“Yes, absolutely,” I replied without hesitation. “And Viola will be with you, too.”
“Okay, that sounds...okay.” Destiny sniffled, reduced to tears as she flung herself into her father’s arms. I watched as the two of them clutched each other.
The wind picked up, bringing a chilly breeze that made me shudder. I patted Claude’s shoulder gently and said, “Love, we should get back to the shelter. Landon and Maria can help us from there.”
“That’s a good idea,” Claude responded as he looked up at me. He smiled. “What would I do without you?”
Have more kids, I replied mentally. Have a real family. I’m not good enough for you, Daddy.
The way back to the shelter took less time than I expected. As soon as we were welcomed into the warehouse, Maria flung her arms around me and sobbed about running off into the night without any real protection. I cried with her, hugging her tightly to my body and swearing silently to myself that I would never leave my best friend again.
Viola and Destiny were given dry clothes. Although Claude insisted he was fine, I glared at him until he accepted a new pair of pants. He rolled his eyes as he retreated to the kitchen to change. I was tempted to follow him until a loud bang came from the long, metallic hallway.
Landon raised a hand, silencing everyone in the room. The knocks came again, insistent and loud, ricocheting off every available surface in the warehouse. Who in the world would want inside?
“Crap, it might be the pack,” I whispered under my breath.
I huddled with Viola and Destiny in a shadowy corner as Claude returned and positioned himself in front of us. All might and glory, rippling muscle, a wolfish snarl escaping his throat when Landon returned with a stranger.
No, he wasn’t a stranger.
“He’s from the Remington compound,” I gasped as I stood up. I grabbed Claude’s arm. “They’re never going to stop coming after me, are they?”
“Wait!” the man called as he raised his hands. “I swear, I mean you no harm!”
Claude vibrated with anger as he marched forward. “Prove it.”
The man side-stepped Claude, walked briskly up to me and dropped to one knee. He bowed his head deeply as he exposed his wrist to me. “All hail the new alpha.”
I blinked rapidly. “Excuse me?”
“You defeated Adam Remington, the tyrant who ruled over the Southern Swamp Pack. Our remaining members pledge allegiance to the new pack leader, the new alpha who saved us from his destructive rule.”
Everyone in the room froze, appearing more like wax statues than shifters. My eyes were hooked on the man prostrating himself in front of me, studying his tawny brown skin and shaved head. The exposed wrist he extended to me revealed a bulging vein that beat thunderously with an anxious heartbeat.
I closed my eyes and listened to his heart. “Do you swear you speak the truth?”
“Yes, alpha.”
“And you swear no harm will come to us?”
He nodded profusely, never meeting my gaze and never withdrawing his wrist. He was being entirely serious. Any shifter who proclaimed such allegiance this way would be bound for life—and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that kind of responsibility.
What was I supposed to do?
Just twenty-four hours ago, I had been a helpless wolf stuck in a county hospital with a stranger watching over me. That stranger quickly turned out to be my mate. And though I wasn’t sure if he would accept me—flaws and all—I knew I had to take responsibility for the place I left behind.
“Who exactly are you?” I asked the man kneeling in front of me. I took his wrist, holding it gently between my fingers. “What is your name?”
After a shaky inhalation, the man replied, “Dante.”
“Dante, are there any of Remington’s supporters remaining at the compound?”
“No, ma’am. They all fled once we received word of his death.”
I hummed. “And how did you receive word of his death?”
“Someone was trailing after them to make sure we had time to get some of our people out. They watched you defeat Adam.”
I nodded. “You were trying to escape?”
“Myself and others, yes. Alpha, we’ll stay if you so wish.”
I raised my gaze to Claude, waiting for his cue. He was my mate, after all, and I trusted his judgment. My mate pursed his lips thoughtfully, regarding Dante for a moment before focusing fully on me. His gaze said it all: I had to make this decision for myself.
Considering the alternatives, it would be nice to settle down without having to worry about running. I was sick of running and hiding. I wanted to dig my toes into the soft soil of the earth and call it home, wherever that might be.
“Dante,” I said gently, prompting him to raise his gaze. “You never have to offer me your wrist again. I won’t bite you. I won’t claim you.”
“But…”
I raised my free hand to cut him off. One deep breath later, I whispered, “I accept.”
“You’ll lead us?” He hopped up from the ground, hesitation in his eyes. It was clear he wasn’t used to being around someone like me. “You mean that?”
“Yes, Dante. I mean that. I will return to the compound at once and settle this mess.”
Eyes wide and smile bright, he lunged toward me, causing Claude a brief panic until Claude realized the sweet man was sobbing in my embrace. I cradled him, my heart swelling as I comforted Dante. A rush of emotions slammed into me then, ones I were sure weren’t exactly mine.
Dante—I could feel what he felt. His elation, relief, confusion, and fear all mingled with the cord that connected me to my mate. What used to be a string was now a sturdy rope that tingled as Dante’s feelings flooded my body.
I closed my eyes and fed him warmth. A moment later, he sighed, a soothing calm washing over the both of us. When I drifted back, I cupped his face. “No more pain.”
“No more.”
“We should leave now. There’s a lot to do.”
Claude raised his eyebrows. “What about the shifters here?”
I smiled at Maria and then Landon. “Come with us.”
“Are you sure?” Maria asked. “Are you sure it’s safe?”
“I don’t know yet. But I’ll make sure it is if it’s not.”
Dante smiled weakly. “We’re all eager to have you, Alpha.”
“Alpha,” I repeated the word, the taste of it odd on my tongue. “I’m going to have to get used to hearing that.”