Page 14 of The Alpha Wolf's Bullied Bride

I may not be the firstborn of the Lycoan family, but it’s still Alpha blood that runs through these veins that suddenly pulse with awareness. I glance down at the town below and decide that the pulsing must be caused by the warm air in Zafra.

Not because of my racing thoughts about Lila, of course. That would be crazy!

I didn’t realize how much I’d been missing home until we returned to Zafra. With its picturesque gardens and vintage buildings spread around, it’s no wonder that Blood Moon has been self-sufficient for most of its existence. When our forefathers first settled in the small town many generations ago, they knew that with natural springs and fertile land, we’d never have to partake in the system created by mankind.

We’d never even needed the aid of other werewolf packs in the Oklahoma region. When the Blood War broke out in the 1700s, the neighboring packs had become sworn enemies. My brother, Finch, had attempted to grow relations with the other packs, but he’d failed and lost his life.

Now, with the unknown threat on werewolf packs in the vicinity, we’ll be forced to form alliances with our neighbors. Ibegrudgingly grunt under my breath, wondering what the fate of Blood Moon will be once this happens.

“You’re back already,” Father calls from behind, prompting me to turn on the balcony and set forward into the study.

“Yes, Father,” I dip my head in a curt bow. “We thought we might come home a little earlier. To surprise everyone.”

“Well, your mother will surely be surprised,” my father chuckles as he steps behind his desk. “We were only expecting you later tonight. Have a seat, son.” He gestures to the chair across his desk.

It’s not much for a warm welcome home. I scoff under my breath as I join him at the desk. I don’t know what I was expecting, except that it might have been more than just jumping right into business as my father opens up a binder on his desk.

“The treaty has already been signed by five packs around Oklahoma,” he says, opening up to the last page and pushing the binder across the desk. I lean in, deciding to ignore the looming desire to speak about all that’s happened in Ouachita. Father doesn’t seem interested to hear about my time away, filling me with disappointment.

He’s not the only one who hasn’t shown a keen interest in my arrival, and it makes me feel pathetic.

Brushing aside those personal feelings, I read the names on the list, stopping when I stumble upon a familiar name.

“Nightclaw…?” I gasp in horror, lifting wide eyes at my father, who appears oddly calm as he shrugs.

“Yes,” he agrees with a curt nod. “The Nightclaw Pack has a new Alpha, Dorian Walker.”

My heart thuds uncontrollably in my chest as my hands form fists on the table. I can’t believe what I’m hearing or seeing on the signed treaty.

“Father…this can’t be right.” I refuse to believe it, shaking my head fervently. “You know what Dorian did to Finch.”

Father sighs, dropping his head. “His only crime was leaving your brother behind to find help, Flynn.”

I shake my head uncontrollably, anger brewing in my chest. “It’s an unforgivable crime, Father. He could have stayed and fought to save Finch. He could have carried him here, and you know that.”

“Leave the past where it remains, Flynn. We have greater concerns that need our attention right now.”

As the anger simmers inside, I reach for a pen, huffing through flared nostrils as I’m about to sign on the dotted line beside my name. It’s already printed in bold on the contract, awaiting my signature.

Forget the real cause for the alliance—Dorian Walker is someone I can’t trust. He’s the one who left my brother in the valley and did nothing to save him.

I’ve always had my suspicions that Dorian had something to do with his sudden death. If this is my chance to uncover the truth, I’m determined to get into this alliance as soon as possible.

“Wait, Flynn. You can’t sign yet,” Father stops me.

I look up from the contract and frown. “Why not? My name is already here.”

Father begins to shake his head, regretfully sighing. “Only the Alphas of each pack are meant to sign the treaty. You haven’t stepped into your role yet, son.”

“I’m ready, Father.”

“Of course you are,” he agrees with a nod. “That’s why I called you back. It’s time you took your place as the Alpha of this pack. But some traditions must be fulfilled before you take the title. You will have to perform the rites of the mating ceremony to step into the role of Alpha of this pack.”

I blink in disbelief, even if it’s not something that comes as a surprise. One of Blood Moon’s oldest rules calls for the Alpha-in-line to perform the rites of the mating ceremony before he can be fully considered the Alpha of the pack. It’s a rule set in place to ensure the legacy of the Alpha is continued, while he leads with his female counterpart to serve as the Luna of the pack.

An Alpha isn’t a ruler on his own, the book of Blood Moon, the Grime, suggests.

“I have already spoken to Graig,” Father continues. “Naturally, the Delta’s daughter is a suitable choice as your mate.”

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