“She should remember her place Raiden. Seina is her Luna,” My wolf growls bitterly, resenting her intrusion, resenting the possessiveness she demonstrates in front of Siena.
But I show none of this outwardly. Instead, I offer Siena a curt nod, allowing Lila to pull me away.
As I turn my back, an uncomfortable sensation prickles along my spine. Glancing over my shoulder, I catch sight of Zion watching Siena from across the room, admiration clearly etched in his expression.
What is he playing at?
A sharp stab of jealousy pierces my chest, so intense and unexpected I nearly stumble.
Fury surges through me, surprising and irrational.
I am the Alpha King!
“Who tossed aside his Luna Quenen for common trash,” Horace snarls furiously, “You must assert your dominance as leader -he cannot swoon over that which is ours!”
Yet I suppress the urge ruthlessly, forcing myself to continue moving forward, refusing to acknowledge the irrational possessiveness clawing at my heart.
“I will do no such thing, and you will conrol yourself!”
Lila leads me confidently into the judges‘ tent, her eyes glittering with triumph. I disengage from her grasp quickly, feeling strangely trapped, the walls of the tent suddenly too, close, too confining. She frowns slightly, sensing my withdrawal, but wisely refrains from commenting.
Let me breathe.
The other judges are already assembled, murmuring quietly as I take my seat at the head table. I busy myself with the competition rules spread out before me, desperate to distract myself from the turmoil raging within me.
Horace continues pacing restlessly beneath my skin, agitated by Siena’s closeness, by Zion’s evident interest in her.
As I skim over the rules for the territory defense simulation, a sudden thought occurs to me. Windhowl’s warriors–many of them wounded veterans–will face significant disadvantages in this event.
My heart tightens slightly, a pang of unexpected protectiveness flaring within me. Without fully considering my actions, I reach for a pen, adding amendments to the rule sheet–special protections specifically designed for disabled veterans—to ensure fairness in the upcoming competition.
Lila peers over my shoulder curiously, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Why the sudden additions?” she questions lightly, though something in her tone grates against my nerves.
Chapter 35
“It’s simply fair play,” I snap abruptly, irritation flaring instantly,
The other judges glance up at me sharply, surprised by my sudden harshness.
I rein my temper in quickly, forcing a mask of calm authority back into place. “We need to ensure all packs have equinable opportunities to demonstrate their strengths. It’s nothing more than that.”
Lila shrinks back slightly, clearly startled by my sharp response. I feel a brief pang of guilt at her wounded expression but quickly push it aside.
This is state business, and I am the Alpha–non–negotiable. I will be feared; I will be respected
Horace rumbles approvingly, satisfied by this small, subtle act of protection toward Siena, even if I refuse to admit its deeper meaning to myself.
As the morning progresses, the competitors gather, anticipation thickening the air. My eyes are drawn irresistibly toward Siena again, watching as she speaks quietly to her warriors, pride, and loyalty evident in their attentive expressions.
My chest aches bitterly, longing and regret mingling painfully inside me. Once, those warriors might have been mine to lead alongside her, unified by our shared bond. But pride and mistrust have left me isolated, watching from the outside
Get control over yourself.
Zion approaches her again; his stance relaxed yet confident, clearly comfortable in her presence.
Do not touch her.
My jaw tightens painfully, jealousy clawing viciously through my chest.
Horace snarls furiously, demanding action. “And still you say nothing, do nothing, or Great Alpha King?
I remain still, frozen by pride and bitterness, unwilling to reveal the vulnerable emotions roiling inside me.
The simulation begins moments later, packs racing into action, strategies unfolding rapidly.
My focus sharpens instinctively, assessing each team’s performance critically. Yet I find my attention repeatedly drifting back toward Siena’s warriors, carefully tracking their progress.
My heart pounds anxiously, tension twisting my gut as they face obstacles specifically designed to challenge their limitations.
Her limitations.
My amendments prove effective, providing Siena’s wounded warriors with viable opportunities to demonstrate their strength and courage. Though I am not willing them to win, I would prefer a challenge that is fair and worthy of skill.
This is the only way.
I cannot allow it to show, but a quiet satisfaction settles warmly in my chest, even as I ruthlessly suppress its deeper meaning. My wolf growls approvingly, acknowledging what I still stubbornly refuse to admit.
Hours pass swiftly, and the simulation finally draws a close. Siena’s pack performs admirably, and their determination and courage earn respect from even the harshest judges.
As competitors disperse, I linger behind, my eyes unconsciously seeking Siena again.
She stands quietly, praising her warriors, pride evident on her delicate features.
I ache to approach her, to finally explain the wounds that still fester between us, to beg forgiveness for the pain I’ve inflicted.
UREAU SUN, 20 Apr
Chapter 35
61%
Lila appears beside me again, her expression carefully neutral. “Shall we go, Alpha King?” she murmurs softly, her voice tinged subtly with impatience.
I sigh quietly, tearing my gaze away from Siena. “Yes,” I reply, forcing a calmness I don’t feel. “Let’s go.”
+50)
As we walk away, I glance back once more, catching Siena watching me intently, though I can’t see, or feel even, what she is thinking. My heart pounds, and regret chokes me.
Horace is aching for reconciliation, for the bond we shattered through pride and mistrust.
Yet I continue walking, unable to find the courage to turn back, unable to confront the wounds that still separate us.
The ache in my chest deepens.
I’ve lost–everything I’m too proud, too afraid, to try to reclaim.
