The Alpha's Chosen

RO

battle every day had worn me do

en I stepped out onto the colle

as if he owned it. Tall. Solid.

ulders. Dark brown eyes that held steady on me,

er

tep felt heavier than the last. The future I had been avoiding

. His voice was calm, but t

come. I have made my final

t. Set. He had already decided. Noth

not was

a wolf from our pack. If you refuse, I

come one day did not make it easier. There had been hope

od Pack. Training. Expectations. Rules. Then last y

To test myself. To decide whether I could carry

ture alpha would tear

steady. "An unmated female can lead as well a

direction. He

pression di

s in the pack who doubt you. Without a bonded partner, you will not be strong enough to defend your claim. Many would challenge you. Some would t

ft in his words

e word cam

is semester. Then return home. You and Theron will have

e time felt both fa

protest slipped out b

vibrated through the space between us.

ot insult Theron or me again. While I lead, you follow. Unle

sat plain

ears, though age meant little among our kind. We slowed after p

r had always stood at Father's side. This arrangement had likely be

n? Had he agree

thoughts, but none

. Refusing would mean surrendering everyt

Anger rose fast, hot and sh

my chest burned. "I understand what is expected. I accept your terms. Bu

studied me. He searched

on purpose. He co

said before Father could answer. His to

ce. His support mattered. Wit

Father gave a short nod. App

for Theron t

as familiar. We had grown up around each other. There were worse

rrangement off

ired it be placed on the middle finger. The stone w

ht. Skin to skin. A silent agr

nt carried no fear. No anger. He had c

sealed yet. That

narrowed. And there wou