Marked by the Alpha’s son

The message

Stephanie stood in the training clearing the next morning, practicing the moves Darien had shown her. Damien watched from the side, giving tips when she needed them. Her body was still tired from the long night, but she pushed through. The note from the rogues kept repeating in her mind: The outcast belongs to us now.

“You’re getting better,” Damien said with an encouraging nod. “Most new mates would still be hiding in their room. You’re out here working.”

Stephanie wiped sweat from her forehead. “Hiding won’t help. If they’re coming for me, I want to be ready.”

Luna Elara joined them a short while later with water and light food. She looked proud as she watched Stephanie practice. “Darien will be happy to see this when he returns. He’s already on his way back from the south.”

The hours passed slowly. Stephanie helped in the gardens after training, pulling weeds and learning the names of healing plants from one of the older pack members. Small tasks helped keep her worry down. Every now and then she touched the mark on her neck, feeling for the bond. Darien was getting closer. She could sense it.

By early afternoon, the sound of returning warriors reached the mansion. Stephanie ran to the front steps with Luna Elara and Damien. Her heart lifted when she saw Darien’s massive black wolf leading the group. He shifted back to human form as he reached the courtyard. Dirt and sweat covered him, but he looked strong.

The moment his silver eyes found her, he walked straight to her. He pulled her into his arms without caring who was watching. His hold was tight but careful. “I came back as fast as I could,” he said against her hair. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, breathing in his familiar scent. “But they sent a message. They mentioned me.”

Darien’s body tensed. He read the dirty note Damien handed him. His jaw clenched hard. “They’re trying to scare us. It won’t work.” He looked at her, his eyes softening. “I won’t let them near you.”

He took her hand and led her inside. After a quick bath and change of clothes, they ate a late lunch together in their suite. Darien made sure she ate well, cutting meat for her plate and watching her with quiet care. “You practiced while I was gone?” he asked.

“Yes. Damien helped. I wanted to be useful.”

Darien smiled, the kind of rare, warm smile that made her stomach flutter. “You are useful. More than you know.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I’m proud of you, Stephanie. You’re becoming the Luna this pack needs.”

After lunch, they spent time alone. Darien held her on the bed, his strong arms around her. He kissed her slowly at first, then deeper, his hands moving gently over her body. The bond flared with heat. They made love again — slow and tender, full of the comfort they both needed after the long night. Darien worshipped her with every touch, whispering how much she meant to him, how he would protect her always. Stephanie felt cherished and safe in his arms.

Later, as they lay together, Darien told her more about the southern meeting. “The rogues released two hostages, but they want more supplies. They’re organized. Someone is leading them. We need to find out who.”

Stephanie listened carefully. “What if they really are targeting me because of my old life? My uncle’s family… they might have said things.”

Darien’s eyes darkened. “If they did, they will answer for it. But you’re not that girl anymore. You’re mine. My mate. My Luna.”

They joined the family for an evening meeting. Alpha Thorne laid out plans for stronger border patrols. Damien offered to lead a scouting group. Stephanie stayed quiet but paid close attention. When there was a pause, she spoke up softly.

“Maybe we can send a small group to Silverfang with extra food and healers. It might strengthen the alliance and show the rogues we’re united.”

Darien looked at her with open pride. Alpha Thorne nodded slowly. “A good idea. We’ll do that.”

The meeting gave Stephanie a small sense of purpose. She was starting to feel like she belonged here.

That night, as they got ready for bed, Darien held her close again. His big body curled around hers protectively. “Tomorrow I’ll take you to see more of the pack lands. I want you to feel at home here.”

Stephanie smiled and kissed his chest. “I already do. Because of you.”

Sleep came easier with him beside her. The bond felt steady and warm.

But in the middle of the night, urgent knocking woke them both. A guard’s voice came through the door. “Alpha heir! Another attack. This time they breached the outer training fields. Three of our wolves are injured. And… they left another message. It’s addressed to Stephanie.”

Darien sat up fast, his body tense. Stephanie’s heart pounded as she watched him read the new note the guard brought in. His silver eyes turned cold with fury.

“What does it say?” she asked.

Darien handed it to her. The writing was rough and threatening:

“The outcast’s blood will pay for the devil’s crimes. We are coming for her. Soon.”

Darien pulled her into his arms again, holding her tight. “They won’t get to you. I swear it.”

But outside, the howls in the distance started again. The rogues were getting closer, and they seemed to have a personal grudge.