Page 28 of Tamed By the Alpha Wolf

It was overwhelming. Terrifying.

Exhilarating.

And I was ready to lead.

CHAPTER NINE

ELISE

My paws pounded against the forest floor, kicking up leaves and dirt as I raced through the trees. The moon shone high overhead, bathing the valley in silvery light. Wind rushed through my fur, and my lungs burned with exertion.

But I kept running, pushing myself to the limit. The thrill of the run sang in my blood, my wolf reveling in our newfound power and freedom.

For the first time in months, I was finally happy. Truly happy. There were still challenges ahead, still loose ends to tie up, but for tonight, I could simply enjoy being a wolf.

Nico’s massive black form loped beside me, his silver eyes gleaming. To my right, Rafe’s gray coat blended with the shadows, while Kai and Orion jostled and nipped one another at the rear.

My pack. My family.

We wove through the trees, leaping over fallen logs and splashing through shallow streams. The forest was alive around us, small creatures scurrying out of our path as we thundered past. Every breath filled my lungs with the scents of pine and earth, of pack and home.

We crested a hill, and I skidded to a stop, taking in the view below. The valley stretched out before us, bathed in moonlight. Our pack lands—my lands—dotted with the lights of wolves and humans. And beyond them, the dark outline of the mountains rising against the starry sky.

It was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I tipped my muzzle to the sky and let out a long howl.

This is ours,I told them without words.And I will protect it with my life.

One by one, their answering howls filled the night, a chorus of loyalty and acceptance. Even Nico joined in, his deep voice rumbling through me like thunder.

As our cries faded into the darkness, I turned and began the journey back to our dens. The others fell in behind me, no longer running full-tilt but moving at a steady lope.

The others peeled off as we neared their homes. Kai was the first to go, veering off toward the small cabin he shared with Claire. He bumped his head against my shoulder as he passed—a gesture of respect and affection that made my heart swell.

Orion was next, padding silently toward the den he’d built with Brielle. His bright eyes met mine, and I saw the unwavering loyalty there. He would follow me to hell and back if I asked.

Rafe hesitated as we approached the pack house. I could smell Maddy and Violet inside, their scents a mixture of worry and relief. He looked at me with a question in his eyes.

I nodded, granting him permission to go to his family. Tomorrow, we would deal with the fallout of tonight’s events. But for now, he deserved this moment of peace.

That left just Nico and me, racing through the shadows toward my small cabin at the edge of the territory.

We shifted just before reaching the porch, our human forms emerging in a rush of crackling bones and stretching muscles.I barely had time to catch my breath before Nico was on me, pinning me against the door with his body.

“Alpha,” he growled, the word a caress and a challenge all at once.

And then his mouth was on mine, hot and demanding. I met him with equal fervor, my fingers tangling in his hair as I pulled him closer. Our bodies pressed together, skin on skin, and I reveled in the feel of my mate.

The kiss deepened, grew more heated. Nico’s hands roamed my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I arched into his touch, a low moan escaping my throat.

With a monumental effort, I broke away, gasping for air. “Inside,” I managed to say, fumbling for the doorknob behind me. “Now.”

We stumbled through the door in a tangle of limbs and desperate touches. Nico’s lips found my neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. I tilted my head back, offering better access, but a nagging thought tugged at the edges of my mind.

“Nico...” I dragged the word out and pried my eyelids open. “We need to talk.”

He growled, his wolf prowling behind his eyes. “No. No talking. Not right now.”

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