of the darkness that lurked within my past?

The thought of facing his rejection was almost too much to bear, a cold knot of dread that coiled tightly in the pit of my stomach. And so, I pushed the idea aside, burying it beneath layers of uncertainty and fear.

For now, I would keep my secrets close, guarding them fiercely against the prying eyes of the world. It was a lonely path to tread, fraught with uncertainty and doubt, but it was a burden I would bear alone if it meant protecting those I held dear.

FOUR

OCTAVIO

The crisp mountain air greeted me as I stepped onto the porch of the World Walker’s cabin, the scent of pine mingling with the faint aroma of wood smoke. The towering trees cast long shadows across the forest floor, a silent sentinel standing watch over our secluded sanctuary.

Inside, the warmth of the fire beckoned, casting a soft glow that illuminated the faces of my pack mates gathered around the rough-hewn table. Their expressions ranged from solemn to curious, each eager to share the latest news from the world beyond our mountain refuge.

Taking my seat at the head of the table, I leaned forward, my gaze sweeping over the familiar faces of my pack. “All right, everyone, let’s get started. What have we learned from our contacts in the area?”

Carolyn, ever the vigilant Beta, spoke first, her voice steady and unwavering. “I’ve been keeping an eye on the local gym scene, talking to some of the other fighters who come through. There’s been some rumblings about increased hunter activity down in the valley. Seems like they’re getting bolder, more organized, which is most definitely something we need to be aware of.”

I nodded, filing away the information for future reference. “Thanks, Carolyn. Keep monitoring the situation, but don’t engage unless absolutely necessary.”

Next to speak was Mike, his brow furrowed in concern. “I’ve been digging into some financial records, trying to track any unusual activity surrounding Brian and his possible links to the Bratva because of the Ring of Rasputin. Nothing concrete yet, but there’s definitely something brewing beneath the surface.”

“It’s been a troubling development,” I agreed, my voice grave. “Brian’s actions were a clear violation of our laws and principles. Using dark magic to manipulate other wolves and threatening innocent wolf blood children is completely unacceptable. But since he is a Blackpaw, all we can do for the moment is trust James and keep an eye on things from a distance. Thank you, Mike. If we have anything concrete to go on, I can always make sure James understands how dangerous things have become.”

Carolyn’s jaw tightened, her fists clenched in anger. “He should have been cast out the moment he used that cursed ring,” she declared, her voice tinged with frustration. “There’s no place for someone like him in our town, let alone as an Omega for the Blackpaws.”

I nodded in agreement, the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders. I might have handled things differently, but this wasn’t an issue that I personally was faced with. “I couldn’t agree more, Carolyn. But unfortunately, the situation is more complicated than that. James has his reasons for keeping Brian around, at least for now. We have to trust him,Itrust him.”

Mike’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But how can he justify letting someone like Brian stay, knowing the danger he poses to our community?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “James believes that by keeping a close eye on Brian, they canminimize the threat he poses. Whether or not that’s a wise decision remains to be seen.”

As the conversation continued, a sense of unease settled over me like a shroud. Brian’s actions had unsettled the delicate balance of power within our community, leaving us all on edge as we grappled with the implications of his betrayal. Half listening in, my mind wandered to the unsettling phenomenon that had begun to infiltrate our community: the emergence of strange magical objects and elements. They were like whispers of a forgotten past, mysterious artifacts that seemed to defy explanation.

I furrowed my brow, trying to make sense of the enigmatic occurrences. What were these objects, and where had they come from? More importantly, what did they signify for our future?

The Ring of Rasputin was just the beginning—a mere glimpse into a world of ancient power and mysticism that lay beyond our understanding. There were whispers of other artifacts, whispers that hinted at untold secrets and hidden truths waiting to be unearthed. I didn’t want them to be unearthed. Not after seeing what they could do.

But as I pondered the implications of these mysterious artifacts, a sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. Whatever their origin, one thing was clear: they represented a force beyond our control, a force that could either be a boon or a bane to our community.

I shook my head, banishing the thoughts from my mind for the time being. Dwelling on the unknown would only lead to more questions and fewer answers. For now, all I could do was remain vigilant, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and determination. The responsibility weighed heavily on my shoulders, but I knew I couldn’t afford to falter. Our community relied on us—on me—to protect them from whatever threats lurked in the shadows.

“Why is he still here?” The words escaped my lips before I could stop them, sharp and accusatory. My pack mates glanced at each other, their expressions troubled. They didn’t have an answer, and in truth, neither did I.

I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud. Not when I had just shown support for James, but I couldn’t help it.

Brian’s betrayal had cut deep, leaving scars that marred the fragile fabric of our trust. He had chosen his own desires over the welfare of our pack, siding with our enemies when he should have stood with us. And yet, despite his treachery, the Blackpaws had not cast him out.

“It doesn’t make sense,” I continued, frustration seeping into my voice. “He’s a liability, a threat to everything we’ve worked for. Why keep him around?”

Silence greeted my words, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. My pack mates shifted uncomfortably, their eyes avoiding mine. They felt the weight of my doubts, the uncertainty that clouded our path forward.

“We must tread carefully,” Mike replied, with a heavy heart. “The peace treaties hang by a thread as it is. We cannot afford to make any sudden moves.”

I knew they were right, of course. We were bound by the treaties, by the fragile web of alliances that held our world together. But still, the doubts lingered, a shadow that refused to be dispelled.

As the discussion about Brian’s presence among us continued, accidentally fueled by me, my mind drifted, pulled by thoughts of Irina. Her image danced in the recesses of my mind, a flickering flame that refused to be extinguished. Despite the gravity of our conversation, I found myself unable to shake the distraction she posed.

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