The broken Alpha - Healed by innocence

Kitten bites

*Callista*

I have never seen a house with such cavernous rooms. My footsteps echo over the stone floors as I walk to Chase Moonshadow’s office.

I wonder if he will allow me to spend time in this room. I am in awe of the floor-to-ceiling shelves that line three of the walls. Empty shelves… save one… but shelves all the same. I imagine all my books could find a home in here.

Riley convinced me to bring only a few of my belongings in the event I decide not to stay. As though I would have a choice in the matter. Watching the man sitting behind the large mahogany desk, I get the feeling that leaving him will not be an option for me once I become his Luna.

Just as leaving had not been an option for my mother.

When Chase Moonshadow removes his hat and the shadows retreat, I am unprepared for the perfection of his chiseled features. I try not to stare at him now, but I seem unable to stop myself. A thick dark beard frames lips that look too soft to belong to a man.

Over the years, the wind and sun have carved lines into a face that reflects pride and confidence. And possession. Chase Moonshadow is a man who not only owns all that surrounds him but owns himself as well.

Soon he will own me, just as my father had owned my mother.

His brothers sit at the back of the room as though none of this arrangement concerns them, and yet, I am left with the distinct impression that they are poised to change their minds in the blink of an eye.

Rowan stands before the desk, with Riley and Ryan standing just a little behind him. I have always found my brothers a trifle intimidating. It looks as though Chase Moonshadow only finds them irritating.

Reverend Preston Tucker kindly introduced himself before we entered the room. Appearing amused, he stands near the windows that line the remaining wall.

Rowan withdraws a sheet of paper from inside his jacket. “Before I sign the marriage certificate, we want your signature on this contract we have had drawn up. It spells out the two conditions under which my father agreed to give you permission to marry his daughter. We’ve added a third condition.”

Chase lifts an eyebrow, and I am reminded of a raven’s wing in flight. “And that condition would be?”

“If fate should be kind enough to make her a widow, she inherits all you possess on this day and all that you gain from this day forward.” He says.

I watch Chase's jaw clench. I can't say that I blame him. Has my family lost their minds to think he would agree?

"It goes without saying that if she's my Luna, all that I have goes to her upon my death," he states firmly.

"You don't think those two sitting back there would object?" Rowan asks, skepticism clear in his voice.

"Not if I tell them not to," Chase replies confidently.

"Not good enough," Rowan counters. "We want it in writing and signed."

"My word is good enough for the bank, good enough for the state, good enough for any man who has ever had to depend on it. It had damn well better be good enough for you," Chase declares with finality.

Riley and Ryan exchange furtive glances. Rowan simply pulls his shoulders back. "Well, it's not good enough. If you don't sign the document, we go home, and she goes with us."

I think building a marriage on a foundation of hatred will be hard enough, but starting it knowing no trust exists... I ease forward in my chair. "Rowan, surely this isn't necessary."

"Shut your mouth, Callista," Rowan growls at me.

I shrink back into my chair as Chase Moonshadow plants his hands on the desk and slowly stands. Riley and Ryan step back, and I sense they would gladly leave the room given the chance. I want to leave too.

Chase's hazel eyes darken, and I imagine that even Satan would look like an angel next to this man when he's consumed with rage.

"Never use that tone of voice in my presence when you're talking to a she-wolf and, by the Goddess, never talk to the she-wolf I'm going to marry in that manner," Chase commands.

"You won't be marrying her if you don't sign the paper," Rowan asserts.

Chase narrows his eyes until they resemble the sharp edge of a knife. I know pride is what keeps him from signing the document. Pride might just keep me from becoming a Luna today.

I hear the patter of tiny feet and see the flash of a blue dress and blond curls as a little girl races past me. Jostling the small kitten she is holding securely in her arms, I watch her rush toward the man standing behind the desk. The she-wolf who walks behind her seems oblivious to the seething hatred and anger filling the room. Wade stands up, but he appears hesitant to interfere.

"Unca Chas?" the little girl says as she tugs on Chase's trousers.

I slowly rise from my chair, fearful for the child's well-being, unsure what I can do to prevent Chase from turning his rage on her.

Then, it's too late.

He glances down, and the girl points her finger toward his nose. "Kitty bit me."

The anger in Chase's eyes fades into concern. His brow furrows. "He did?"

She nods, her blond curls bouncing with her enthusiasm.

"Where?" He says softly.

She stretches up on her toes, taking her finger higher. "There."

"Ah, Maggie," Chase says as he reaches into his pocket. "Looks bad."

Maggie nods, although I can see no blood, and she hasn't released her hold on the offending animal. Chase kneels, kisses Maggie's finger, and wraps his handkerchief around it, giving her a bandage almost as big as her hand. She giggles. He touches his finger to the tip of her nose. "Run along now."

As she scurries across the room and finds additional comfort in Wade's arms, Chase stands, picks up a pen, dips it in the inkwell, and scrawls his name over Rowan's document. "Let's get this goddamn thing started."

I wish Rowan had been gracious enough not to smile triumphantly.

"I'm sorry I wasn't outside to greet you when you arrived."

I swivel my head at the soft voice. The she-wolf who had followed the little girl into the room smiles at me. "I'm Briony, Wade's mate. I put Maggie down for a nap and ended up falling asleep myself. I hope you'll forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive. I truly didn't expect you to be here." I tell her.

"Why ever not?" She asks.

I feel warmth suffuse my face. I can't explain that I hadn't expected Chase to welcome the she-wolf who had abandoned him back into his house, nor had I imagined that she would remain friends with a man who had been such a poor husband. "I just… well, this arrangement came about so quickly I didn't expect anyone to be here."

Briony smiles warmly. "Between all the pack members and the people from town, we have quite a gathering. Chase believes in doing everything in a grand fashion."

I feel as though a swarm of bees has suddenly invaded my stomach. I had hoped for a small, quiet ceremony, but it seems my future husband is a man of bold preferences.

I glance toward Chase. He wears impatience as easily as I wear my gloves.

Rowan is explaining to Reverend Tucker that he needs his signature to serve as a witness. Reverend Tucker doesn't seem inclined to want to give it.

"Goddammit! Just sign the paper," Chase says, his irritation heavily laced through his voice.

Reverend Tucker tightens his jaw and slowly nods. "If this is what you want." He dips the pen into the inkwell. "Revenge is mine, sayeth the Goddess." With a piercing blue gaze, he glares at Rowan. "Keep that in mind."