Page 8 of The Alpha's Fated Destiny

His words do make sense, but I look in the direction of Alex, who's standing in the distance, his arms folded across his chest, a displeased expression on his face. This is not about trying to stroke my mate's ego. It’s about the fact that he was the Alpha for so long and he fought for his pack. He deserves to remain the Alpha. I'm going to make sure he retains that position.

“Alex doesn’t need anybody to speak for him,” I begin, tightly. “But his entire pack will be moving to the South Alliance. He’s the Alpha. Even if I decide to seize Noah Black's territory and his pack, at the end of the day, the Moonrise Wolf pack has its own Alpha. I am simply the mate to that person.”

Brian looks uneasy. "This is just the way things are, Sophia. You cannot interfere with the order of politics. And Alex Stone's pack will still be under his leadership. However, in the grand scheme of things, you are the Queen of the South Alliances. That is not a title to be taken lightly. Even if Karina were to take a mate from any of the Alphas from within her alliance, in essence, she would be swallowing up that individual's territory. And to be a consort is not an insult. Your mate will have as much power as you grant him. You want him to lead your pack. That is your right. However, you alone will be the one leading all of the packs.”

Some of the tension within me abates. I’m not so foolish as to argue over something just out of stubbornness. I understand Brian’s point of view.

"I understand. You wanted to talk to me about something as well?” I decide to change the topic.

Brian looks relieved. “Karina has been maintaining a pleasant façade ever since you left. But we have been noticing activity within her territory. You will be traveling with us. We will ensure that you reach the border to the South safely.”

“I see. I've no problem with that. What you said about Noah's territory…what if I don't want it?"

Brian smiles and then gestures with his eyes to something behind me. "I believe your consort will tell you why it is necessary to absorb Alpha Black's territory and title.”

That’s when I realize that Alex has quietly snuck up behind me.

When Brian leaves, I turn to face my mate.

"While I appreciate what you're trying to do, Sophia," Alex says, steadily, "I don't need you to speak on my behalf."

"I wasn't doing that," I mutter.

"Yes, you were."

However, he doesn't look upset. "I know you're concerned, but I'm not a child. I will still fight against Karina, whether or not I have the title of Alpha. My people are still mine, or ours, now. These are not battles you need to worry about."

"Don't tell me not to worry about you." I frown. "That's my job as your mate."

Alex gives me a helpless look that includes both affection and amusement. "As much as I love having you in my corner, you have bigger problems to deal with. And I'm going to have my hands full helping you manage the South."

My lips curve slightly. "Help me manage? You’re doing all the work."

My mate shrugs. "Tomato, tohmato."

I search his gaze. "You really don't have a problem with this power imbalance? I'm not blind, Alex."

He's quiet for a moment, and then he takes me in his arms. "It did sting. I won't lie and say that it didn't. But you and I have overcome so many odds, Sophia. This is just one of them. What's important is that we are together and that I love you."

My smile broadens as I link my fingers behind his neck. "I love you too."

When he kisses me, my toes curl, my heart skipping a beat.

His hands come to settle around my waist, and the possessive grip has me tightening my legs around him. What started off as a gentle kiss, ends up with me being pressed against the pillar behind us, both of us losing our self-control.

I'm wearing a pair of jeans but I can feel his claws digging into the fabric, ready to rip them off me, when I hear someone cough. Both our heads whip to the side and my face flushes when I see Dorian Greyhound standing at the other end of the hallway. He looks equally embarrassed.

"I didn't mean to interrupt…" he begins.

Alex lowers me to the ground, pushing me behind him, his voice a scratchy growl. "What is it?"

Dorian glances at me, but I'm too busy adjusting my rumpled clothing to pay him any attention. "We got word from your men. They've reached the border. Also, the Central Alliance representatives have left. The leaders of the South are leaving tonight. I will escort you to the meeting place."

"How are we going to transfer my mother?" I step out from behind Alex, trying to calm my raging heart.

"I'll carry her," Alex tells me. "There's a way to carry sick or injured wolves. Dorian has the equipment available. There’s a chance of her falling while we’re carrying her so we have to strap her to my back."

Dorian nods. "I'll get everything ready. We have a few hours till sundown and then we move."

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