Leon’s POV
I carefully broke the seal and removed the contents. It was an official invitation to compete in next year’s Alpha King election.
A satisfied smile spread across my face as I read the formal language. Each word validated the path I’d chosen.
“Ethan,” I called.
Within moments, he appeared at my office door.
“Alpha Leon? You called for me?”
“The North America werewolf Council’s invitation has arrived. Prepare our response immediately.*
“That’s excellent news! Though earlier than expected, isn’t it?”
“The Council is giving candidates more preparation time this cycle,” I explained, handing him the letter. “Smart move on their part. The competition for Alpha King requires extensive campaigning.”
As Ethan scanned the document, his brow furrowed slightly. “I wonder if Alpha Adrian from Oasisborn Pack received an invitation as well.”
The mere mention of that pack name sent a surge of irritation through me.
A desert wasteland pack with barely two years of history? They wouldn’t qualify for consideration.” I scoffed, leaning back in my chair. “The Council has standards, Ethan. They don’t waste invitations on insignificant territories run by exiled wolves.”
“Of course, Alpha. I’ll prepare our response right away.”
He turned to leave but hesitated at the door.
‘I sent another letter to Skye last week,” he said, “No response yet. I’m beginning to think she may have found her Second Chance mate at Oasisborn.”
“If she’s found a mate, then good for her,” I replied evenly. “Isn’t that what we’ve all hoped for her?”
“I suppose,‘ Ethan agreed, though his tone suggested hesitation. “But I’d rather see you find your mate first. Frostshadow Pack r side, especially if you’re to become Alpha King.”
strong Luna by your
I waved away his concern. “I don’t need a mate to win the election, Ethan. My leadership abilities and Frostshadow’s resources are more than sufficient.”
After Ethan departed to draft our response, I remained at my desk, staring absently at the invitation. My wolf stirred restlessly in my mind.
If you hadn’t rejected her three years ago, we wouldn’t still be without a mate, he grumbled, his disapproval rippling through our shared consciousness.
‘Shut up, I muttered aloud. ‘I made the best decision for our pack.”
My wolf snorted. For the pack? Or for your ambition?
I pushed him down forcefully, refusing to engage with his accusations. Yet an inexplicable restlessness gnawed at me, an irritation I couldn’t quite name of dispel.
The evening found me at The Northern Lodge, one of the few upscale establishments in our territory.
I’d chosen a corner booth.The smooth burn of whiskey provided a momentary respite from my thoughts, but the peace was short–lived. Raised voices from the bar area penetrated my consciousness, growing increasingly difficult to ignore.
1/3
Chapter 40
With a sigh of irritation, I signaled to a passing server.
“Handle whatever that disturbance is, I ordered. I expect quiet when I come here.”
The young woman nodded nervously. Right away, Alpha Leon.”
She hurried toward the commotion, but returned minutes later, wringing her hands anxiously.
‘I’m terribly sorry, Alpha, but it’s your warrior Maya. She’s having a disagreement with another patron. I tried to intervene, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”
My irritation deepened. As a skilled warrior, Maya was valuable to the pack, but her lack of discipline was becoming a liability.
Ill handle it,” I said, rising from my seat.
As I approached the bar, the scene came into clearer view. Maya had a woman pinned against the counter, one hand fisted in the woman’s blonde hair as she berated her loudly.
My steps faltered briefly when I recognized the other woman. It was Melanie, the pack whore who had served my needs.
“Maya!” I barked, ‘Release her. Immediately.”
Maya’s head whipped around, her eyes widening in surprise. She dropped her grip on Melanie’s hair instantly.
“Alpha Leon!” She straightened her posture, flashing me a practiced smile. “What a surprise to see you here. You rarely visit the lodge.”
“What I do is none of your concern,” I replied coldly. “What concerns me is one of my warriors assaulting someone in public. Explain yourself.”
Maya’s smile hardened, her eyes darting to Melanie with unveiled contempt. “This whore deliberately knocked over my drink and refused to pay for a replacement. I was simply teaching her some manners.”
Melanie, who had shrunk against the bar, looked up with tearful eyes. “It wasn’t deliberate, Alpha, she rushed past and bumped into me. I apologized, but she attacked me.”
“That’s a lie!” Maya hissed, taking a menacing step toward Melanie before my glare froze her in place.
“Enough,” I commanded. “Maya, you will apologize to her. Now.”
“Apologize? To her? She’s nothing but a pack whore!” Maya’s voice dripped with disdain. “Why should I lower myself to apologize to someone like that?”
“Because I ordered you to,” I growled. “And because you’re representing Frostshadow Pack with your behavior. Do you think this disp Particularly now, when we’re preparing for the Alpha King election?”
Something flickered in Maya’s eyes. Finally, she turned to Melanie with obvious reluctance.
I apologize for my behavior,” she said stiffly, the words clearly painful to deliver.
‘ps our image?
Melanie nodded, avoiding Maya’s gaze. “Thank you, Alpha Leon, she murmured, genuine gratitude in her voice. “Your intervention means a lot.”
‘Don’t make a habit of needing it,” I replied, already turning to leave. The whiskey’s appeal had vanished completely, and I had no desire to remain in the lodge after this spectacle.
The night air was cool against my face as I stepped outside, helping to clear the lingering irritation. I had barely made it a dozen steps when I heard rapid footsteps behind me.
“Leon, wait!”
‘Address me properly, warrior.
She ignored the correction, moving closer until she stood directly before me.
2/3
Chapter 40
“Why did you defend her?” The question came out almost as an accusation. ‘Do you like that whore? What does she have that I don’t?”
Before I could respond, she grabbed my hand and pressed it against her breast, her eyes wild with desperation.
‘I can give you everything she can, and more! I don’t need to be your mate. I know you’re saving that position for someone politically advantageous.” Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. “But when you need release, when you need a woman’s body… I’m yours. You can do anything you want to me
Disgust washed over me in a cold wave. I jerked my hand away from her as if burned, stepping back to put distance between us.
‘Don’t ever touch me like that again,” I warned, my voice deadly quiet. “Your behavior reflects poorly on yourself and on our pack. If you ever cross this boundary with me again, I will remove you from the warrior ranks permanently. Is that understood?”
Maya’s expression crumpled, humiliation replacing her earlier boldness. Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked away.
As I made my way home, I couldn’t shake the gnawing sensation that had plagued me all day.
You’re lonely, my wolf observed quietly. We both are.
This time, I didn’t bother silencing him. The truth of his words was too obvious to deny.
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