Текст книги "Alphas burden"

Автор книги: Luna lark

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Текущая страница: 20 (всего у книги 21 страниц)

41CADEN

Avery’s wolf licks Lorne and Cormac’s blood from my jaw, nosing at my wounds with faint whines. I headbutt her gently, reassuring her we’re okay. I’ll always protect her and our pack. Together we stopped the coup attempting to claim it from us.

My wolf stands proud over his fallen challenger.

The chaos ended the minute I finished Lorne. Any denouncers left alive who followed him fall to their knees before Liam and my other most trusted lieutenants, abiding the law of challenges. They’ll all be dealt with in time. I won’t have anyone slipping through the cracks to stir unrest amongst the pack again.

Victory is mine. By our laws forbidding interference in rank challenges, it was mine the minute Cormac attacked me.

We shift back. I pull Avery into my arms, pressing my lips to my mating mark. The setting sun casts long beams of light through the windows, illuminating her from behind when I rake my gaze over her, checking for injuries.

“I’m fine. Nothing as bad as this.” She brushes my chest where the deep gashes from claws are slowly closing.

“I’ll heal. As long as you’re okay. That’s all that matters to me.” My brow creases. “How did Lorne get you?”

Her gaze falls. “I freed my sisters. I’m sorry, but there was no way I could leave them. Sylvie came to lure me into a trap.” She swallows, clinging to me. “She was waiting for us. They sent her and she followed us to Liam’s cabin. We got my sisters out, but before we could get away Dane and Trent captured Liam, then me. They injected me with something and it blocked off the bond.”

My forehead rests against hers, my throat thick. “I thought I’d lost you when I saw you lying there.”

“You didn’t,” she promises. “Never.”

A rumble builds in my chest and I kiss her. She cups my jaw, mouth opening for me.

“We did it,” she murmurs.

“We did. And I’ll never allow anything like this to happen again.”

“We,” she corrects. “I don’t care what shifter law dictates. If anyone else tries to challenge you, I’m fighting by your side to stop them.”

I nod with an amused huff at my mate’s fierceness. “Together. Always.”

Someone passes us clothes. I dress her first, tugging an oversized sweater over her head to cover her. Then I jam my legs into a pair of pants and survey the room.

Liam and Hodge direct the guards to round up the rest of the traitorous Blackburns who survived the fight. Tobin restrains a spitting-mad Eugene, dragging him outside. I spot Ford kissing the hell out of Gabe and checking his mate over for injuries once more.

After a few minutes, Liam makes his way to us with a chagrined frown. He’s worse for wear, favoring his right leg, a gash oozing from his forehead, and a tooth missing from the numbers he fought to keep at bay from backing up Lorne and Cormac.

“A few ran before you finished Lorne off. We’ll send out scout teams to track them down.”

“Good,” I say. “They don’t get to choose their own exile. They’ll all face me for this.”

Liam bends his neck, his tone somber. “I failed you, Alpha. I couldn’t protect Avery. They captured us.”

I exchange a look with my mate, kissing her forehead before dragging my beta close for a one-armed hug.

“All that matters is that you fought with everything you had. I’m glad both of you are safe.”

He relaxes. “I’ll take care of everything and report to you when we’re done.”

I nod in gratitude. “Be careful. Don’t let your guards down until we’ve got them all.”

Jade and the witch who helped me liberate the patrol cabin come up to us, dragging a dark haired girl between them. Her arms are bound by a spell and she gives them a scathing look.

“Thank you for your help,” Avery says.

“I’m sorry about your friend,” I offer.

“Our sister knew the dangers,” Jade says somberly. “This is the one we’ve been after. She tried to intervene by casting a spell to control you.”

“Yeah, it sucked.” Avery shudders. “I never want to feel that kind of magic invading my mind again.”

I rumble, tucking her against my side. She lays a soothing hand on my chest.

“I was able to trace her magical signature to her hiding spot in the loft upstairs and stop the spell before she finished,” Jade explains.

I tower over the witch Lorne snuck in. “Why did you help Lorne? What did he promise you?”

She jerks against her enchanted bonds, sneering, “I’ll tell you nothing.”

“We’ll get her to talk,” Jade assures. “We’ll take her to the high council of witches for questioning. They’ll pass judgment for her actions to upset the balance.”

“We should deal with her here. She infiltrated my territory,” I say firmly.

“No,” the witch hisses.

She opens her mouth and whatever she’s about to say sticks in her throat. Her eyes grow wide and she starts convulsing. Black lines spread from her mouth, running down her throat. They stink of nasty magic, like rotten eggs burning over coals.

“What the hell?” Avery yelps.

She reaches out as if she wants to help. I snatch her back, edging her behind me with a growl.

The witch tries to claw at her chest with her bound hands, swinging a terrified gaze between all of us. Tears well in her eyes as they bulge larger, her strangled choking cutting off. She crashes at our feet, bile that smells like the same foul magic dripping from her mouth.

“She’s dead,” Avery whispers.

“Fucking Fates,” Jade mutters.

She kneels to examine the witch, shaking her head. Her coven sister casts a light yellow orb spell that roves over the body.

“A curse,” she confirms.

Jade sighs. “It was probably a pact amongst her coven to prevent anyone from finding out their secrets. The council won’t like this. We’ll need to leave as soon as possible to inform them.”

“Go. We can handle ourselves here,” I say. “When you know more, send word.”

“We will,” Jade agrees. “This won’t be the last we see of each other, Alpha Blackburn.”

“I hope it’s not so long next time. And under way better circumstances.” Avery hugs Jade when she rises.

Jade gives her a smile. I draw Avery away, rubbing her arm. Callie and Taryn appear in the doorway with Lena and Beatrix tucked under their arms. Avery gets choked up, towing me by her tight grip on my hand. They rush to us.

“You’re safe!” Beatrix reaches Avery first. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”

“Never,” Avery swears.

They hug and Lena joins them, wedging herself between the pair. Taryn throws her arms around the three of them and Callie collides against me. I grunt, embracing her tightly.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” she mumbles.

“Nothing’s taking me down,” I promise.

“Whoa, Lorne’s headless,” Taryn says.

“I should’ve torn him limb from limb,” I mutter.

“If I had my wolf, I would’ve done the same,” Beatrix growls. “Then I would’ve peed on him.”

Avery releases a watery laugh, resting her cheek on Lena’s head. I chuckle, reaching over to rustle Beatrix’s hair.

Taryn searches the room, spotting Liam. She slips away from us to talk to him. I’m certain she admits she’s glad he’s okay. He stares at her, dumbfounded for a long beat before he pulls her into a hug. He catches me watching them with a raised brow, ducking his head.

The bond pulses, strong and warm, filling my chest. I meet Avery’s eye over her sisters’ heads and draw them all into my arms with Callie.

Avery is mine. My pack. My heart.

42AVERY

In the following days, Caden and his inner circle of loyal enforcers question everyone they’ve captured who were involved to find out how long Lorne and Cormac have been planning this. Turns out, they’ve been feeding their horrible ideals on how males are better than females to certain males in the pack for years, but it wasn’t until Caden took over the pack after his father’s death that they saw their chance to draw loyalty from the alpha.

They failed. Only a handful of the ones left alive cling to the delusion they deserve to live as Lorne promised.

For everyone else, loyalty and rank are held in the highest regard amongst shifters. The pack recognizes shifter law and knows Caden is the rightful Alpha, not Lorne. Taking control of a pack by force, claiming the rank of Alpha without earning the title, and interfering in a rank challenge all condemned Lorne’s disgraceful actions in their eyes.

Caden questions if we could’ve avoided this when we’re tucked in bed or swimming at our secret spring. If he should’ve exiled Lorne or killed him when he attacked me. I believe even if he had, Cormac, or perhaps someone else swayed by the desire for power, would’ve acted eventually. The only way to root this out from our pack is to eradicate anyone like them meticulously until the blight is gone.

I sit in on some of the sessions when Caden insists he wants my input in passing judgment for the traitors. Weston kneels before Caden in a narrow room of the lodge lined with windows, submitting to him with his neck bared. His boyish features are twisted with guilt and misery.

“I recognize Alpha Blackburn as the true Alpha of Silver Falls Pack. I repent for going against you,” he pledges solemnly.

Caden considers him for several moments. Liam stands guard at his side and I lean against the wall by Hodge. Caden shoots me an inquisitive look, seeking my thoughts. His jaw is clenched, yet the hardness in his eyes falters. I shake my head, believing in Weston’s will to repent. He nods in agreement.

“You’ll be watched closely until I say otherwise,” Caden decides. “As I said before, you need to prove yourself to me. The second you step out of line, that’s it. No more chances.”

Weston’s breath rushes out. “Of course. I’ll do anything you ask without complaint.”

“For starters, you’ll be moving into the dormitories. We’re tearing down Cormac’s compound and rebuilding there. You report to Liam, Gabe, Ford, or Hodge three times a day. If you don’t, you’re out.”

Weston nods. “Thank you.”

Caden motions to Liam and his beta sees Weston out. “Who’s next? Kip?”

“Bring him in,” Ford growls. “I volunteer to be the one to drive him from the packlands after you exile him. No promises he makes it to Wanderer’s Canyon.”

Gabe snorts. “Be more obvious, I beg you.”

Ford’s attitude changes with a sly grin, his voice lowering. “You know I like it when you beg.”

“No one’s next,” I say.

Caden’s gaze darts to me with a spark of interest, the corner of his mouth curling. “Why’s that, mate?”

I grasp his wrist, tugging him from his seat to lead him to the adjoining door to his office. “We’ve been at this all morning. It’s time for a break.”

His hum is pleased until he spots the jar of salve I pull from a pocket of my satchel to put on his wounds. I bat my eyelashes innocently at his grouchy frown.

“Were you hoping the invitation for a break was code for something else?”

“You know I was,” he mutters, pulling me against him. “Make my day a million times better. Let me lay you out on my desk so I can eat your pussy before I fuck you on it.”

I bite my lip, desire tingling in my core. “You had me this morning. Twice.”

“I’ll never have my fill of you, sweet mate.”

His gravelly tone makes me want to climb on his lap and ride him for the rest of the afternoon. I shiver, pushing his chest. He leans against his desk, a smirk stretching his mouth when I unbutton his shirt.

“That’s more like it.” He kneads my waist, drawing me between his spread legs. “I love it when you can’t wait to get your hands on me.”

I duck, hiding a smile. “I want to check how you’re healing and apply this.”

He sighs, nuzzling my jaw with kisses. “It’s barely a scratch now. You have nothing to worry about.”

My wolf gives a bossy warning growl. His grin is wide against my skin. He listens to her, admiring me with a hooded gaze while I skim my fingertips over the fading lines marring his chest and shoulder. I smooth the salve I made with calendula and yarrow to every lingering wound.

One cut bisects his old scars and my mating mark. I kiss the spot, then take extra care rubbing it with salve.

He catches my wrist, bringing my palm to his mouth for a kiss. “Avery.”

My breath catches at the thick desire lacing his tone. I want him as much as every part of me always does, always will, because he’s mine.

“Later,” I say with an airy laugh. “I’m going to visit the healer’s cabin to see how Alisha’s doing as the new pack healer.”

He lavishes the crook of my neck with attention, his stubble scraping my mating mark deliciously. “My Alpha female always sees to her pack’s comfort and happiness. She has no time for her mate.”

“I always have time for you.” My arms loop around his neck and I meet him in a tender kiss. “Try not to be too strict in your judgments for the ones that went along with things out of fear, like Sylvie, or we’ll have a population problem on our hands by the time you’re through with them all.”

“I can think of a few ways to turn our numbers around if it comes to that,” he muses against my lips.

“I think I like the sound of that,” I murmur. “We have time for everything. Our future is ours. Our whole lives are ahead of us.”

“Every moment with you is one I’ll cherish.” He rumbles, splaying his fingers on my stomach. “I look forward to all of it. Especially the day your belly is filled with our pups.”

Joy expands in me. I kiss him passionately, picturing every happy moment that lies ahead for us to experience together. I want all of it with him. We’ll make up for the time we lost by devoting every day to loving each other.

“Me too,” I say.

He holds me closer, stroking my hair. Our hearts beat as one.

“You’re mine. You make me happier than I ever dreamed.”

He kisses my forehead. “I found my way back to you and I’ll never let you go. I’ll always take care of you, Avery. You’re mine to protect. Mine to love.”

Mine. My wolf’s delight is entwined with my own. I’m right where I belong, in my fated mate’s arms.

EPILOGUECADEN

Four Months Later

Winter is ending and the first signs of spring are making themselves known. Things have calmed down, the pack enjoying peaceful times once more.

My uncle’s compound has been torn down. Every pack member questioned whether they were happy or not. Those that sided with Lorne and still showed any sign of discontent were given the option to leave because Lorne’s promise to them of living in the old ways will never fly as long as I’m Alpha. Most bent their necks, respecting my authority once more. The enforcers keep a careful eye on them.

My days are spent seeing to the needs of my pack. It no longer feels like a burden. Instead, it brings me pride to see how much stronger it’s become.

Avery’s herbal remedies have taken off, not only increasing our trade between packs, but the demand has soared amongst humans wanting to get their hands on supernatural-made goods. I haven’t gone as far as Timber Hollow Pack does, inviting humans into my territory, but it’s nice not feeling the need to rely as heavily on traded resources between packs thanks to her success. We’ve yet to hear word from Jade or from the other packs about Lorne’s witch or any missing wolves, but we’ll be ready when we do.

As long as Avery’s the first one I see when I wake and the last before I fall asleep, I’m happy. More than happy, I feel like I’ve become who I’m meant to be. The alpha my father saw in me. It’s all because I have her as my mate, my guiding light that gives me the strength to accomplish anything and the anchor that keeps me grounded.

Without Avery, I’d be incomplete.

Evenings are my favorite lately. The two of us usually end up sitting on the porch swing I installed at the lodge watching over the commons. Kids run around the clearing and people strum banjos. Pipe smoke tinges the air along with chatter and laughter.

Sometimes Lena joins us to read her book outside, bundled in a heap of blankets until Avery stops fussing over her. Then Beatrix or Callie will come out, and Taryn inevitably makes her way over at some point. They fill us in on pack gossip until Liam joins us when he finishes his nightly patrol and squints at Taryn to figure out if she’s causing trouble.

Then I’ll thread my fingers with Avery’s and invite her on a run. I love running with her. So does my wolf.

I can’t wait until tonight. My wolf is restless and she’s the only one who can settle him. I need little push from him, taking any excuse to track down my mate. I head for the cottage she’s turned into her apothecary, nodding to anyone I pass on the road. They don’t comment on me hauling ass, everyone aware of the direction I’m going.

The cottage has transformed from all those months ago when my wolf dragged me to her doorstep, claiming her whether I realized how much I needed her or not. The greenhouse is full of lush foliage, her propagations filling the steamed windows. I’ve built new additions to expand the shop, giving her more space to grow.

My heart swells when I spot her through the lattice windowpanes, a breathtaking smile illuminating her face as she chats with two elder females. She brushes the loose strand of hair that’s escaped her braid aside, probably explaining something about the uses and benefits of ginger root or butterfly weed. Warmth rushes through me, building in my chest with a pulsing glow.

Avery looks out the window, our gazes colliding. The corners of her eyes crinkle as her smile grows wider.

I rub my chest, giving her a lopsided grin. Mine.

My wolf strains to get me moving, tail wagging and paws dancing in excited taps. He doesn’t have to pull hard. I vault up the steps, taking them two at a time, bursting through the door. Avery levels me with an exasperated, affectionate look.

“Alpha,” she greets. “Welcome in. Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

“Very particular.”

She blushes, browsing the shelf Beatrix helped me build to display the ready-made items. “Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s the only cure for what ails me. Do you have it in?” I hold my hand at her height level. “Gorgeous. Amber eyes and golden brown hair. Smart mouth. A bit of a stubborn streak if you piss her off. Smells like the summer sunshine after a fresh rainstorm. I’m afraid I’ll need your entire stock. Nothing less will do.”

She covers her mouth to hide her smile. “Is that right? Sounds serious. Maybe I should examine you to see if there’s anything else to give you relief.”

I waggle my brows, catching her in my embrace when she comes near. “I can think of a few things. A kiss, for one.”

She obliges, lifting her chin, eyes sparkling. I seize her mouth in a deep kiss, my world realigning. She melts against me, lips parting with a faint sigh that embodies exactly how I feel, the bond resonating between us.

“That does make me feel a little better,” I rasp.

“Does it?” Avery teases.

The customers titter amongst themselves, not hiding that they’re watching.

“How charming. I’m glad to see the alpha so taken with his mate,” one observes.

Her friend nods with a fond smile. “Reminds me of when my Fergus and I were that young.” She drops her payment on the counter. “I must go find him. Right now, in fact. I’m off. See you next week, Avery.”

The elder female hustles out, leaving her companion behind stifling laughter. She waves to Avery with a sly look and makes her way out.

“Enjoy your afternoon,” she calls.

“Oh, I intend to,” I murmur to my mate. “Want to go for a run first?”

She hums, pretending to consider. “Tempting.”

“And after my wolf chases yours down, I’m going to lay claim to you.” My lips drag along her jaw, teeth scraping the edge of my mating bite.

A moan sticks in her throat. “Let me—” Her breath hitches as I draw her shirt aside for better access and dart my tongue out to trace the mark. “I’ll finish up quickly. Then we can go.”

I allow her to slip free, adjusting my erection without taking my eyes off her. She flits around her workspace, tapping ground powders into their pots and sweeping dried leaves from her bench. I tease her with a quick tug on the bond, grinning unapologetically when she almost drops a bundle of sage. She lifts a brow and gets me back, as she always does, using the bond to trace an invisible touch down my chest to tease my cock.

“Fuck,” I hiss. “You’re getting much better at that.”

She hums in amused satisfaction. “Have you seen Taryn?”

“No. Why?”

“She said she’d stop by. She’s thinking about joining me here as my apprentice.”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “Liam’s probably chasing after her tail for getting into mischief again.”

It makes me wonder if there’s something more there. Maybe the Fates are at work in the same way I was drawn to Avery before I knew she was my heart’s destiny.

“Okay.” Avery steals my attention back. “I’m ready for our run. And to kick your ass hunting.”

I smirk. “We’ll see about that. Your wolf’s improved, but she’s still not a seasoned hunter like mine. He likes taking down things for her.”

“And she likes showing off,” she sasses.

The curve of my mouth stretches into a grin. “He likes that, too.”

I offer my hand and she slides hers into it. Outside the cottage, I strip her, burning for every inch of skin I reveal. She helps me out of my clothes, pushing her hands beneath my t-shirt, palms gliding over my muscles as she takes it off.

We leave our things draped over the railing, gazing at each other without needing words for the love and need flowing within us. Our mate bond glows with it.

My knuckles graze her cheek. I dip my head, hovering my lips over hers.

“Run for me, little wolf. Run so I can always catch you and remind you that you’re mine, mate.”

Her lashes flutter. I trace the curve of her mouth with my thumb. She kisses it, then meets my gaze with a challenge flaring in her eyes. She dashes for the woods. I admire her, ignoring my wolf’s impatience to take her in with a hungry focus.

She is mine. And I’m going to get her.

Her shift is beautiful, her wolf bursting free from one step to the next, roan coat gleaming when the sun hits her.

Mate, my wolf howls in my head.

I give him control, bolting after her in hot pursuit, paws pounding the ground. She’s fast. I could push harder and close the distance swiftly. Instead, I draw it out, hunting her beautiful wolf all across our territory. She doesn’t make it easy on me, outsmarting me by doubling back on her scent trail and hiding in the spots she likes to forage.

We encounter other packmates out for a run in their fur, joining them for a while before our game is back on. By the time I catch her, we end up at our secret spring. Rays of warm sunlight cast our spot in an ethereal glow, sparkling off the cascading falls.

My wolf pounces on hers near the bank and she concedes with a warbling cry. She swats him with her paws when he rolls her to her back and straddles her in triumph.

Avery shifts back with laughter bubbling out of her, arms going around my neck as best as she can reach. My wolf wags his tail, flopping down on her with a happy rumble, licking her throat to enjoy more of her delectable scent.

I force him out, taking my skin back, his tongue becoming my lips, kissing and licking a path across her collar bone, moving lower, intent on spending a long time lapping between her thighs until she’s wrung out from coming before I bury myself inside her. She arches, sinking her fingers in my hair.

“Caden,” she whimpers.

“I’ve got you. Now and always.”

Thank you so much for reading ALPHA’S BURDEN! The Rejecting Fates series continues in Wolf’s Scorn.

If you can’t get enough growly shifters and their fated mates, enjoy a free bonus scene of Avery and Caden.

Download a free bonus scene: geni.us/lunalarkbonus

Need more fated mates romance? Meet three wicked demons in HELL GATE. Enjoy the fated mates whychoose standalone.

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