Alpha Valtor's Substitute Bride

Chapter Four

Thane

I stand tall, my back ramrod straight, as I face the murmurs of discontent from my pack. A growing tightness creeps up my spine, a warning sign that my patience is wearing thin. The pack's unhappiness with my choice of mate is palpable.

For years, we've maintained a delicate balance with the humans, engaging in trade and diplomacy. But never, in the history of our pack, has an Alpha chosen a human as their mate. I can sense the pack's uncertainty, their fear that I'm compromising our traditions and way of life.

“I do not have to explain my self to anyone," I say calmly, choosing my words carefully. “The Binding Test is a few days away, you can wait until then to mock my choice of mate. If you're patient enough, she'll be joining us soon. Be civil."

They murmur their dissatisfaction quietly, their whispers rising and falling until the sight of Bryn at the top of the stairs steals their attention. Including mine. Bryn has always been pretty, but there is an untameable wildness to her I only just figured out today. In her red dress, she is a sensual vision that speaks a foreign language only my wolf understands. Her almond eyes are wide with surprise at the number of men in my council chamber. Her eyes collide with mine, and when she licks her plump lips, desire floods my system.

Mine, my wolf growls. He is so certain, so sure that she is the answer to my restlessness.

My right-hand man, Arderio, gives me a knowing look. He doesn't look as appalled at the sight of her in person as he was when I showed him a photo of her.

I rise from my chair and stretch out my hand in her direction so she knows she is to come straight to me. The slit in the front of the dress flares with every descent down the stairs and suddenly I want to ask my pack members to disappear. I should have been specific about the clothes when I asked the pack's matron to order for them. The neckline of her dress is low enough to emphasize the swell of her cleavage, and they bounce as she descends down the stairs. She flicks her hair over her shoulder as she holds my gaze while making her way towards me.

My men watch her silently, some casting disapproving glances her way. I take her hand when she reaches me. Her palm is soft, and I imagine her rubbing….. Concentrate, you bastard! I try to block out her soft jasmine and lavender oil scent. I want to bury my teeth in her throat, I want to do bad things to this woman whose innocence is as overwhelming as her alluring scent.

I clear my throat. “I have asked her to join us tonight, though briefly. I have chosen her, and my choice remains valid until the diviner says otherwise. Until then, I will not tolerate insults or crude remarks.” I do not rule my pack with an iron fist, but they know not to step out of line. I have only being Alpha for three years, but I have managed to gather respect for myself. Respect is what feeds you when you lose your voice, and with the dust rising in New York after the brutal murder of one of our own, I need a mate by my side who will keep my bloodline if things go wrong.

“In five days, we shall all gather at the Fallen Square for the Binding Test. My brothers, the night has come. Go in peace."

Bryn's eyes are on the giant statue of the wolf by the door of the council chamber. I wonder what she thinks of its bared teeth and paw raised high in an angle that makes it seem like it was captured mid-s***h. My great grand-father’s wolf. His name was Lycar, and my wolf shares a striking resemblance with his wolf. Right now, my wolf is a restless beast whose only intent at the moment is to mark Bryn as his.

My pack members begin to file out, each one bending low in greeting before turning his back on me. It's a tradition in the Wulfgar pack to genuflect as a sign of respect.

As soon as the last man turns his back to join the others outside the council chamber, I turn to stare down Bryn. The smile has drained from my face.

“I don't like the dress."

“I didn't wear it for you." She says without missing a beat. I frown, but only to hide the effects of her feistiness on me.

“I asked Nina to get you decent clothes. This is an insult to my person. You look like a cheap slut." She draws back, then recovers quickly from the sting of my words. She says nothing.

“You are dismissed. Nina will take care of your needs. I can see the swelling on your injured arm has reduced.” She looks down at the arm as if to confirm my statement.

When she lifts her head, there is fury boiling in her eyes. I take one step closer to breach the space between us. I gather her hair in my hand, then tug at it gently, but hard enough to startle her. I can't dismiss her just yet. I should probably rattle her a little.

"Humans don't fare well in our clan, so I will be kind enough to remind you to keep your temper in check and try not to ruin things for me.” She gasps, surprise spreading on her face. Her face has taken on a light shade of red. I want to wrap her soft, silken auburn hair around my fist. I want her to break, to yield. I want her to surrender. And most importantly, I want to feel her lithe, delicate body writhing under mine in pleasure. Bryn will not give in to me easily, but I'm ready to wait it out. For now, I have to concentrate on clearing the fog rising in New York. An enemy has infiltrated into our clan and killed one of our own. I need a mate to reinforce the legitimacy of my right to rule, and that is all I need to protect my pack from tearing apart.