Chapter 10

Alpha Kael

Jaxon's sudden interruption last night still grated on me.

Having just found my mate, all I wanted was a few uninterrupted minutes with her, away from the endless stream of pack responsibilities that constantly kept me from anything remotely personal.

But duty called, and Jaxon was nothing if not persistent. He knew where my focus needed to be.

I glared at the paperwork in front of me, sighing as I stamped yet another report. The rogue attacks had been increasing ever since Aria came to the pack.

It was almost as if something was deliberately drawing them here, like a dark magnet targeting my territory. It was unusual, especially considering we’re one of the strongest packs around.

A few stray rogues wouldn’t normally be an issue, but this wasn’t just about numbers, it felt more like a message.

I couldn’t ignore the possibility that Aria’s presence had something to do with it. The thought churned in my stomach, but even that couldn’t keep my mind from drifting back to her. Aria. My mate.

Kiera had been sending me updates every hour since she took Aria to the pack house yesterday, and while the updates were helpful, they just weren’t enough.

It was still early, just before dawn, so I figured Aria would be asleep. The thought of watching her peaceful face as she slept stirred something deep in me, and Braun snarled in agreement, pressing at the edge of my mind.

“I want to see her.” Braun’s voice was deep, impatient.

“So do I,” I muttered, fighting the urge to give in and go to her. Just one look wouldn’t hurt, would it?

But before I could make up my mind, my office door opened, and in walked Ren and Jaxon. Both of them were alert and ready for our early meeting, completely unfazed by the ungodly hour. I sighed, squaring my shoulders and shifting my focus.

“Good to see you both made it on time,” I greeted them dryly, gesturing for them to sit.

Jaxon smirked, settling into the chair across from me. “Wouldn’t miss it, especially with the recent rise in rogue activity. Figured we’d need the extra time to tackle it.”

Ren leaned back, arms crossed. “Weird, though, isn’t it? The sudden increase? You think it’s about the pack’s strength, or…?” His eyes flicked to me knowingly, and I grunted.

“It’s like they’re being drawn here,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “Not in numbers that would usually worry us, but it’s…persistent. Deliberate. And ever since Aria arrived…”

I trailed off, and Jaxon’s gaze sharpened. “You think the rogues have something to do with her?”

“I don’t know yet,” I admitted, frustration leaking into my tone. “But we can’t ignore it. If they’re coming for her, we need to figure out why and put a stop to it.”

Ren nodded, brows knitted in thought. “Maybe they sense the bond, or maybe it’s something more. I’ll keep the warriors on high alert, but I’ll also double-check for patterns in their movements. See if they’re coming from the same direction or if there’s any sign of organization.”

“Good,” I said, feeling a bit of relief knowing Ren would get on it. “Keep me posted on anything unusual.”

Jaxon’s lips twisted into a small grin. “Speaking of unusual, looks like our Alpha’s a taken man now.” He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Didn’t think you’d find a mate, let alone a second chance.”

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, well, neither did I. And honestly, I still don’t know what to do with myself. Feels like the goddess gave me a blessing I don’t deserve.”

Ren chuckled, exchanging a glance with Jaxon. “You really don’t believe it, huh? That you, of all people, got a second chance?”

“It’s just... unexpected,” I muttered, shifting uncomfortably under their scrutiny. “And a bit intimidating, if I’m honest.”

“Oh, you lucky bastard,” Jaxon said, throwing a playful punch at my shoulder. “Ren and I are still waiting over here while you’re off mated. You’d better not take it for granted, or you’ll have us to answer to.”

I snorted, smirking despite myself. “You two? Envious of me? Now I’ve seen everything.”

We laughed, the lightness of the moment cutting through the tension that had settled over us since the rogue attacks started.

But soon enough, the laughter faded, and we fell back into a comfortable silence, minds circling back to the challenges at hand.

“Alright, I’ll meet you both at the training ground,” I said, standing. “Let’s get this pack sharp. If rogues are this interested in us, we’ll give them a reason to think twice.”

Ren and Jaxon both nodded in agreement, we left the office and made out way to the field.

It was early in the morning and the air was cool, the sun just beginning to rise as we started stretching.

I began a regimen of stretches, opening up my muscles and wiping away the last of the grogginess.

The pack members were alert, already immersed in their routines, ready for anything.

After warming up, we split into sparring pairs. Ren stepped forward with a determined glint in his eyes, and I met his challenge with a grin. We circled each other, and in a flash, he lunged. I dodged, countering with a sharp blow to his side. He grunted but grinned, retaliating with a fierce roundhouse kick.

The sparring session was intense, and by the time I moved to the sidelines, breath heavy and muscles burning, I felt a surge of pride for the warriors around me. Each of them trained with a fierceness that promised we’d be ready for any threat, rogue or otherwise.

Just as I was about to rejoin the fray, Braun stirred restlessly. A familiar, intoxicating scent drifted through the training grounds, and I snapped my head up, inhaling deeply.

Aria.

She was coming closer, her scent smothering the fresh morning air and attacking me, pushing my wolf into a frenzy. I scanned the area, catching sight of her approaching from across the field.

Dressed simply but with an elegance that made her look like a goddess under the early sun, she took my breath away.

For a moment, I was lost, admiring her, mesmerized at how her hair sparkled, how she smiled at everything and looked around, shyly, at all the new faces. But then my wonder was cut short by something that froze my blood.

Some of the pack were murmuring, eyes darting over to her, with barely concealed disdain. Their words drifted to my ears, faint but unmistakable.

“She’s the rogue, right?”

“Wonder what Alpha sees in her.”

“Doesn’t look like much. Definitely doesn’t fit in here.”

A low growl rumbled in my chest, unbidden, warning them to watch their tongues. The disrespect they showed to my mate was intolerable.

I didn’t care what they thought, but I wasn’t about to let anyone make Aria feel less than.

Jaxon caught the shift in my demeanor, stepping closer with a questioning look. “What’s wrong?”

“They’re talking about her,” I muttered, jaw clenched. “I don’t want anyone making her feel unwelcome.”

He nodded, eyes narrowing as he looked toward the source of the whispers. “We can handle that.”

But Braun was far from satisfied. Watching Aria approach, blissfully unaware of the murmurs around her, I felt an intense surge of protectiveness, fierce and unyielding.

As she drew nearer, a sense of resolve hardened in me. I would make sure she knew her place here, at my side, respected and valued by everyone.