Zara

My big mouth had gotten me into another mess. Challenging an Alpha wasn’t easy. The werewolf society was built on respect and pride.

Alphas possessed both qualities in abundance. Once a challenge was issued, it was impossible to refuse. Another downside was that, as a she-wolf, I had no right to claim a pack if I won.

I could feel Alpha Kane’s anger radiating off him in waves, but refusing an Alpha made you a disgrace to your pack. I let my nerves get the better of me, remembering what Commander Steal had once told me.

"Let the fear in, but don’t let it control you. Fear can save your life."

"Then let’s make this interesting," Alpha Bran shrugged, but excitement danced in his eyes.

"Name your terms." I crossed my arms, wincing as Alpha Bran watched my movement.

"If I win, I’ll have you." Alpha Bran grinned broadly. "If you win, I’ll put all my wolves at your disposal to solve our little problem."

"No way." I shook my head. "I would never allow myself to be yours."

Alpha Kane growled, his dark eyes narrowing as he stared at Alpha Bran. Alpha Kane’s reaction stunned me. He’d told me ten times before that I belonged to him, but I still hadn’t believed it. And here he was, claiming me in front of two Alphas and Luna.

"It seems your Alpha is very protective of you." Alpha Bran smirked. "Did you say you didn’t warm the bed?"

"I can beat him," I whispered to Alpha Kane.

"Fine, if I win, I’ll have you for one night." Alpha Bran smirked, "And of course, if you win, you can have all my wolves."

"For one night." I cringed inwardly.

One night with someone like Alpha Bran could mean a lot. I didn’t need details to understand what he wanted that night. The hidden meaning in his words spoke loud and clear. By morning, I would no longer be a slut.

"No." I shook my head, wishing I could start this whole day over again.

Alpha Kane was furious, but I couldn’t blame him.

After all, Nova was right; maybe I really did need a stern talking-to. I’d gotten myself into this mess, and now I needed to get out. No one else could help me, something I’d become too accustomed to in that short time.

Every time I’ve had a serious problem, someone has always come to my aid. Sophia came to my aid when Marcus first marked me, when I stuck in lift then Alpha Kane came to my aid at pool too, Alpha Kane came to my aid. And last night at bath time, my ass was saved.

Alpha Bran was practically glowing with excitement, acting like he’d already won. Alpha Kane had to throw him out of the room, afraid he’d kill the insolent Alpha.

Alpha Kane pulled me into the dining area, his eyes blazing murderously.

"Tomorrow we have private training," Alpha Asher growled, approaching me.

"And we?" My voice sounded hesitant, a flush rising in my cheeks at the possibilities.

"Tomorrow we will train, only train," Alpha Kane growled, pinning me against the counter. "Win, and you’ll be punished. Lose, and I’ll kill Alpha Bran and take his pack for myself. And then you’ll be punished."

"So, I’ll be punished either way," I sighed.

"You can’t blame him for being angry," Nova shrugged.

"You’re right, I can’t." I frowned.

"Wow!" Nova exhaled dramatically. "You... you actually admit I’m right."

"Don’t get used to it," I muttered.

"Yes, you’ll be punished either way." Alpha Kane growled, "Are you incapable of behaving well? Is it physically impossible for you?"

I frowned, looking at Alpha Kane. For the first time, I felt guilty for getting into trouble. It had been fun most of the time, but he was right. I needed to learn self-control. I couldn’t just do and say whatever I wanted, especially in front of other Alphas.

"I’m trying." I sighed, closing my eyes against the growing headache. "I need to try harder, I will try harder."

Alpha Kane’s gaze softened slightly, but anger still simmered there. He sensed my sincerity and knew I was serious.

Everyone has their own problems in life, their own fatal flaw. I suppose mine is my pride. I don’t listen to other people’s advice or words, but do only what I want.

"You apologize to Alpha and withdraw from this challenge, Zara," Alpha Kane murmured, his dark eyes burning into mine. "We’ll take care of it."

Alpha Kane’s hand rose, sliding over my face. His gaze followed my hand, roaming my soft skin. The touch was intimate, much more intimate than I was accustomed to.

Sex and arousal were constant with Alpha Kane, but they never developed into anything more. I hadn’t felt romantic attachment to him before, but that touch was the beginning. It opened doors, making me realize how much he’d done for me.

He carried me to the pack house, trying to keep me safe. He jumped out of bed in the middle of the night to track me down at the pool. He left his important meeting and came to save me. He didn’t do it for the others in the pack, but for... 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Just for me. This thought made me blush even more, conflicting feelings... My insides were churning.

We returned to the living room, and I tried to suppress my blush. If I’d walked out red-faced, everyone would have made their own assumptions about what had happened. This time, nothing sexual had happened.

I must have calmed down, because no suspicious or knowing glances were cast our way.

Alpha Zeke burst out laughing, clutching his sides, when Alpha Kane shot him an irritated look. Alpha Kane waited silently for Alpha Zeke’s laughter to die down. Luna Freya looked tiredly at Alpha Zeke, her gaze moving to me.

"Goddess," Alpha Zeke smirked. "You’ve got yourself a wild mate. I hope my mate is just as wild when I find her."

I opened my mouth to speak, but quickly snapped it shut.

"Okay, Zara." Nova nodded. "Lesson one: think before you speak,"

"Hush," ​​I muttered, but reluctantly followed her advice.

Would I really mind being called Alpha Kane’s mate? My heart said no, and my body agreed. I didn’t feel so bad being called my mate, and he certainly wasn’t going to say so. He simply ignored Alpha Zeke’s words, frowning in annoyance, which could mean a million different things.