#62

Evander

The pack instinctively flanked her, and I stepped in front of her, blocking the intruder’s gaze. Dominic stood before me, his tailored jacket tossed over his shoulder, wearing a pinstriped dress shirt with a tie no doubt shoved in his pocket. His navy gaze met mine with an air of annoyance. “Dominic, you're early my voice growled out. My mate, being in the presence of another high-ranking Alpha, bristled at my primal side. “Technically, I'm late,” he grit back in a cool manner. “I tried to make it for the festivities, but someone left me the slowest mule in existence instead of a proper mount.”

I had done it on purpose true but he wasn’t the most experienced with horses either. Thomas was reliable, and I had hoped it would keep him out of our hair as long as possible. I loved my brother, yes, but did I really want to deal with his ego? Of course not. He was bitter and unhinged. He had made bad choices resulting in unspeakable losses. And then there was his ego, which led to his current situation, which if I dispatched, he would fall to ruin. I kept Dominic on a shorter leash than anyone else knew, and he knew I could take it all away in more ways than one. So he rebelled through his sarcasm and walked a fine line attempting to hide the misery of his disgrace and disloyalties.

“If you are hungry, there is plenty in the kitchen and stores help yourself,” I said burning him by not having a lower pack mate serve him. My people were not here to serve or service him as he would like. He was used to enjoying the hierarchy of the urban pack. Where he acted like a false king. “While you are here, you will be bunking with Evan and Elijah. When you are ready to retire, they will show you to your bed.” Aurora stepped up next to me with a confidence of a true Luna. She hid nothing as I glanced down noting the lightning streaks that lighted in the luminosity of her true gaze. “So you cast aside your brother for the warmth between the thighs of your witch whore?” The guttural growl I let loose in response to the stab at my mate caused Dominic to flinch.

Growls from behind brought the most dominant members to our backs. Aurora shook her head. “You are starting off poorly, brother-in-law, already degrading your hostess. The amount of respect and humility you choose to show, numbers your time here. I will fill my side of the bargain in full. I will be one of you on the full moon regardless of my Luna status. You will deliver me what is owed.” A growl formed in Dominic’s throat that he tried to choke out. He could tell this wasn’t a fight he wanted. “I will take my food and my bed.” He grit out.

“Dominic,” she said. “Do not think your time here will be idle. You can find the things you seek, but without effort, you will find yourself fruitless. You will attend to chores as the rest of us do. Here your status means nothing, earn the respect you wish to achieve. I do not coddle egos.” her voice was steadfast, ringing out with authority. I wasn’t sure if it was the wolf taking residence, her confidence in the possible acceptance, or it could be the settling power within her, or the acceptance of who and what she was. The Alpha in me preened over the strength of his mate. Over time, I think our kind had lost its appreciation for powerful females. Alphas often choose to opt for more submissive, chosen mates as opposed to the stronger ones the moon goddess paired them, too. It was a plague that Alphas refused to match their mates and each generation became more toxic and less attributed to the patriarchal instincts to defend and protect. Rather, they became more domineering and volatile.

Thinking back when my father’s switch would flip my mother bearly half his size could always pull him back to himself, and maybe there was something to that. How had Aurora just instinctively known how to handle me, how to do what she did with absolutely no experience? There was something there. Something missing from the packs that thought they were the future, something vital was missing there. “Don’t forget to wash your plates!” She had an impish look on her face as Dominic swore under his breath. ‘Evan? Elijah?’ I reached out. ‘Yes, Alpha,” they answered in tandem. ‘Watch him, let him do as he will for now, but watch him, follow him. I want reports of every move he makes. Also, he comes near a female. Stop him, no matter how far you have to go.’ They each had flanked Aurora closely and met my eyes with a lethal nod. Blake's dark gaze was observing our transaction. He had learned how to function without the link. He nodded in approval. ‘However, if he comes for our Luna, let her lay waste to him.’ I specified. ‘Yes, Alpha Evan chirped. ‘My pleasure,’ Elijah said almost sadistically. They both knew of his transgressions and would invite any way to show him a lesson.

Smirks quirked at the corner of their mouths. I had the same faith in her as they did. They were enthusiastically waiting for Dominic’s demise. It would be a lesson dealt out by the embodiment of what he forsook. Strong females were a gift and their gifts did vary. Strength of character or of the heart was of little consequence to an Alpha measuring his dick to his peers. Our world had become a pissing match and I wanted no part of it.

My hand snaked over Aurora’s hip holding her flush to my side. “It’s time for me to fulfill all of my promises for tonight.” I said guiding her away from the party and to our home. Eyes full of envy watched us walk away. I already knew someone else had slipped away precariously into the night, far from the scene that had played out.