Chapter 39: Dean

39

DEAN

S tanding on my porch, hands on my hips, I stare at the huge full moon hanging low in the sky. There isn’t a cloud to be seen, and the landscape is bathed in its magnificent silvery glow.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen as bright a moon as this, and I feel like it’s personally taunting me. It’s daring me to ignore it and go back inside like I swore I’d do earlier when Callum was leaving.

Of course, I won’t do that. I’m an alpha. And part of the job is putting on a brave face when you’d much prefer to be doing something else. Like drinking yourself into oblivion and telling everyone to get the fuck off your land.

“Fine,” I huff, slamming the door shut behind me, as though the moon is looking so glorious just to piss me off.

As I walk toward the packhouse, the air practically vibrates with energy. That, and the excitement from the trickle of new arrivals, all strong dominant wolves, that have started to appear.

Most have stayed home to run with their own packs tonight, but something tells me those who came are the serious contenders.

Maybe their presence on the pack run is problematic because their wolves want to challenge the alpha, or maybe they’ve moved away from their own packs already because their wolf is so strong. But for whatever reason, they’re eager to be here and get going with the competition, which tells me something about how seriously they’re taking it.

Getting closer, I pick up her scent immediately.

Jamie’s here.

It calls to me above all others, even the unfamiliar scents of strange wolves that only days ago would have made my wolf anxious and irritated. Today, he couldn’t give a shit. As long as they don’t try anything with Jamie, and they’re respectful of our pack, they’re welcome to participate.

Maya would be proud.

When I stride toward the gathered crowd, the laughter dies, and all eyes fall on me.

For those who are new here, it's because they’ve heard the rumours and are wary of the angriest alpha.

Those who know me better stare tonight, because the aura I’m radiating is dangerous, and they know something is wrong. My wolf is keeping everyone at bay, keen to make sure nobody feels brave enough to question me about my love life.

But they will, eventually.

When I catch the eye of Ava’s mother, her gaze immediately darts to Jamie. I let out a deep sigh. That confirms it. They’ve all heard rumblings of what’s going on.

If you think gossip spreads fast in a small town, imagine how quickly it would get around if people could mind-link each other. Every tidbit of information is shared at lightning speed. It’s always best to assume that if they don’t know something, they will soon.

Secrets are almost impossible to keep in a pack. Eventually, I’ll have to address what’s going on with Jamie, but not tonight.

“We’ve got a lot of new guests here tonight, some fresh off the boat, so we’ll keep the route simple. Stick together, have fun, and keep the shows of dominance for the next round of the competition. All it’ll do tonight is piss me off.”

Levelling some of the rowdier shifters in the group with a hard stare, I wait until I get a few sullen nods in return before gesturing to Callum, who’s watching me like I’m a ticking bomb.

“This is my beta, Callum. In case there’s any doubt in your mind, his word is as good as mine tonight. If any of you are out of line, and he tells you to knock it off or go back to the packhouse, you better listen.” Feeling slightly guilty about the nervous looks on my own pack members faces; I plaster on a tight smile. “Now that the formalities are over, let’s run. There’s a barbeque at the rear of the packhouse after.”

Ducking down to chat to a young pup who’s on his first run tonight, I try to focus, to be present and undistracted by Jamie’s intoxicating presence, but it’s no good. I can feel her watching me. And my wolf, although angry, is drawn to her.

I keep my focus stubbornly away from where she stands awkwardly with Maggie and concentrate on getting this thing started. Stripping my T-shirt over my head, I twist my neck from side to side, relishing the loud cracks in my stiff joints.

It’s been too long since I ran, the chaos since the games started has taken over my life.

As I smooth a hand over my stomach, opening my belt with one hand, I can feel the weight of Jamie’s gaze on my body. It feels like flames dancing across my skin.

My wolf preens, looking forward to the opportunity to impress her.

Let her look. Let her see my wolf in all his glory. The spiteful side of me hopes that adds to her regret.

A chorus of howls and hollers go up as I step out of my trousers and shift into my massive wolf. While I wait for all our guests to get undressed and complete the process, I bump into the members of my pack, rubbing along their flanks, reassuring them that even though there are a lot of wildly powerful wolves here tonight, I’m also here to protect them. I’ll make sure nobody gets out of line.

Wyatt stands on the periphery, looking like he’s itching to say something to me but smart enough not to. Not tonight, anyway.

Once everyone is furry and four-legged, I tip my head up toward the sky and let forth an almighty howl, one echoed by my pack members in turn. It calms the turmoil within me. No matter what, I have my pack. They had faith that I could lead them after Dad’s death, and I strive every day to repay that blind faith by working the hardest for them that I can.

Which makes Jamie’s attempt to blacken my name even more hurtful.

Wolves dance and bound around the lawn, the open expanse of grass in front of the house lending itself well to the boisterous attitude of our younger pups.

One loud bark, sharp and commanding, is enough to have the wolves turning and running for the trees. Joy unfurls inside my chest as I see my pack enjoying themselves, at peace with the changes being thrown at them. They’ve adapted and are thriving. It’s great to see them having so much fun.

Callum comes alongside me, and we jog together into the forest, his silent support always a gift.

Once we’re into the thick of the trees and the wild atmosphere eases, he steps into me, giving me a playful shoulder into a tangle of brambles. Picking my way back out, I fix him with a stare and growl my disappointment. Completely unfazed, he gives a yip of challenge, before turning and darting off into the scrub.

Oh, he’s not getting away that easily.

I race after him, determined to put my best friend back in his place.

The noises of the run fade, no signs of fighting a welcome surprise. Instead, all I feel is a gentle buzz of happiness through the bond I share with every member of this pack. That, and an eagerness to return to the packhouse and get the party started once this loop of the land has been completed.

DEAN: Stop being a shit, Callum. We need to get back before they get completely out of control.

I’m greeted by silence.

Instead of listening to what’s going on in the distance where the pack runs together in a tight group, I focus on Callum.

Except, it’s not Callum. He’s played me. And when I see who’s standing there waiting for me, I’m going to make sure he pays when I find him. Money won’t be enough. I’m going to want blood.