Free Web NovelChapter 19: Chapter 19 The Alpha’s Claim
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Alpha Zack’s face went white. "Alpha King?"
Among everyone there, Zack was one of the few who actually recognized Dominic and knew exactly who he was dealing with.
The Chief Elder who’d been leading the charge to pressure the Alpha King into choosing a Luna - that was Zack’s own pack elder. The most powerful and respected figure in the Blackwood Pack.
But there were other reasons the Blackwood Pack had fallen out of favor.
Alpha Dominic had watched Alpha Zack’s relationship with Elara over the years, and his feelings about it had quietly influenced his decisions.
The Blackwood pack had been receiving noticeably fewer resources, though Alpha Zack had always assumed it was just political fallout from the Elder’s pressure campaign.
Whispers exploded around the campsite.
"Is that really Dominic Wolfe?"
"What the hell is he doing here?"
Alpha Zack’s voice turned sickeningly sweet. "What brings you out here, Alpha King?"
Alpha Dominic walked over and casually took the penalty cards from Brad’s hand.
"Just passing through. Couldn’t help but notice a whole pack ganging up on one woman." His voice was deceptively calm, but power rolled off him in waves. "Seemed unfair."
Selina immediately put on her innocent act. "Alpha King, there’s been a misunderstanding. We weren’t bullying anyone."
She turned to me with fake sweetness. "Right, Elara?"
Elara
I looked at Dominic, still confused about why he was here.
But with backup? Hell yes.
"Actually, they were definitely bullying me," I said clearly.
The group’s faces fell like rocks.
Selina’s voice got all wounded and dramatic. "That’s not fair! Elara, why are you lying about us?"
Dominic gave her an amused look and spread all the penalty cards on the ground.
"Let’s see what we have here." He examined them with mock interest. "Interesting. Ten different penalties, and every single one involves apologizing to the girl in pink. Funny how that works out."
His alpha aura hit the clearing like a cold wind.
Hannah’s face changed as she realized I’d been set up. "Elara, I’m so sorry," she whispered, guilt written all over her face.
Zack was struggling against Dominic’s presence, his voice shaky. "Alpha King, what exactly do you want?"
"Nothing much," Dominic replied, hands in his pockets. "I just can’t stand manipulative women and cowardly men."
The group went dead silent.
Selina looked like she’d been slapped. Her nails dug into her palms until they turned white.
"Zack..." she called softly, playing the victim card.
Alpha Zack’s jaw was clenched so tight I thought it might crack. "Alpha King, I appreciate your concern, but this is a private matter between friends. I’d prefer you leave us to handle it."
Dominic laughed, but it wasn’t warm. "Don’t worry. The atmosphere here is toxic as hell. Nothing worth staying for."
His intense gaze locked on mine. "Want to get out of here?"
My heart started pounding.
Hannah jumped in immediately. "Yes! Let’s go! Elara, I’m coming too! Alpha King, can you give us a ride?"
Neither of us had driven, and we were miles from town.
Dominic’s smile turned predatory. "Of course." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
He turned to Zack, his voice dropping to that dangerous Alpha tone. "I’ll be taking your people with me."
The words hung in the air like a challenge. Every werewolf there felt the power behind them.
Zack’s face drained of all color. His hands clenched into fists, but he couldn’t do shit. You don’t challenge the Alpha King.
---
In the car, Hannah was still trying to process what just happened.
"Alpha King, you can just drop us downtown," she said with an nervous laugh. "We can catch our own rides from there."
Dominic glanced in the rearview mirror. "It’s no problem. I’ll take you home first, then..." His eyes found mine in the mirror. "The other lady?"
Hannah, thinking we were complete strangers, jumped into introductions. "This is my best friend Elara. Actually, she lives closer - maybe drop her first?"
Dominic’s lips curved slightly. "What does Elara think?"
I finally snapped out of my shock, catching his meaning.
"Actually Hannah, let’s get you home first," I said smoothly.
Hannah shrugged. "Fine by me. Thanks again, Alpha King."
She completely missed the tension crackling between us.
With Dominic there, Hannah couldn’t talk freely, so she started texting me instead.
[Hannah: OMG Elara I’m SO sorry! I fucked up so bad! I swear I’ll never plan anything for you again! ]
[Hannah: I had no idea Zack would pull this shit. He’s totally whipped by that bitch Selina!]
[Hannah: Please don’t hate me?]
I smiled at her frantic messages.
[Me: I’m not mad. But promise me - no more surprise plans. And I never want to see Zack again. Deal?]
[Hannah: DEAL! I’m just so glad you’re not pissed. Thank Moon Goddess Alpha King showed up - we walked straight into their trap!]
The constant phone buzzing filled the car until Dominic spoke up.
"I hope you two aren’t back there talking shit about me."
Hannah went rigid. "Oh no, Alpha King! I’m texting my other friend, not Elara."
My eyes met his in the mirror and I quickly looked away, heat rising in my cheeks. "I’m not either. You’re being paranoid."
Finally, we pulled up to Hannah’s house. freewebnovel.cσ๓
She got out reluctantly. "Elara, text me the second you get home, okay?"
"I will."
"Or better yet, just stay over! My parents are out of town - it’ll be fun!" Hannah said excitedly.
I could literally feel the temperature in the car drop. I forced a smile. "Not tonight. I’m exhausted and want my own bed. Rain check?"
"If you’re sure..."
Once Hannah disappeared inside, Dominic drove about two blocks before pulling over.
I frowned. "Car trouble?"
Dominic’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he turned to look at me. "Luna Wolfe, I’m not your damn chauffeur. Get up here."
