Chapter 24

TWENTY-FOUR

J ust before the sun set, they came back inside from their impromptu outing in the backyard. Alex filled a tub of hot water and set candles around the bathroom.

"You just relax," he said, helping Lena into the tub, "and let me get carry-out for dinner."

"God," she sighed, lowering into the water, "can you be any more perfect?"

He chuckled. "I'll be back in a bit." He looked at her all naked and stretched out. Damn, he'd have to get a two-person bathtub. He wondered if anyone delivered overnight.

Before he changed his mind about leaving, he strode out of the bathroom and through the house to the back door.

Alex lingered there, his hand on the knob, a sense of unease prickling at the back of his neck. Something felt off, an instinctual warning that gnawed at his resolve to leave.

He had only made it a few steps toward his car when the instinct to return surged overpoweringly strong. Trusting his instincts had always served him well as the alpha, and today was no exception.

Without fully understanding why, he turned back, his strides quick and silent. As he approached the house again, his sharp eyes caught movement in the bushes—a subtle shift that to any human would have been imperceptible.

His heart hammered as the shadows materialized into forms—two of them, large and undoubtedly shifter.

The first stranger stepped out, his posture menacing, a smirk playing on his lips that Alex wanted to rip right off his face. "Thought you'd be gone longer, Alpha," the shifter taunted, his voice a gravelly sneer.

Alex's response was terse, his body coiling into readiness. "Not today. You're on Shadow Pack land. What do you want?"

"Just checking to see if your mate is okay after her attack," he laughed. "Is she still breathing?"

"Who the fuck are you?"

The man gave a low childish laugh. "Darren Hillside. I came to finish what I started."

Without warning, the second shifter lunged from his hiding spot, forcing Alex to react swiftly. He dodged to the side, feeling the whoosh of air as powerful jaws snapped where his arm had been just moments before.

The night erupted into a whirlwind of snarls and clashing bodies as Alex shifted, his human form melting away in a heartbeat. Fur as dark as a moonless sky rippled across his skin as his body contorted and grew, bones snapping and realigning. His senses sharpened to a razor's edge, the world around him suddenly alive with scents and sounds that his human mind could barely comprehend.

He stood before his enemies as a massive, powerfully built wolf, his eyes gleaming with a fierce, protective rage. This was what he was born for - to defend his pack, his mate, and his territory. And these two, the ones who had dared to attack Lena, would feel the full force of his wrath.

The attackers shifted as well, their bodies twisting and reforming into sleek, deadly wolves. They circled Alex like sharks scenting blood in the water, their eyes hungry and eager for the kill. The smaller one attacked first, a lightning-fast blur of fur and fangs that aimed straight for Alex's throat.

But Alex was ready. He met the charge head-on, his own massive body slamming into the attacker with the force of a freight train. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, the very earth seeming to tremble beneath the clash.

Claws flashed and teeth gnashed as they grappled, rolling across the blood-soaked ground in a whirlwind of fur and fury. Alex's jaws clamped down on the smaller wolf's throat, the taste of hot, coppery blood flooding his mouth. The attacker thrashed and bucked, a gurgling whine escaping its throat as Alex's fangs sank deeper, inexorably crushing the life from its body.

With a savage twist of his powerful neck, Alex wrenched the limp corpse free and tossed it aside like a ragdoll. But there was no time to savor the victory - the larger wolf was already on him, having waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Its claws raked down Alex's flank, scoring deep, burning furrows through his thick fur and into the flesh beneath. Agony seared through him, white-hot and blinding, but it only served to fuel the inferno of his rage.

He rolled with the impact, using the momentum to carry him back to his feet, and launched himself at his attacker with a roar that shook the leaves from the trees.

They met in a clash of titans, two apex predators locked in a primal battle for supremacy. Claws flashed and jaws snapped, each seeking to tear the other apart, to rend flesh and crush bone until only one remained standing.

But Alex was the alpha for a reason. He fought with the strength of his pack behind him, with the fierce, unyielding love he held for his mate driving him onward. He would not fail her, not now, not ever.

With a guttural growl that echoed off the walls of the nearby house, Alex kicked hard, dislodging his attacker. He didn't hesitate, leaping onto the larger wolf, his teeth finding the vulnerable throat. The taste of blood filled his mouth, metallic and thick, as he bit down hard, the life beneath him thrashing wildly in a futile attempt to escape death.

When the struggle ceased, Alex stood over the two still bodies, his chest heaving, fur matted with blood. The silence that followed was broken only by his heavy breathing. Shifting back to human form, he staggered slightly, feeling the toll of the fight in every muscle.

He scanned the surroundings one last time, ensuring no more threats lurked in the shadows before making his way back into the house. His only thought now was Lena, the need to see her safe, to hold her and reassure himself that the danger had passed—for now.

As he entered the bedroom, Lena rushed to him in a towel, her eyes wide with concern and relief. "Alex, you're hurt! What happened? I heard growls."

He wrapped his arms around her, the contact grounding him. "I'm okay," he reassured her, though his voice was rough with the residue of battle.

"Nothing I couldn't handle."

"Alex!"

He watched her eyes fill with tears. "You can't do this to me. I can't have you being hurt."

He gave a rough laugh. "Baby, you're the one I'm concerned with. I'm fine."

Alex's hands trembled with a mix of need and reverence as he brushed Lena's cheek, his gaze locked with hers.

"Come here," he murmured, voice rough with emotion. His fingers laced with hers, gentle yet insistent, drawing her toward the bed that seemed too small to contain the magnitude of what was about to unfold.

With a tender nudge, Alex urged her onto the mattress, following close behind. His body molded against hers, a perfect counterpoint to each curve and contour as they lay together.

The dance of desire that had begun with a touch now found its rhythm in their synchronized breathing, in the way their limbs entwined like vines seeking sunlight. He could feel the heat radiating from her skin, the rapid rise and fall of her chest pressed against his own.

"I can't wait any longer, love," Alex confessed, his voice thick with longing. The words were more than a statement—they were a vow, a promise etched into the very fabric of the moment. "I'm going to make you mine, Lena. I want to bond us as mates."

"Yes," she breathed out, her gaze locked onto his with unwavering certainty. "Make me yours."

In that instant, as her words echoed through him, Alex felt something primal awaken. It was as if her consent had unlocked the final restraint within him. His hands roamed with purpose, each touch a word in the silent language they had created just for themselves.

They moved together, a seamless blend of need and give, take and surrender. The rest of the world faded to nothingness; there was only Lena, with her eyes reflecting the same fierce passion that consumed him. Time lost its meaning as they danced to a rhythm born of ancient instinct, their movements fluid and unhesitant.

Alex's hands traced the contours of Lena's body, mapping out the landscape of her skin with reverence and a growing hunger. Every inch he explored responded to his touch, her breath catching in her throat, her heart hammering against his palm.

"Every part of you is perfect," he murmured, his voice rough with desire as his fingers wandered lower, teasing the sensitive flesh before dipping into the warmth that awaited him. Lena arched beneath him, a silent plea for more that he was all too eager to answer.

"Tell me what you want, Lena," Alex coaxed, watching her face for every reaction as he continued his deliberate assault on her senses. She writhed, caught in the web of escalating pleasure he spun around her.

"Alex, please," she gasped, the words tumbling out among ragged breaths. He smiled, a predator basking in the power of her surrender to the sensations he invoked.

"Please what?" His tone was playful yet commanding, his fingers dancing with purpose as they found the rhythm that made her squirm. "Say it."

"Touch me... there, make me come," Lena begged, her inhibitions stripped away by the tide of need he had stoked within her.

With a low growl of approval, Alex obliged, intensifying his movements, his other hand rolling her nipple between his fingers, coaxing a sharp cry from her lips.

"Come for me, Lena. Let go," he commanded, and she shattered beneath him, waves of pleasure crashing down upon her as she clutched at him, her body convulsing in sweet release. Alex watched, a triumphant fire in his eyes as Lena trembled, the bond between them pulsing like a living thing, wrapping them in its unyielding embrace.

Hovering on the edge of shared oblivion, Alex's breaths became ragged against Lena's skin. His control frayed as primal instincts surged to the forefront. With every thrust, their connection deepened, a silent pact about to be sealed in the most ancient of ways.

"Are you ready?" he rasped, his voice thick with the gravity of the moment.

Lena nodded, her eyes blazing with fierce trust and acceptance. "Yes, Alex. Now."

His teeth grazed her neck, a tender warning before he sank them into her flesh, a firm yet careful pressure that branded her soul as much as her skin. Lena's sharp intake of breath mingled with a low moan that vibrated from her throat, a sign of pain entwined with the purest form of pleasure.

The bond snapped into place, a tangible force that wrapped around them, reinforcing what had started as a spark into an unbreakable link. Lena's fingers dug into his back, her body arching into him, welcoming him completely.

Then, as if unleashed by the marking, waves of pleasure cascaded over them. Their bodies shook with the force of their climax, a storm of sensation that left no part of them untouched.

They lay in bed together, hearts beating hard, both trying to catch their breaths.

He caressed her back with a finger while her head lay on his chest.

"Does this mean the Hillside Pack problem is over?"

"I don't know. But I'm here to make sure they never lay a hand on you again."

She picked her head up and met his gaze. "You wanna get married?"

He gave a quick laugh. "I'm supposed to ask you, remember?"

She shrugged. "I love you. You love me. We get married. Seems like common sense, no?"

"Yes, but we're not half-assing this." He sat up in bed and opened his bedside drawer and pulled out a ring box he'd been keeping there since the first day he met her.

Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Are you for real right now?"

He chuckled, pulled her to stand in front of the bed and got down on one knee. "I love you, Lena. From the second I saw you, I knew you were it. My mate. My life. My everything. Will you marry me?"

She nodded, her eyes filled with tears. "Yes," she mumbled. "I love you so much, Alex. I don't even remember what my life was like without you in it."

He slipped the ring on her finger and immediately pulled her onto the bed. "Good. I don't ever want you to think of a time when you and I aren't together."

"You are so lucky I love you, wolf." She laughed and kissed him hard.

Alex held her tightly in his arms. His mate. His life. His love.

The council room, usually a place of stoic discussions and strategic planning, had an unusually tense atmosphere as Alex prepared to recount the recent, violent encounters with members of the Hillside Pack. He stood at the head of the long table, his posture commanding yet visibly weighed down by the recent events. His father and the other elders, seasoned by years of leadership and pack politics, awaited his report with a blend of concern and readiness.

Alex cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the turmoil that churned inside him. "I called this meeting to report that I was forced to defend myself and our pack from an attack by Darren Hillside and another shifter from their pack. They ambushed me at my home with the intent to kill not just myself but my mate as well." His jaw tightened as he recalled the clash, the danger Lena had been in sharpening his every word.

Before he could delve deeper into his defensive actions, his father raised a hand, signaling him to pause. "There is more to the situation," his father interjected, his tone serious but carrying an undercurrent of hopeful news. "The alpha of the Hillside Pack, Darren's father, has passed away. His younger son, who has taken over, reached out to me this morning."

A murmur rippled through the room, the elders exchanging glances of both surprise and cautious optimism.

"His name is Ethan Hillside," his father continued, "and he appears to be a much different character than his brother or his father. He has expressed deep regret over the actions taken against our pack and has extended an olive branch. He wishes to establish a peaceful coexistence between our packs and has even sought advice on investments to strengthen their economic standing."

Alex felt a mix of relief and skepticism. The sudden shift in leadership and the new alpha's approach were promising yet raised questions about the sincerity and longevity of his intentions.

"He also personally apologized for the attacks and expressed a desire to meet with you, Alex, to apologize in person and discuss ways to ensure such conflicts do not occur in the future," his father added, watching Alex closely to gauge his reaction.

The room fell silent, all eyes on Alex as he processed the information. The primal part of him, the part that had fought tooth and nail against the Hillside attackers, clamored for continued vigilance and readiness to defend. Yet, as a leader, he knew the value of peace and the benefits a stable relationship could bring to his pack.

"I appreciate Ethan's outreach and his proposed apologies," Alex finally said, his voice measured. "I am willing to meet with him to discuss these matters further and see if his intentions align with his words. However, I want to be clear that our pack's safety is my foremost priority. Any sign of treachery or further aggression will be met with a swift response."

His father nodded, approving of his cautious yet open approach. "That is wise, Alex. We will arrange a meeting under neutral terms with all necessary precautions in place. It is in our best interest to pursue a path of peace, but we will remain vigilant, ready to protect our own at a moment's notice."

The elders murmured their agreement, their expressions a mix of relief and the residual tension of leaders who had weathered many storms.

As the elders began to rise, signaling the conclusion of the meeting, Elder Marianne lingered behind, her gaze fixed on Alex. Her voice, when she spoke, carried a weight and sincerity that drew everyone's attention back to the table.

"Alex, before we close, I want to personally apologize for any doubts we expressed when you were driven to defend Lena. We understand better now the depths of your commitment not just to her but to the safety of our pack."

The other elders nodded in agreement, their earlier reservations giving way to a respectful understanding. Elder Thomas, whose counsel had always been tempered with caution, added, "It's easy to forget in our position the intensity of the protective instincts that come with being a new mate. Your actions were driven by a just cause, and you've shown considerable restraint today by choosing to explore peace."

Alex listened, his posture relaxed slightly as the elders acknowledged his position. "Thank you," he replied, his tone firm yet grateful. "I respect and understand that wars should never be ignited by raw emotions alone. We are responsible for every life within our pack, and it's a burden I don't take lightly."

He paused, his eyes sweeping across the faces of the council, each lined with the marks of experience and years of service to the pack. "Your counsel has been invaluable to me, and I hope to continue to rely on your wisdom and guidance. I know I'm only one person, and the knowledge and perspectives you all offer are crucial for the well-being of our pack."

Elder Jensen, the oldest among them, leaned forward, his voice raspy but clear. "And you will have it, Alex. You've grown into your role as alpha more seamlessly than we could have hoped. We are here to advise you for as long as you need us."

The warmth in the room was palpable as the elders expressed their support, but Alex felt it necessary to set one firm boundary, one non-negotiable term that underpinned his leadership. "I appreciate all of this, truly. But let me be clear—if Lena's life is ever in danger again, if we face another situation where immediate action is necessary to protect her, I won't hesitate. I won't stop to convene a meeting or seek approval. Her safety is my foremost priority, and I will act."

The elders met his declaration with nods of understanding. They recognized the unyielding resolve of an alpha protecting his mate—a fundamental law of their nature that no amount of civilization could dull.

Elder Marianne smiled, a glint of respect in her eyes. "That is the mark of a true alpha, Alex. You protect your own. We expect no less."