As I headed back to my room to change for a workout, I noticed my sister had tried calling me twice already this morning. What could be so urgent at this hour? I opened my voicemail and had to pull the phone away as her frantic voice filled the receiver. The first message was difficult to decipher through her panic, but the second was calmer and clearer.
She’s found her mate and is on her way to meet his family. He’s destined to be an Alpha in our alliance, at least, so I know his family, though she never mentioned his name. She wants to know when I’ll be back because she’s bringing him home to meet me.
I sank down onto my bed slowly, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. My baby sister has found her mate. Part of me is thrilled**there’s finally someone out there who will protect her and love her better than I ever could. But another part of me is furious at the thought of any man laying hands on her in that intimate way.
If I’m honest, there’s a twinge of jealousy too. She’s only been searching for two years, while I’ve been waiting**or rather, sensing**the presence of a mate for eight years. No, not exactly waiting. I’ve been able to feel the pull of a mate for eight years, but I don’t want one. Mates bring complications, too many problems.
I know eventually I’ll need a mate to produce heirs, but I’m in no hurry. I can pretend for everyone else that I’m fine, telling myself the Moon Goddess will send her when I’m ready. But a dark thought creeps in**what if there isn’t someone meant for me? What if she was taken from me before I even had a chance to know her? My heart races at the idea, and my wolf whines softly in response. What if the Moon Goddess deems me unworthy of a mate because I think it’s too much work to keep one safe? I shake my head, trying to banish the negative thoughts. Even thinking about a mate feels like more trouble than it’s worth. This is exactly why I don’t want one.
I quickly fire off a message to my sister, telling her I’ve got some unexpected business to handle but should be back in the next day or so. I tell her she can head home with her new mate and any pack members she feels are important to bring along.
I want to celebrate with her one last time before she leaves me and steps into her new role, standing beside her mate to help lead a pack of her own. I also want to meet every wolf who will be responsible for her safety. They’d better meet my standards**or I’ll be adding a few more warriors to their ranks.
I inhaled deeply, steadying my racing thoughts before addressing the entire Oak Lake Pack**my new pack, now under my command.
“Attention, members of the Oak Lake Pack. I am Alpha Ryker Tryn of the Dark Moon Pack. I have been working closely with Alpha Edward to ensure a smooth transition for all of you to join my leadership. I understand some of you disagree with your Alpha’s decision. Many of those dissenters were dealt with last night. If anyone else wishes to challenge my authority over this pack, meet me at the training grounds in one hour. I promise to lead you with honor and hope to be even half the leader Alpha Edward has been to you.”
I released the mindlink. That message alone should make it clear that I have taken control of the pack and that resistance is futile. Still, I expected a few stubborn fools to test their luck, thinking they must fight for the pack’s honor. Let them come. If their intentions are truly pure, if they fight for the pack’s well-being, I will allow them to live. Their loyalty can be shaped and refined. But if they approach me with hatred and greed in their eyes, seeking power for themselves, I will not hesitate to eliminate them. The world already has enough of that poison.
As I had anticipated, four men and one woman arrived at the training grounds. One of the men was there simply to see if he could best me**a cocky fool who underestimated my reputation. He didn’t last long, falling quickly without me needing to exert much effort. The others, including the woman, fought with genuine honor and dedication to their pack. They earned their places in my ranks, ready to defend this territory and any others I designate.
The woman, in particular, impressed me with her skill and tenacity. I made a mental note to speak with my Delta about possibly recruiting her as a trainer. Of course, I would need to ensure she was willing to relocate and travel before making any decisions. I wasn’t about to force anyone into something they didn’t want.
After the bouts, I headed to the gym for a full workout. There’s something about shutting out the world and pushing my body to its limits that helps clear my mind. I enjoy sparring, but it’s always accompanied by the noise of voices**strategizing, analyzing. Being alone, focusing solely on my own rhythm and thoughts, is a rare and cherished escape.
As I made my way back to the packhouse, taking in the familiar sights of Main Street, a warrior suddenly came running toward me, urgency in his stride.
“Alpha! Alpha! We’ve been trying to reach you. It’s Alpha Edward**he needs you.”
I quickened my pace, falling into step beside the warrior and letting him lead the way. Though I could easily track by scent, following him spared me from guessing the route.
We burst through the front doors, and I headed straight to Edward’s room. There, he was surrounded by his Beta, Gamma, Delta, and their families**an intimate gathering heavy with unspoken tension.
“Alpha Ryker, it’s good to see you,” Edward greeted me with a faint smile. “I hear you’ve had an eventful day.”
“That I have,” I replied. “Several traitors were sent back to the Goddess, and a few pack members challenged me to protect the pack’s honor. Your warriors fought well**they’re loyal and wanted to make sure the pack wasn’t falling into the hands of a tyrant.” I gave him a knowing wink. “Only one fell, but I doubt many will mourn his loss.”
Edward chuckled, though the sound was strained. “I’m ready, Ryker. I want to see my sweet Amelia and our little one. It’s been far too long. My pack is yours now. I know we made it official two days ago and completed the process this morning, but now everyone here can bear witness. I give you the Oak Lake Pack.”
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. I felt his life force slip away, and the pack connection snapped abruptly.
“It is done,” the Beta said quietly, holding his weeping mate close. “We will make preparations. Will you stay, Alpha Ryker, and help us send him back to the Moon Goddess?”
“Of course,” I replied solemnly. I shook each of their hands, offering my condolences once more before heading to my room to update my own pack.
I knew I would be here at least another day. They had likely been preparing for this moment, knowing it was inevitable. There wouldn’t be much for me to do except attend the burial ceremony and stand with them as they said their final goodbyes.
Kennedy
The moment the omega opened the door to my room and gestured for me to enter, my senses were immediately overwhelmed. I froze in place, caught off guard once again. Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised anymore by the sheer opulence, but my room bordered on absurdity. I’m just an eighteen-year-old high school senior**I shouldn’t have a room that looks like this. I could easily fit two of my bedrooms from home inside here and still have plenty of space left over. And my room back home isn’t exactly tiny.
The forest green walls didn’t make the space feel cramped; rather, they added a soothing depth to the atmosphere. Every piece of furniture was crafted from warm cherry wood, giving the room a rich, inviting glow. One wall held a dresser and a vanity, while another displayed a beautifully ornate desk. The entire opposite side was dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the dense forest behind the packhouse. To my surprise, one of the windows was actually a door leading out onto a balcony. I couldn’t help but think, “I might never want to leave this place.” The endless view stretched out before me, and the fresh scent of pine and earth was calming, almost meditative.
As I stepped back inside, my eyes landed on the massive king-sized bed positioned right in the center of the room. The comforter was a crisp, pristine white, accented with subtle deep red details**not Christmasy, but more like a luxurious cabin retreat. It looked incredibly inviting, and I lost count of the pillows scattered across it. Honestly, I might just move in permanently.
Continuing my exploration, I found two doors on the last wall. One opened into a sprawling walk-in closet where I dropped my bags without hesitation. The other revealed a bathroom just as vast, complete with dual sinks, a huge mirror, and a soaker tub that could probably fit half the pack. There was also a glass-enclosed walk-in shower. Everything gleamed in bright, clean white, and it seemed like every possible amenity to get ready was right at my fingertips.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.