48. Chapter 48

Chapter 48

-Reese-

“ R eese!” my father’s voice called out as I stood outside with some of our fighters, the majority of the enemy warriors now bound or subdued in some way. Though there were few casualties, I couldn’t help but ponder how we would navigate the aftermath of this confrontation.

As my father approached, I saw a long scratch mark on his arm, causing a surge of concern within me.

“I’m fine,” my father brushed off my worry.

“You’re not as young as you used to be,” I teased, earning a playful slap on the back of my head from him.

“I could still take you any day,” he joked, before his gaze settled on the older Alpha whom I had incapacitated and who was slowly regaining his senses.

The Alpha leaned against the wall of his house, attempting to move, but his only power seemed to be the ability to turn his head slightly.

“I should end you for what you attempted against my son and our family,” my father warned, drawing closer, and the other Alpha narrowed his eyes.

“But I’m not like you,” my father stated firmly.

“What’s the plan?” I inquired. “How do we handle all of this?”

“Do not worry, I’ve already reached out to allies. And those willing to join our pack from this one will find refuge, while the rest will be cast out to fend for themselves as rogues,” he explained.

The thought of being a rogue, alone and without a pack, sent a shiver down my spine. I silently thanked the Goddess that it wasn’t my fate.

“Your destiny is sealed, once powerful, but no longer,” my father taunted, before turning back to me. “As for your ‘fiancée’, her fate is in your hands.”

I chuckled softly. “Please, never refer to her as such.”

My father smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. “What are your thoughts?”

“I believe a life as a rogue is a fitting punishment for her. I have no desire to ever lay eyes on her again, and I’m more than ready to start anew with Naomi,” I replied.

“Hopefully with some grandchildren on the horizon soon,” my father teased.

“Dad, she’s not even in heat yet,” I retorted, rolling my eyes. It felt empowering to regain some semblance of normalcy, and as I surveyed the chaos now slowly being brought under control, I felt confident that a brighter future awaited us.

-Naomi-

I couldn’t stop pacing, anxiety gnawing at me as we awaited news about Reese and the other warriors. The Luna and some of her friends attempted to soothe me, but I was too consumed by worry to sit still. Even my mother was present, consoling me along with the other women, but my nerves refused to be calmed.

It wasn’t until late in the evening that we finally heard the sound of their return. We hurried from the room, and upon seeing Reese at the entrance of the house, I threw myself into his arms. He held me close, his warmth enveloping me as he pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

“You’re okay,” I breathed in relief.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Everything went according to plan,” he assured me. “We only sustained a few injuries.”

“And the other pack?” I inquired, pulling back to look into his eyes.

“Some casualties, and most of their fighters are now detained. They’ll soon be sent out as rogues, but some have chosen to pledge loyalty to us,” he explained.

I marveled at how efficiently they had handled the situation, and Reese had proven himself to be the perfect Alpha to lead us forward.

“Come, let’s celebrate,” his father suggested, leading the way toward the living room. However, Reese held me back, and when we were alone, he scooped me up in his arms.

I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me up the stairs, his lips meeting mine with fervor.

“Reese, what are we waiting for?” I murmured against him.

“I think we deserve our own private celebration,” he teased.

“Yeah?” I replied.

“Yeah, and then I can finally claim what’s rightfully mine,” he purred darkly.

As he ascended the stairs, I teased his neck, eliciting a groan of pleasure from him. I couldn’t believe it was finally over and that he truly desired to be with me. With quick steps, he moved to the room where he used to stay when he didn’t want to sleep next to Rosa. There, he slammed the door shut with his foot and placed me on the bed.

I smiled up at him, his eyes showing such a powerful affection that I could hardly take it. Reese could barely hold himself back now. He tore my clothes apart, leaving me fully naked and at his mercy, yet he only removed his shirt before leaning over me and claiming my lips in a passionate kiss.

He left me absolutely breathless as he withdrew, then he looked at me with slightly glowing eyes. I already knew what he wanted.

“Mark me,” I breathed, barely able to believe it was truly happening.

With a smug smile, he tilted my head to the side. Then, with a low hiss, he bit into my shoulder, causing pure euphoria to spread through me. I cried out his name as I felt him sucking on the wound, most likely tasting my pleasure in the blood. It felt as if something clicked into place between us, and I felt his deep feelings for me. Slowly, he withdrew, licking the wound to help it close before gazing into my eyes.

“Now you’re mine. I’m never letting you go again,” he declared.