Page 63 of Alpha Scorned

I nodded. “Maybe, but it didn’t do this pack much good.”

“It did. You saved many lives, including Shane’s from what he said. Though Shane is what we need to talk about now.” He nodded at Balthazar. “Perhaps it will be better if you explain, Count.”

Balthazar inclined his chin. “Of course. The Made vampires who caused all of this are trying to weaken me by either killing or frightening off my allies. If my position in the United Kingdom and Europe is weakened, then so too is the Vampire King’s. The Mades were hoping to kill off Connor’s Beta and annihilate a whole pack to prove that all shifters are at risk if you continue to ally with me.”

I frowned. “But surely they must realise that killing a whole community of shifters will only result in us hunting them down and reinforcing our bond with you, not destroying it?”

Balthazar’s mouth twisted, derision in his features. “This particular sect of Made vampires are zealots in their belief that they are entitled to take the vampire throne. To destroy me they will go after everyone Connor cares about until he severs ties with me.”

I remained quiet, wondering what Connor had to say about that. I didn’t imagine he was too happy about his mate and children being threatened. He’d kill anyone who tried to harm a hair on their heads.

“These Mades are an interesting breed. They are not as weak as true Made vampires, but they are also not Originals, the pure breds vampires of our race. They stink of rot, but conversely also of power. It’s a strange combination that I have not come across before.” Balthazar’s strangely pale eyes glinted with red indicating an underlying fury that made me tense. He was pissed. Majorly pissed. And it showed through his usual calm demeanor. That wasn’t good. Not for the supernatural community as a whole. Balthazar was ancient, and far more powerful than he let anyone see. And a pissed off, powerful, ancient supernatural usually meant death, not just for his enemies, but for anyone who got in his way.

Balthazar made eye contact with all of us. “When they drank from Shane they left behind some of their rot infected saliva. It’s changing him from the inside out.”

My brows dipped. “What does that mean?”

He met my eyes. “I think he’s becoming some kind of a vampire-shifter hybrid. And I have no idea what that means, for him or for us.” He looked directly at Connor. “I think it best if he comes with me. I can observe him, and maybe try and find him a cure to whatever madness this is that has infected him.” He held Connor’s gaze. “Newly made vampires eventually suffer from bloodlust when they fully transition from human to vampire. In Originals it happens in their mid twenties to thirties, and locks in their immortality. It is best that he is with me when that happens. SOmetimes it can drive the younglings mad. If I can calm his reactions, I will. But he is an unknown, and his strength makes him unpredictable and dangerous. If I cannot control him he will need to be ended.”

Connor locked eyes with Balthazar. “I will allow you to care for him, but he is still one of mine, Balthazar. If he turns and the bloodlust grips him too hard, then you will call me. Do not kill him. I will at least give him the respect of a death at my hand, if that is what’s called for.”

Something like respect flashed across Balthazar’s face. “I understand. And I promise to call you should the need arise for such a measure. Until then consider him under my protection.”

“Good.” Connor sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “That leaves the position of Alpha here open.” His gaze slid over all of us at the table.

My stomach iced over. It hadn’t even occurred to me that someone would need to take over the position of Alpha of the Canadian pack. Selina and Devon were mine now, my family, but we’d discussed what we should do and Lina had wanted to come home with me to Scotland. She was talking to Becca this morning about giving her business over to her best friend. I knew she’d miss Becca, but she had expressed her wish to live by the ocean, and nothing made me happier than to give my mate what she wanted. Was Connor about to take that away from me, along with my Beta position?

I swallowed the bitter taste in my mouth and kept my chin up and my gaze on his face.

“I have no desire to open the position to a round of challengers from this pack. They’ve already lost too many strong alphas.” He looked at me. “Owen. You are best placed to lead this pack.” My heart literally sank, along with the kernel of happiness that had been glowing in my chest. My first day back in my position as Beta and I was about to disappoint my new mate and take away her dream.

“But you are still my Beta. I need you by my side.” Connor speared Rawson with his gaze. To his credit, Rawson didn’t let any of his emotions show. His face was stone. “Rawson. I am declaring your challenge null and void. I need Owen, and you need direction, a new purpose.”

“Connor, don’t,” Rawson rumbled, his eyes flashing with pain. “If you order me to stay here, you will take the last remaining family I have away from me.”

Connor swallowed, his lips tight. His hands remained relaxed but the tension in his body gave away how much Rawson's words affected him.

“No, Rawson, I won’t. We will always be here for you, whenever you need us. But it isn’t us you need right now. It’s something beyond what we can give you. You wanted a purpose to your life, and this is it.” Connor stood, and we all followed. He coughed to clear the thickness from his throat. “Brothers, meet the new Alpha of the Canadian pack.”

Rawson stared at Connor, a mixture of anger and utter betrayal flitting across his face. Then he looked at me. I stared right back. I wasn’t going to drop my gaze for him, pack Alpha or not. “Looks like you get to keep your position, brother.”

“It seems I do.” But I felt no triumph. Despite his challenge, Rawson was one of my brothers, and I’d miss the hell out of him. I hated the fact that he’d be so far from the rest of us. And even though Connor had basically just ordered the male who’d raised him to take the position, I could see he felt the same. I wondered at Connor’s reasons, though I would never question them. Rawsonwouldmake a solid pack Alpha.

“Rawson, you hang here, we need to talk. Owen, as my Beta, I’m leaving you here to help clean this pack up alongside Rawson. I am leaving for home today. I’ve been away from my family for too long, and need to check the security around them. B’nar?”

The fae prince raised his head. “Yes, Prime?”

“How long do you have before you return to Faerie?”

“I must return to ensure Blue is safely prepared for her slumber in three days.”

Connor nodded, though B’nar’s words were a stark reminder of the demon poison that still threatened Ember’s best friend’s life. “Will you return for Owen and his family before then?”

B’nar cocked his head, the jewel on his head shining brightly. “Of course.”

I smiled. “Thanks, B’nar.”

He nodded.

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