Chapter Five

Dominic

"Do you doubt this?" I snarled, the force of my words echoing through the air as I pressed my challenger against a tree.

"Anyone else want to question my authority?" I demanded, my gaze sweeping over the assembled men.

"Alpha," my beta murmured, picking himself up from where he had fallen.

The metallic tang of frustration filled my mouth, a reminder of the disrespect seeping from a member of the pack.

My canines grazed my lip as I suppressed the urge to lash out. Every decision I made was for the pack's protection, a vow etched into my very being since assuming the Alpha mantle at fifteen.

"While you are my friend," I declared for all to hear, "you will never question my judgement again."

My beta bowed in submission, acknowledging his place.

Though Evelyn was a trusted ally, moments arose where boundaries needed reaffirming. Leading the largest pack in the country invited outside scrutiny; distractions or dissent could not be tolerated, even from my closest confidants.

"Alpha, if I may?" Finn, my third-in-command, stepped forward.

"Make it quick," I commanded, my attention fixed on him.

Finn voiced concerns for my safety, met with murmurs of agreement from the gathered men.

"Your safety is paramount," Finn urged. "Allow Evelyn and I to accompany you. The pack needs its Alpha."

"Is that all?" I dismissed, uninterested in his plea.

Though I appreciated their loyalty, safeguarding the pack took precedence.

Today's agenda was set after a call from Marcus, Alpha of Pale Moon, my adversary.

Unlike Marcus, personal vendettas held no allure for me. Rejecting his invitation had invited threats, reminders of our feud's origins in his attack on my kin.

"Xander," Evelyn whispered urgently, breaking my reverie. "Awaiting your orders."

Rubbing my temples, I addressed the silent assembly.

"You are dismissed."

Confusion rippled through the crowd, but I paid it no heed as I strode back to my abode.

"They're perplexed," Evelyn observed, matching my pace. "Mind links are flooding in."

"I will not endanger our people," I asserted. "The pack's security is paramount."

"They understand that, but venturing alone? Facing the enemy alone?" Evelyn challenged.

His words kindled my ire, and in a flash, I shifted into my wolf form, teeth bared in fury. Evelyn barely had time to react before my jaws closed around his shoulder, a reprimand but not a mauling.

Perhaps he was right. My decision to confront Pale Moon solo was fraught with risk, but safeguarding the pack outweighed personal safety.

With Evelyn left behind, I sprinted away, determined to face the looming threat alone.

Inter-pack conflict bred casualties; I refused to expose my kin to further peril. Witnessing my mother's widowhood underscored the stakes, prompting my premature ascension to Alpha.

My territory, expansive yet hospitable, afforded respite amid strife. Natural features like waterfalls provided solace, a release from the tensions of leadership.

Returning to human form, I relished the chill of the water's embrace, its frigidity cleansing my tumultuous thoughts.

As I approached the pack house, my sister awaited anxiously, relaying Evelyn and Finn's departure.

"They ventured to the enemy," she revealed, igniting my fury.

Attempting to contact them proved futile, exacerbating my anger.

Their reckless actions imperilled the pack, a betrayal I would not overlook.