Page 2 of Alpha's Claim

Colt groaned. It was obvious his brothers had been talking, plotting behind his back, but they might not be wrong. The idea sent a jolt through Colt's body, his wolf perking up with interest. He'd been mulling over the same thought for weeks now but hearing it from Landon and Bryce made it feel more tangible, more possible.

"It's not a terrible idea," Colt conceded, his voice rough with suppressed emotion. "Someone who knows ranching, knows this place and this pack. Someone who could understand the burden of leadership, who could stand as mistress to the pack."

Bryce's eyes lit up. "Exactly! So why haven't you done it yet?"

Colt's shoulders slumped slightly, the weariness of his responsibilities settling over him like a heavy cloak. "Honestly? By the time I finish my duties each day, the idea of approaching our formidable elder females is more than I can stomach."

The sun had begun to paint the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the ranch. Colt's gaze swept over the land he loved, the territory he'd sworn to protect. His voice softened, tinged with a rare vulnerability. "But soon. One of these days, I'm going to do it. Because this... this loneliness... it's starting to wear on me. More than I care to admit."

The acrid scent of sweat mingled with the earthy aroma of hay as Colt hefted another bale onto the flatbed. Muscles rippled beneath his sweat-dampened shirt, the fabric clinging to his broad shoulders. The relentless Texas sun beat down, turning the air shimmery with heat waves that danced across the dusty ranch yard.

Thinking to change the subject, Colt asked, “Did Jake actually propose to Sarah last night or just have his way with her?"

“According to Etta,” Bryce remarked as he paused to wipe his brow, "he had a ring and even got down on one knee.”

“About damn time, if you ask me," said Landon.

“If anyone knows, it would be Etta,” offered Bryce.

Colt grunted, his mind elsewhere as he surveyed the vast expanse of the Copper Canyon Ranch. Rolling hills of sunbaked grass stretched to the horizon, broken only by the jagged silhouette of distant mountains. A hawk's cry pierced the air, reminding him of the wildness that lurked beyond the fences.

"Yeah," he finally responded, his voice a low rumble. "Good for them."

As he turned back to the task at hand, Colt's gaze lingered on the empty porch of the main house. For a moment, he couldalmost picture a feminine figure there, welcoming him home after a long day's work. The image dissolved as quickly as it had formed, leaving behind a hollow ache in his chest.

Shaking off the unwelcome thoughts, Colt refocused on loading hay. The monotonous work usually soothed him, but today it left him restless. He found himself acutely aware of every scent carried on the breeze, every subtle shift in the air around him. His wolf prowled beneath the surface, sensing something his human mind couldn't quite grasp.

"You all right there, big brother?" Bryce's concerned voice cut through Colt's musings. "You seem distracted today."

Colt paused, considering his words carefully. "Just got a lot on my mind," he replied, not meeting Bryce's gaze. "Pack business, you know how it is."

Bryce nodded, but Colt could feel both of his brothers’ sharp eyes studying him. He braced himself for the inevitable probing questions, but Bryce merely shrugged and returned to work.

As they labored in companionable silence, Colt's thoughts drifted once more. The ranch stretched out before him, a kingdom of sorts, yet the crown of leadership had never felt heavier. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming—something that would upend the careful balance he'd fought so hard to maintain.

Bryce's voice broke through Colt's reverie once more, this time with a teasing lilt. "You know, all this brooding might be solved if you'd just settle down with a nice she-wolf.”

Colt whirled around, growling, his muscles tensing as he hefted another bale onto the truck. "That's not exactly a priority right now, Bryce."

His words had come out harsher than intended. But his brothers’ words struck a chord deep within Colt, stirring up emotions he'd long suppressed. He paused, leaning against thetruck as he gazed out toward the horizon again. She was out there somewhere, wasn’t she?

"My happiness isn't what matters," Colt continued quietly, his voice low and controlled. "The pack comes first. Always."

Bryce stepped closer, his expression softening. "The pack needs a strong Alpha pair, Colt. You've done an amazing job, but even you can't do it all alone forever."

Colt closed his eyes briefly, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability. The loneliness that had been gnawing at him for months surged to the surface, threatening to overwhelm him. He imagined warm arms wrapping around him, soft lips pressed against his neck, the comforting presence of a true partner by his side.

"That’s what I have you two idiots for," he said trying to lighten the mood. “But I do know. Believe me, I know.”

Frustration simmered just beneath his controlled exterior. He turned away, his gaze sweeping over the corral where their horses grazed peacefully. The simplicity of their existence stirred a deep envy within him.

"I hate to admit it, but involving the elders is a bit more daunting than I want to take on most days," he admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the ranch. Colt felt the day's weariness settle into his muscles, a familiar ache that never truly left him.

Chapter

Two

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