Page 27 of Wulf's Pack
That gives me pause. Could he be right? I don’t know much about omegas, but my wolf’s instincts are stronger than mine. He knew he had a mate out there when I didn’t. Does he know more about her needs than me?
“Wulf?” Skylar asks, earning the attention of everyone in the room.
Nora squats down next to Skylar to meet me at eye level. “Wulf? Are you okay?”
I huff. I’m fine. Sort of. I’m just losing an argument with my wolf who has suddenly decided he’s not satisfied with his loner status.
Illren guesses my problem correctly. “You will be upset if you claim them,” he says calmly.
His words catch the attention of the family, and all of them whip their heads my direction. Matthew’s mouth drops open, and Elise gasps. Sophia and Preston share a shocked look. I start pacing in front of them, wrestling with my wolf. I can’t just claim a pack. I’m not prepared for such a thing. I have a clan. I can’t bepart of a clan and also be an alpha of a pack. I have no territory. I’m not a leader.
Strong alpha, my wolf reminds me.Claim pack.
I can’t seem to stop him. I pace back and forth, my attention jumping between the family, my mate, and my clan members. Everyone looks shocked. It’s Preston who moves first. He drops to his knees and holds his fist over his heart. “I owe your mate my life. My mate and I would be honored to join your pack. I will pledge my loyalty to you both as my alpha pair and support the pack however you would have me serve.”
Sophia follows her mate and quickly pledges her loyalty and obedience to me as well. When they bow to me, my wolf pushes against the hold I have on him with a ferocity I’ve never felt before. Panic surges through me. I’m going to lose this battle.
“Wulf has no pack,” Nora says, trying to explain, but none of the Kellers listen. Matthew and Elise echo the pledges of their children.
I look at Skylar. Her brow is furrowed in concern, but when she meets my eyes, she smiles sweetly. I don’t know if it’s meant to encourage me or if she’s simply trying to support me when I’m obviously distressed, but the small nod she gives me is enough to break my control. My wolf rushes forward and clamps his jaw down on Preston’s shoulder.
Only an alpha can claim a pack. It takes a bite in wolf form with the intent to claim, and the wolf being claimed must accept the bond. Preston doesn’t hesitate. When my wolf claims him, he eagerly grasps the thread of shifter magic I’ve offered and embraces the bond. A connection I’ve not felt since I left my former pack flares to life, and a new mental link forms in my mind. Preston’s voice rings through my head.Thank you, Alpha.
As alpha, I will have an open link with each of my pack members that will allow me to feel them as well as speak with them telepathically. The thought terrifies me. I am nowresponsible for this man. My wolf tries to comfort me, but I’m too overwhelmed to think straight. He uses my distraction to his advantage and quickly claims the rest of the Keller family.
Panic seizes my chest. I can’t breathe. I can’t have a pack. I’m not a leader. I’m a lone wolf. I don’t…I can’t…this can’t…how…?
A hand smooths over my neck and Skylar whispers, “Peace, Wulf. Come back to me, my mate.”
A wave of calm washes over me, settling my panic physically, but my thoughts are still racing.
A beautiful voice calls to me in a low, soft cadence that snares all of my attention. “Wulf,” Nora sings. “Shift back.”
I have no choice but to obey her siren’s song, and I immediately shift back. Nora gives me a grim smile, but I’m not angry with her. She hates commanding people with her song, but I couldn’t grab control of my wolf. I’m grateful for the help. Too bad she didn’t think to do that before I claimed four strange wolves as pack.
“What in the world is going on with you?” Nora asks, her words laced with worry.
I stare up at her helplessly and shake my head. “I don’t know.”
I’m still in a daze, shocked by what just happened, what I’ve just done. Like when I first laid eyes on Skylar, my life has once again been turned upside down in an instant. Only this time, I’ve done it to myself. A pack. I have a pack. I’m someone’s alpha. I have avoided this responsibility my entire life. Growing up, I was always relieved that Rook was slightly more dominant than me and that the alpha duties fell to him. I just can’t understand. Why would my wolf do this? He’s still trying to soothe me, but he’s feeling smug as well. He’s calmed down immensely since claiming the Kellers.
A glass of juice is shoved in my face, startling me and bringing me back from my thoughts. “Drink it,” Illren demands. “You’re in shock. It will help.”
I take the juice without protest and absently down the glass. I’m still sitting on the middle of the living room floor. Nora and Skylar are sitting on either side of me, both touching me in an attempt to comfort and support me. The Kellers stand across the room, sneaking worried glances my way.
“I don’t understand,” Elise says. “What’s upset him? Is he disappointed in us?”
I barely register the question. Thankfully, Nora answers for me since I can’t seem to pull my thoughts together. “Wulf has been a true lone wolf for a very long time. Despite his dominance, he’s never before had the desire or instinct to claim a pack.”
Four separate pangs of worry hit me square in the chest. How do alphas of large packs cope with the onslaught of thoughts and feelings from their pack? “Is he angry with us?” Sophia asks, moving to stand beside her mate. He wraps his arm around her and tucks her into his side as if to comfort her. “Were we not supposed to accept the bond?” Her gaze flicks to me. “Do you not want us?”
I wince. Already, I’m failing them. They’re confused, and I’m hurting them, but I can’t pull myself together. How can I possibly expect to lead them? Why would they put their trust in me?
“He’s not angry with you,” Nora explains gently. “He’s just surprised, and I’m assuming a little overwhelmed. And he does want you. At least, his wolf does. He wouldn’t have claimed you otherwise. It’s instinct, and Wulf is a very strong alpha. He’ll make you proud.”
I think she says that last statement just for me. I’m glad one of us thinks so.
Matthew appears in front of me and holds out a set of sweats and a T-shirt. “They’ll be a bit small on you, but they stretch.”
