THE ALPHA'S CLAIM

RA'

zling food filled the air, but my mind was elsewhere. Ever since my father had left with Alpha Theron years ago to form a new pack, I had lived under the sha

, as he walked past me, giving my shoulder a rough shove. I bit the inside of my cheek to kee

. Dorian's head snapped toward the door, curiosity light

boxes of supplies from the ground. A sleek black SUV idled nearby, and a tall man with a

d, grabbing Caleb by the collar. "You ruined ever

s hands raised defensively. "It was

topped me. I knew why he didn't want trouble. Our family's history was al

Tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding an air of command, Micah-the younger son of the Alpha and heir to the pack-moved with

and my wolf howled inside me. Mate. The word echo

by the same invisible force. His eyes narrowed slig

dripping with annoyance. "What are you stari

ng myself to stay calm. My wolf,

ce cold and commanding. "Enough.

d Caleb. "Fine. But Father

to one of his men. "Pay the

ef. But the relief was short-lived. Dorian rounded

u hadn't come back here, none of this would've happened! I

t I didn't fight back. The bruise would heal quickl

do you let him treat us like this

I whispered to myself, brushing

Our mate? How can o

atter. Even if he knows, he'll

wa

-

Micah's men entered the cafeteria. He was a tall, stoic

said, his tone polite but firm. "He's replaced the goods that

ly stepped forw

ad. "Micah specifica

"If she causes any trouble, I'll person

mply grabbed my coat a

-

testament to the Alpha family's power. I kept my head dow

had oth

casually against the edge of a table. His piercing b

voice like velvet. "I didn't ex

al. "I'm just here t

before gesturing for me to sit.

I sat, my n

, his tone contemplative. "Your father was a hero,

of my father always broug

a new pack. Alpha Theron leads them now, but he's not the real threat.

the identity I had used when

rowed slightly.

grabbing my arm. The contact sent sparks sh

't you?" he asked softly, his voice laced with somet

self to remain calm. "I don't k

a whirlwind of thoughts. Micah's words replayed in

knows we're mates. W

mured. "I'll survive. No one can know

e kind of man to let things go. And for th