Page 143 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
“If I can help it,” I said, thrusting into her, chasing my own orgasm now, “I’ll never leave you alone again.”
With satisfaction still thrumming through our bodies, Bryn and I sat next to each other at the dining table, each of us holding a can of beer. We started catching each other up on the things we’d missed.
“Our mothers finally met.” She beamed at me. “They’re so similar. I think they’ll be fast friends.”
“I’m not surprised, but I’m glad they’re getting along. From what you’ve told me about Glenda, she sounds like someone who would be good company for my mom.”
“I hope so!” Her smile dimmed a little. “But speaking of friends, I’m worried about Tavi. I heard from Dr. Stan that she was healing physically, but mentally and emotionally, things aren’t the same.”
“How has she been acting?”
“She’s distant, and she gets lost in thought so easily. There’s this haunted look in her eyes that wasn’t there before, and she isn’t really present during the time we spend together.”
That sounded nothing like the girl I’d grown up with, the girl I’d been lucky to call my sister. Concern wound between my ribs and constricted around my heart.
“I’m worried, too, but she behaved in a similar way after she lost her family. I think the only thing we can do for her is give her time. We don’t know everything that happened to her when the two of you were separated, and until she’s ready, all we can do is be there for her.”
Bryn gave a deep sigh. “I know you’re right, but I wish I could do something to help her feel better.” She downed a few gulps of her beer, and quickly jerked the can away, her features contorting adorably. “What the hell? Is this pond water?”
I snorted. “Too strong for you, princess?”
She made a face at me and slipped off her chair to grab a different drink. “This could be used to sanitize wounds.”
I chuckled.
“How was your meeting with the pack?” she asked. She’d brought back a glass of wine.
“It went pretty well.” I finished the rest of her beer before cracking open mine. “They more or less accepted the new status quo, and they were excited to hear that you and Tavi are safe.”
She smiled. “I miss them. I hope I can get to see them again soon.”
“Me too.” I touched her hand. “They were especially excited to hear about our binding ceremony. A lot of them want to come.”
Her answering grin was so large, I had to kiss her just to taste her happiness. The number of people who wanted to attend ended up being well over half of the pack. I was just happy that so many of them seemed willing to cross enemy lines just to see Bryn and me. Now, how many of those hopefuls would actually attend the ceremony, I wasn’t sure. It would surely end up being a smaller number as nerves grew and the joy of the announcement faded to the background. Whatever the numbers turned out to be, I just hoped Bryn was happy.
“Have you had the chance to talk to your Elders about the Alpha thing?”
She nodded. “Apparently, each member of the council will nominate a candidate, and those candidates will have to fight in the arena until one is left standing. The ceremony will take place in a month’s time.”
“And I imagine that you’ll be one of those who can nominate a fighter?” I asked. “Because if not, I guess we’ll have to find someone to bribe.”
She giggled. “Yes, I’m on the council, too. Actually, even after I relinquish the Alpha title, I’ll be able to serve on the council as Den Mother.”
“No kidding?” My chest swelled with pride. I’d worried that the Kings’ Elders wouldn’t respect Bryn’s win over Troy, but it seemed they were doing their utmost to do right by her.
“I’m sure it won’t surprise you to know that I’m nominating you, Night,” she said. “But I want to make sure that you know that I’m not choosing you just because you’re my mate; it’s because I know you’re the best wolf for the job.”
I kissed the side of her head. “I understand, Bryn.”
“Well, good.” I enjoyed the sight of her cheeks taking on that soft pink color when she was embarrassed. “I don’t know who else will be nominated, but I don’t think there’s anyone else who is as determined to end the rivalry between the packs.”
“I agree.” I would do everything I could to make sure I won the challenge, but it wouldn’t be easy. There were other wolves who were more experienced than the ones I’d fought when I was younger, but I wasn’t afraid of the challenge. In fact, my wolf began to pace back and forth at the thought of getting a chance to fight again.
Speaking of challenges…I took a long sip of my beer before turning my body to Bryn. “We need to talk about something else.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Troy.”
