Page 57 of Claimed By the Feral Wolves

Ezra

The whiskey in my glass is a special batch, made in the capital city with proprietary ingredients and a secret process that only three craftsmen in the world know about. And yet, right now, it tastes like any other whiskey to me.

Because I can’t stop thinking about Faye.

My mind tracks back to that first night here, when Cayson complained about me always getting the good rooms—and it's true. My father may not be the most powerful alpha, but he commands respect. People know how he cares for his pack, and how he always puts their needs first. Which is why I’m often privy to the best rooms.

And this one is no exception. It’s near the top of the castle and has a large window. I have a clear view of the countryside from here. I sit in the window seat, back against the cool stone, one leg swinging down. My fingers curl around the whiskey glass, and I will the coolness to bring me back to my senses.

I don’t need a mate. I don’t want a mate. I did not come to The Selection intending to take an omega—I only wanted to fulfil my duties and return home as fast as possible.

But that was before Faye.

Prior to the dinner tonight, I hadn’t thought much about what life would look like if I actually took Faye as my omega, at least I didn’t consciously think I had, and yet the picture of our life together came to me immediately. A life that includes Cayson, Maverick, and Xander, all three men whom I like. Now, a life with her seems like the most natural, simple scenario. Like my life before her has just been practice, preparation for the moment she finally arrives.

My life before flashes through in a series of memories, and the pain comes, like always, when I think of Katie. But now, it’s muted, like I’m feeling it through a wall, rather than being hit in the face with it. The first day without Katie comes back to my mind, the first full day of my life that I had to live with the knowledge that she was gone, and now, with it, is an even more terrifying thought—that something might happen to Faye.

I push it away. I’d never allow it. There’s no world in which I would allow her to be harmed again, by Kurt or anyone else.

No, our life together would be something special. Faye would always be safe, with four protective men to watch over her, and we would have the gentleness and love we need in our life, all thanks to our little omega. No doubt we’d have many kids together, and she’d be a wonderful mother. Somehow, I can even picture the four of us assholes as good fathers and husbands.

“What a crazy idea,” I say, chuckling to myself.

Me, with a wife, kids, and males to complete my family. No longer remaining apart from the world, mourning the death of someone I can continue to appreciate without putting my life on hold for.

Yes, this is what I want. I want Faye, and the life we’ll all have together.

“And I don’t even feel guilty about it.” I smile, shaking my head.

And… I don’t. This just feels right. It’s not just the correct decision, it’s the only decision I could possibly make from the moment I met Faye.

When my next sip of whiskey comes back dry, I realize the glass is empty, and think that I should probably get to bed for the night. I set the glass next to the sink and start for the bathroom, but there’s a knock on the door.

At first, I think it might be Cayson, here with a bottle of liquor, like usual, ready to toast to Maverick’s little stunt or to talk about what to do with that bastard Kurt. Not that, again, the council would listen to a feral’s word over an alpha’s about the events of tonight. No doubt when Cayson begrudgingly accepts that, he’d move back to Maverick peeing on Kurt’s clothes. He’d been peeved when he discovered I wasn’t exactly jumping and cheering about what Maverick had done. Sure, it was amusing, but I’m not sure it was a good move. Poking Kurt had obviously only managed to piss him off more and put Faye even more in danger.

But when I get close to my door, I realize that the scent isn’t Cayson’s.

What in the hell is he doing here? Something must be wrong.

I open the door to find Lance, the ultima, waiting on the other side. “Good evening,” I say, bowing my head as a sign of respect.

He’s still in formal clothes, even this late at night. His blond hair is neatly styled. Power flows from him in a way that’s always uncomfortable to be around.

He clears his throat and returns the greeting, his face grave. “Hello, Ezra, may I come in?”

“Of course.”

I let him in immediately, glad that I keep my room tidy. It’s constantly ready for surprise visitors. I picture Cayson’s room and its ever-constant state of disarray, despite the housekeeper’sbest efforts. If Lance visited him in the middle of the night, he would be in for a big surprise.

“Thank you for receiving me,” Lance says, the circles under his eyes just a little darker than usual. “I apologize for the late night visit, but I’m afraid it’s urgent.”

“No problem,” I say, nodding and gesturing for him to sit at my table. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Your father has instilled some good manners in you,” he says, laughing a bit as we take our seats across from each other, “but no, I don’t plan to be here for long.”

Interesting. I wonder what he could want.My thoughts instantly go to Faye, but I don’t think she’s hurt or in trouble. If she was, he’d be in here with a different kind of energy. Besides, the guards have remained by her door, their loyalty deepened by the money Cayson and I are supplying them.

So, what is this about?

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