After training, I settled onto the training grounds bench, where Dominic sat nearby holding his nose. I had to admit, watching that human girl Aria punch him square in the face was the highlight of my day.
“Did you stop the bleeding?” I walked over to him, my voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.
He immediately lowered his head. “Yes, Alpha.”
“Need to see the healer?” Despite him acting like an ass, as Alpha, I’m responsible for everyone’s wellbeing.
“No, Alpha, it’s already healing.” Dominic’s voice carried the sting of defeat.
“Good. Then I better never see that behavior from you again.” I stood over him, making my point crystal clear. “Never force your attention on anyone. Understood?”
“Yes, Alpha.”
I left the training area, heading back toward the pack house. You should have let me teach him a real lesson, Phantom growled in my mind. One Alpha mark and he’d never go near your mate again.
“She’s not my mate yet,” I whispered back, making sure no one could hear me talking to my wolf spirit. “And she needs time.”
Walking along the forest path, a sweet melody caught my attention. The voice was beautiful, carrying a pure power that made me slow my steps involuntarily. It came from the direction of the pup center, the lyrics from an old werewolf lullaby I remembered from
childhood.
I should stick to my plan–shower, tackle the never–ending pile of administrative work. But Phantom was already pulling me toward the singing, eager and impatient.
It’s her, he said with absolute certainty. Our mate is singing.
My thoughts drifted to the golden–red haired human girl. Aria. Since she arrived three days ago with Gabriel and Lucas, I hadn’t been able to get her out of my head.
But what impressed me most was what I saw in the training area today. Despite being human, she showed incredible speed and agility. When Dominic made his unwelcome approach, she landed that punch with precision–the reason he needed to stop his bleeding.
“My little warrior,” I murmured, feeling the corner of my mouth lift.
Hours later, I sat in my office with border patrol reports spread across my desk when a knock interrupted my thoughts.
“Come in.”
Gabriel entered, his movements showing the calm alertness of a seasoned warrior. Exactly what I wanted in a Head Warrior.
“Alpha, you wanted to see me?” He stood before me, respectful but not subservient.
“Yes, Gabriel. Have seat.” I gestured to the chair. “I want to discuss your position here in Moon Shadow. I know you were highly respected as a warrior in Black Forest.”
He nodded, a flash of nostalgia crossing his face. “Yes, Isabella and I were the pack’s main defense when she was alive.”
‘I’d like you to consider becoming Head Warrior for Moon Shadow.” I got straight to the point. “Our current Head Warrior Caleb
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Chapter 14
plans to retire in three months. We need an experienced leader.”
Surprise flickered in Gabriel’s Eyes, followed by careful consideration “That’s an honor, Alpha. But I’ve only just arrived…”
“Which is why I want to understand your capabilities first,” I added. Tomorrow we can have a friendly sparring match to assess your skills. It’s just a formality–I’ve heard the legends of Black Forest’s warrior.”
He nodded slightly, appreciation in his eyes. “I’d welcome the challenge.”
We discussed training plans and defense strategies. Gabriel’s insights were deep and perceptive, confirming my choice. As our meeting neared its end, he fell silent for a moment, weighing something.
“Something on your mind, Gabriel?” I encouraged.
He looked directly into my eyes–something few subordinates dare with an Alpha. “Is she–my adopted daughter–your true mate?”
The direct question surprised me, but I appreciated his frankness. I nodded. “Yes, she’s my second chance mate.”
Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. “I know your family has had difficulties in this area, which is partly why I won’t push. Aria lost her birth parents to hunters, while I lost my wife. She’s endured enough pain.”
“I understand,” I replied. “I could just tell her, but I’d rather she naturally experience the feelings that come with meeting one’s mate. I don’t want to pressure her because of my Alpha status or our mate bond.”
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