Page 1 of Alpha's Claim

Chapter

One

COLT

The searing Texas sun beat down on Colt Savage's broad shoulders as he hefted another hay bale onto the flatbed truck. Sweat glistened on his tanned skin, muscles rippling with each powerful movement. The scent of dust and sage hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of livestock that permeated the Copper Canyon Ranch.

"Looks like Jake finally sealed the deal with Sarah," Colt's brother, Landon, remarked casually as he tossed up another bale. "Caught 'em sneaking out of the barn this morning, grinning like fools."

Colt grunted, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. Jake was one of their best hands, but one Colt had admonished more than once about playing with the feelings of the pack’s she-wolves. "About damn time. Thought I was gonna have to lock him in a room with her so she could beat some sense into him."

As alpha of the pack, Colt took pride in the happiness of his people. Yet a familiar ache settled in his chest, one he tried to ignore. He breathed deeply, savoring the crisp mountain air that carried whispers of wildflowers and pine from the distant peaks.

"Speaking of sealing deals," Landon continued, his tone light but probing, "any thoughts on...”

"Don't start," Colt cut him off, his voice a low rumble. He squinted against the harsh sunlight, scanning the sprawling ranch that had been his family's legacy for generations. The weight of the responsibilities he carried were as tangible as the hay bale in his arms.

Landon held up his hands in surrender. "Just saying, brother. Might do you some good to think about it."

Colt's jaw clenched. He did think about it. More than he cared to admit. But finding a mate wasn't as simple as choosing a prize bull for breeding. It required a connection, a spark that had so far eluded him.

The brothers worked in companionable silence for a while, the only sounds the creak of the truck's suspension and the distant lowing of cattle. Colt's mind wandered, imagining what it might be like to share this life with someone. To have a partner by his side, someone to confide in, to cherish.

"You ever wonder," Colt found himself saying, his voice softer than usual, "if there's someone out there? Someone meant for us—you know a mate meant for each of us?"

Landon paused, surprise flickering across his features. "Damn and here I was thinking we might get into something kinky.” Colt snorted, finding his younger brother more annoying than usual. “Seriously, though, I do. You thinking of looking beyond the pack?"

Colt shrugged, uncomfortable with the vulnerability of the moment. "Maybe. Might be good for the bloodline. Form some new alliances."

"I’m not sure strengthening or improving the bloodline is something I’d want to lead with. But it’s not a bad idea," Landon mused. "Could ask the elders to put out some feelers."

Colt groaned, already regretting opening up. The last thing he needed was the elders poking their noses in his privatebusiness. Squaring his shoulders, he pushed the longing back down where it belonged. "Yeah, maybe. We'll see."

As they finished loading the hay bales, Colt's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the rugged mountains met the endless sky. Somewhere out there, his future was waiting. But for now, he had a pack to lead and a ranch to run. Everything else would have to wait.

Having ridden up to join them, the youngest Savage brother, Bryce, dismounted and leaned against a weathered fence post, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, big brother, I’m assuming you heard Jake finally got his head out of his ass where Sarah was concerned. Which brings me to the question, when are you gonna settle down and choose yourself a mate? The pack's been wondering."

The question hit Colt like a sucker punch, stirring a familiar ache in his chest. He kept his expression neutral, focusing on tightening down the load of hay. "Pack's got more important things to worry about than my love life," he growled.

Bryce chuckled, undeterred. "Come on, Colt. You've been running this place like a well-oiled machine since you became Alpha. The ranch is thriving, the pack's safe. Maybe it's time to think about yourself for once."

Colt's jaw clenched. He could feel his brothers’ eyes on him, probing. "It's not that simple," he muttered, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

"Isn't it?" Landon pressed. "You spend every waking moment taking care of everyone else. Making sure the fences are mended, the cattle and horses are healthy, the pack is protected. When's the last time you did something for you?"

The truth of his brother’s words stung. Colt straightened, wiping his hands on his worn jeans. The scent of sage and sunbaked earth filled his nostrils, a reminder of all he was responsible for.

"That's what being Alpha means," he said, his voice low and controlled. "The pack comes first. Always."

But even as he spoke, a wave of loneliness washed over him. He thought of the empty bed waiting for him each night, the silence that greeted him each morning. His wolf grumbled softly within him, yearning for a companion, a partner to share this life with.

"I know that look," Landon said softly. "You want a mate, don't you? Someone to stand beside you, to share the burden."

Colt turned away, unable to meet his brother's knowing gaze. "Wanting and having are two different things," he murmured, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the ranch. The wind whispered through the tall grass, carrying with it the promise of something just beyond reach.

Colt sighed, running a hand through his dark, windswept hair. "There's nobody here that interests me," he admitted gruffly, his piercing eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "My mate... she's out there somewhere. But I can't just up and leave to go looking. The pack needs me here."

Bryce shook his head slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You know, I've been thinking. What if you asked a couple of the elder women to find you a mate? Someone from another pack, maybe. It could bring fresh blood to our line, strengthen our alliances."

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