And well, that did not go as planned.
The Black Mountain Alpha’s son rejected her.
No.
He did worse than reject her.
He slaughtered her.
And the Black Mountain Alpha responded by laughing.
“The Santeetlah Pack and the Nantahala Pack will unite beneath a mating union,” Alpha Crane continues. “One both myself and Alpha Bryson have blessed—the mating between my son, Canton, and the Nantahala’s highest ranked eligible female, Beta Gafton’s daughter, Aspen Clover Donough.”
I don’t react to him using my full name. Canton knows I prefer to go by Clove. That’s what matters.
“Together, we would build a more powerful territory and provide a united front against those who intrude on our land.” Alpha Crane releases a low growl, the sound making my stomach twist. “The Black Mountain savages think to attack our land and our people. No more. We will unite as the Santeetlah-Nantahala Pack and show them that our wolves are superior to their beastly ways!”
Howls take over the night, sending another shiver down my spine.
Our packs are uniting as one, the wolves joining together in harmony as our ceremony officially begins.
I’m not allowed to join in on the howls; none of the females are. Not that there are many in attendance tonight. Most are home, protecting their offspring with a few enforcers remaining behind.
My mother is here because of me.
Just as Alpha Bryon’s mate is here to show her support of this union.
The rest are males, their animalistic aggression a hot wave in the chilly winter air.
My wolf whines inside, begging to be released. I resist her, just as I’ve always done, the pain in my heart spiraling through my veins and sending electric shocks to my fingertips. It’s never felt natural to suppress her. But I do what I have to for my pack.
I do what I need to do… to survive.
Canton places his hand on my head, his fingers running through my hair. He’s pleased that I’m obeying and remaining still while everyone howls, including him. It’s a display of my loyalty to him as my intended mate. It’s a show of understanding my place in our packs.
I may possess the heart of an Alpha, but I will never be the Alpha. Men are stronger. I accept that. I accept my place. I accept him.
On most days, I think, recalling my mother’s warnings about choosing my battles.
Swallowing, I wait for the men to calm and the next phase of this ceremony to begin.
Canton circles me, his eyes roaming over my exposed skin. I can feel his approval and interest. He knows he’ll finally be allowed to taste me tonight. My own interest is slickening my thighs. He’s an Alpha in his prime, a beautiful specimen of a male with a jawline I’ve wanted to lick from the moment I first met him.
Canton leans down to press a kiss to my temple, his breath warm as he whispers, “I can smell your arousal, Clove. You’re already ready for me, aren’t you, sweetheart?”
I don’t answer. Not because I don’t want to, but because I can’t.
He chuckles, his lips meeting my temple again as he adds, “Good girl.”
Another test—one I pass. Because I know better than to move or reply. I don’t even clench my legs despite the desire pooling between them.
I focus on my wolf instead and my excitement to finally feel her outside of my heart.
The need to shift is all-consuming now, with the moon an added seduction against my skin.
But I have to wait. Canton will call on me when he’s ready, when he’s finally chosen me publicly.
“I approve,” I hear him growl, a few of the wolves chuckling at the clear intent in his tone.
I’ve never attended a mating ceremony, but I’ve heard stories. Sometimes the males claim their females for the pack to see, not just via their bite, but their bodies as well. I’m hoping Canton doesn’t go that route. I want the freedom to run once he allows me to shift.
But I won’t be able to fight him whenever he forces me back into human form.
So he could technically make me shift quickly between forms, claim me, then let me run.
Or he may never let me run at all.
It’s a fear I’ve harbored all my life. I’ve met females whose mates preferred them in human form. However, I think Canton will approve of my wolf and let me frolic. Our meetings have all been positive and the fact he calls me Clove says he respects my choices.
A low hum of growls ignites in the air, the wolves anticipating the final bond.
I’ve missed whatever Alpha Crane has said, my mind too focused on what comes next.