Page 34 of Alpha Unchained
CHAPTER 15
LUKE
Waylon’s return changes everything. The moment Hudson says his name, I know the fragile calm we've built is about to be torn apart. The Hollow has been waiting for a reckoning, and now it has a name, a face, and a fight behind it. We don’t have the luxury of pretending things can stay the same. Not with Waylon stirring up old blood and Sable Rock moving in the shadows and pulling strings.
After the chaos of the night before, with the scent of Elena still fresh in the back of my mind and the adrenaline of seeing her stand strong echoing through my blood, I know what I have to do. The Hollow will not fix itself. Not with Waylon circling and old loyalties splitting the mountain in half.
After Hudson drops the news about Waylon, the table scatters fast. Kate’s already checking on their patrols, and Hudson’s barking orders as he strides from the room toward his office. Elena gives me one look—steady, strong, defiant—and I know I have to move.
We’re still at the Rawlings compound, the scent of coffee and maple lingering in the air from breakfast with Hudson and the rest of the pack. The early morning light slants through the windows, catching on stone and steel, quiet after all thathappened last night. I push back from the table, the last of my bacon cold on the plate, and stand.
I don’t wait for the sun to climb higher or for another warning to come knocking. I turn, following Hudson to his office before the day can shift beneath our feet. It’s time to do what I should’ve done years ago—take back the pack and everything that comes with it. I’ve taken the first step by defeating Waylon's blood challenge.
Hudson doesn’t say a word as I step into his office and close the door behind me. He doesn’t have to—he just turns, arms crossed over his chest and waits.
"I’m done running," I say, voice low but steady. "Waylon thinks he can still claim leadership. He thinks he can twist the McKinleys into something darker, something that serves him and whatever deal he’s made with Sable Rock. But he’s wrong. As of today, I am Alpha of the McKinley pack."
Hudson raises an eyebrow but doesn’t interrupt. I step closer.
"I won’t rule the way my father did. I won’t let fear and blood ties bind us to old sins. This mountain deserves better, and the Hollow won’t survive another war between packs. I’ll bring the McKinleys under control. I’ll give them a new way of being—one rooted in loyalty, not fear."
Hudson exhales slowly and nods. "About damn time."
I crack a grin. "Took you long enough to say it."
"I’m just wondering if you’re ready for the fallout. You’re going to make enemies, Luke. Some of them share your blood."
"I know. But I’m not alone."
He studies me a beat longer, then reaches for the top drawer of his desk and pulls out a black leather-wrapped dagger—an old Rawlings ritual blade. "This isn’t just a weapon. It’s a symbol of authority, legacy. A Rawlings blade handed to a McKinley says more than words ever could. It tells your pack—and mine—thatyour claim isn’t just about strength. It’s sanctioned. Recognized. Bound in blood and trust."
I take the blade and leave before doubt can sink its teeth into either of us.
By late morning, the McKinley compound is crawling with wolves. Human and furred, all of them tense, restless. Word spreads fast, and they’re already gathering. I spot uncles, cousins, aunts—some whose faces I haven’t seen in years—and some who look at me like I’m already dead.
Elena stands beside me, wearing jeans, boots, and a rust-colored sweater that clings in all the right places. Her scarf is gone, the mark I left on her throat bare and defiant. Her hair is wind-tangled and wild; her eyes sharp as ever.
She leans in and murmurs, "They're going to expect a show. Give them one."
"I plan to," I say, brushing my fingers over the small of her back. She shivers but doesn’t pull away.
When the crowd quiets, I step forward, blade in hand, Elena at my side.
"McKinleys," I begin, voice loud enough to carry over the murmurs. "For too long, we’ve lived under the shadow of men who ruled through fear and pride. Waylon wants to drag us back there. But I won’t let him. Not anymore. I am Alpha now. And under my leadership, things will change."
A ripple runs through the pack—shock, challenge, uncertainty.
"If you want blood feuds and backroom deals, follow Waylon. But if you want to rebuild this family with honor, with purpose, then follow me."
My voice drops, but the authority in it never wavers. "And understand this: I claim Elena as my mate. She is mine—not as property, not as a trophy, but as my mate. She carries my child.Our future. Any threat to her is a threat to me, and I will respond accordingly."
Elena steps forward, her voice clear. "I didn’t ask to be turned. But I don’t regret it. I am not weak. I am not afraid. And I will fight for this child—for this pack—for my mate, right alongside him."
The growls of dissent are few, but loud. I lift the blade.
"Anyone who supports Waylon, or who cannot accept me as Alpha, has until sundown to leave. If you stay, you stay loyal. If you leave, do not come back."
A heavy silence follows. Then, a few men turn and walk away, muttering. But most hold their ground. Watching. Waiting.
