Bound by the Blood Moon

Chapter 13: The Alpha's Claim

The roaring howls of the Crimson Pack echoed across the snow-covered valley, but as Ethan walked toward Elena, all the background noise faded into absolute silence. His amber eyes, bright with lingering adrenaline and primal victory, were locked entirely on her.

Elena stood her ground, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. When Ethan reached her, he didn't say a word. He reached out, his warm, calloused hands cupping her cheeks, pulling her face up to his. His breath was warm in the freezing air, smelling of rain, pine, and victory.

"Are you hurt?" he asked softly, his deep voice carrying a raw, possessive tenderness that made her knees weak.

"No," Elena whispered, resting her hands against his leather-clad chest. "I'm okay, Ethan. You did it."

"We did it," Ethan corrected, leaning down to press a deep, lingering kiss against her temple, causing a sudden burst of electric warmth to shoot straight down her spine through their bond. "You are safe now, Elena. This territory is mine, which means every wolf here will bleed to protect you."

The lead Elder, Councilman Thomas, approached them carefully, bowing his head in deep respect before Ethan. "Alpha Thorne, the main hall in the central city has been cleared. The pack awaits your command and the official crowning ceremony. But..." Thomas paused, his sharp eyes glancing nervously at Elena. "...the council must address the matter of your Mate. She is human. The ancient laws state—"

"The ancient laws state that a fated mate chosen by the Blood Moon is sacred and untouchable," Ethan interrupted, his voice dropping into a low, lethal growl that made the old wolf flinch. "I do not care about her bloodline, Thomas. She is my Luna. If any Elder wishes to challenge her right to stand beside me, let them step forward now."

Silence fell over the gathered wolves. No one dared to raise a voice against him.

Ethan wrapped a strong, protective arm around Elena’s waist, pulling her tight against his side. "Prepare the grand hall. Tonight, I take my seat as Alpha—and I mark my Luna."

Elena’s eyes widened at his words. She looked up at Ethan, her pulse spiking as she realized what "marking" meant in the world of wolves. A permanent, irreversible bond that would tie her soul to his forever.

And looking into his fiercely devoted golden eyes, she realized she didn't want to run away anymore.