Chapter 49: The Banishing

Harper’s POV



“I surrender.”

Those two magic words are all I needed to hear. I shift back, a sigh of relief leaving my lips. A massive weight feels like it has been lifted off my shoulders.

“Are you serious?” I huff, trying to fill my lungs with fresh air.

That was probably one of the toughest fights I’ve ever been in. Ansel held his own for a good while, but he was no match against my strength.

Artemis nods his head, “Yes, I’m serious. You’ve clearly proven you’re the strongest sibling. Hell, you even took out Ansel and he’s a beast.”

I frown, something seems off. I didn’t think Artemis would give up this quickly, let alone praise me in the same sentence. It’s like he’s trying to get into my good books, so I don’t punish him.

“I told you from the start that I wasn’t here to f*ck around,” I say, looking over my shoulder at Asher, “I was born to be the Alpha.”

Artemis bows his head, “And I can see that now. You win.”

He moves past me to overlook the backyard. Everyone must’ve shifted back when they saw Artemis had surrendered. They all look at him, confused.

“I have surrendered,” He announces, “Harper has bested me, like she promised she would. I will be handing the title of Alpha over to her.”

Asher’s pack and the small group aligned with me cheer as loudly as they can. The rest of the pack needs a bit of support right now because I’m sure having two different Alphas right after the death of my Father must be confusing and hard to get used to.

I push my way in front of Artemis, raising my hand in the air to get everyone’s attention.

“Listen up,” I say as loud as I can, “I’m sure most of you know me as Harper. I’m not the enemy, although I’m sure Artemis has led you to believe that I am.”

Asher moves to stand next to me, but I continue on, “Ever since I was a little girl, my dream has always been to become Alpha someday. From the moment I was able to walk, I wanted to be able to stand up here and be the leader that you need me to be.”

Asher places a gentle hand on my back, encouraging me to keep speaking.

“I know I have what it takes to be the best leader you could possibly have. I’m always around to help with any issues or offer a hand for guidance and support in whatever you need,” I say, my eyes searching every single face in the crowd, “I don’t care about the power; I care about the people.”

As soon as I finish speaking, every single person in the crowd begins to cheer. I can’t help the massive smile that spreads from cheek to cheek. They have finally accepted me as their one and only true Alpha. Being given this honor is huge for me; it’s what I have always wanted, and now it’s finally in my grasp.

The crowd begins to chant my name, and I turn to Artemis. Ansel walks up beside us to join Artemis. He looks exhausted and run down.

“As for you two,” I say, looking at Asher, “I’m banishing you from this territory for life.”

“What!” Artemis and Ansel shout at the same time, a look of horror on their faces.

I knew Artemis would try and suck up to me in hopes that I wouldn’t banish him and Ansel because they would have nowhere to go. They would be rogue wolves without a home. I don’t think they have an independent bone in their body.

I nod my head, “I can’t trust that this won’t happen again. I’m sick and tired of constantly having to watch for a figure in the shadows. I want you two out of my sight, so I never have to worry about you attacking me ever again.”

“But we’re family,” Ansel stammers, clearly surprised by my announcement, “You can’t do this to us.”

I smile, “But I can. As Alpha, I have the right to banish whoever I like. You two have given me no other options because I can’t trust either of you.”

They both stand in shock, staring at me for the off chance I’ll change my mind. News flash, I’ve been wanting to do this since the day I moved in with Asher.

“I want you two to pack your things, and be gone by midday,” I look at Asher, who is staring daggers at them, “Or else I’ll have my husband forcefully remove you.”

Artemis returns to reality, stepping up to me, “You will pay for this,” He whispers.

“I’d like to see you try, coward.”


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Asher’s POV


Harper rounds up her new pack, discussing with them what will happen moving forward. She looks so excited to finally be addressing them as their Alpha; you can see the sparkle in her eyes when she talks to them.

I’m standing with my pack out the front, waiting for Artemis and Ansel’s departure. I see a black mustang pull into the driveway and I roll my eyes.

Who invited Julius and Dean?

Julius slams the car door and comes storming over to me, with Dean in tow. He looks pissed.

“How dare you bring the pack here and involve them in your wife’s business,” he snaps, stopping inches away from me.

I want to laugh. How dare I?

“As their Alpha, I’m allowed to do whatever I want,” I snap back, “Besides, they all love Harper and would be willing to do anything for her.”

“Including getting killed?”

I look around at all the healthy bodies standing by, and look back to him, “You’re delusional. No one got hurt, so back off.”

“You can’t do this!” He shouts, getting in my face.

I push at his chest as hard as I can, sending him tumbling to the floor. He looks up at me in horror.

“Don’t ever try and tell me I don’t know what’s best for the pack,” I look around at everyone, “You’ve done nothing but manipulate me into doing whatever you want and I’m sick of it.”

“Everyone, listen up,” I say loud enough for the pack to hear, “Julius murdered my Father fifteen years ago.”

The crowd gasps in shock, and Julius looks like he’s seen a ghost. I kneel in front of him, my eyes not breaking contact.

“Julius and Dean, I’m formally banishing you from the pack and my territory.”

The pack erupts into cheers, clapping and chanting ‘murderer’ as Julius sits on the ground, looking pathetic.

“You’ve done nothing but try to go over my head and make my wife’s life miserable. So, for that,” I say, “You will pay.”

Julius shakes his head, pleading with me, “Asher, wait! We can work this out.”

I stand to my feet, “If I see you at the compound, I will have no issues ripping you to shreds.”