CHAPTER FIVE
859 Words
Dorian's POV
The ceremonial hall buzzed with anticipation. The inauguration was finally here.
Today, I would be crowned Alpha, and everything would finally fall into place.
I adjusted the silver detailing on my dark ceremonial tunic, standing tall before the full-length mirror.
I looked every inch the leader this pack needed—strong, poised, and dominant.
This was the day I had been waiting for since the death of my parents.
For years, my guardian had ruled in my late father's stead since his death when I was very young, and now he was finally handing over the reins.
It should have been satisfying. But when he arrived in my chamber with his tired eyes and condescending tone, any hint of sentiment vanished.
"Make sure you perform well today. Don't show any weakness," he said, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder like he still had a right to.
I forced a thin smile.
"Of course, sir."
But inside, I bristled.
That stupid advice of his made my blood boil.
Did he still think I was a child?
A helpless pup clinging to his coattails?
I clenched my fists the moment he walked out.
I didn’t need his reminders. This pack would be mine—all of it!
And I would rule it as I saw fit.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.
Kane, my most trusted advisor and assistant, stepped in, bowing slightly.
"The private suite has been prepared for Alpha Jack Darwin," he announced.
My eyes lit up. Now that was news worth hearing.
"He’s really coming?" I asked, rising from my seat.
"Yes, sir. The guards are on standby. His arrival is imminent."
A rare smile curled across my lips.
Alpha Jack Darwin was the most feared and influential Alpha across the region. His pack—Daggerclaw, was larger, richer, and commanded more loyalty than ten Shadow Hollow Packs combined.
This was my opportunity. If I could win his favor, strike a private alliance with him, I’d not only cement my position here, but dominate the entire region.
With Jack backing me, even the Elders wouldn’t dare question my authority!
And I knew exactly how I would curry that favor.
I would offer Celeste to him as a personal gift.
The thought made me grin.
She was beautiful, defiant, and untouched—everything Jack enjoyed.
He had a taste for virgins, slaves, and secrecy.
No one really knew what he did with the women he took back to Daggerclaw, but they never returned.
Still, to most of the world, it seemed like a better life. Freedom, luxury, and escape.
"Fools!" I chuckled darkly.
My wolf stirred suddenly, a growl rumbling in my chest.
"Don’t do it," Fenric warned.
"If you give her to him, you’ll never see her again. She’s ours."
"She was ours," I muttered under my breath.
"She rejected me."
"Only because you gave her no choice," he growled.
"You still feel her bond. I do too. You send her away now, and we lose her forever."
I clenched my jaw.
"Let her go!" I snapped.
"She made her choice. Now I’ll make mine."
Fenric retreated, a wounded snarl echoing in the back of my mind.
My door swung open again.
Kane returned, this time urgency clear in his voice.
"He’s arrived. Alpha Jack is at the gates."
I straightened at once, every thought aligning with purpose.
Time to begin.
I descended the grand staircase just as the main entrance opened.
Jack Darwin stepped in, flanked by two of his pack guards.
He was tall, sharp-featured, dressed in a sleek gray coat that hugged his broad shoulders like a second skin.
His cold, pale eyes scanned the room without expression.
He carried himself with effortless command. Conversations halted. Heads turned.
Even the most arrogant pack members bowed instinctively.
Jack Darwin didn’t need to speak to control a room, he was power incarnate.
I moved swiftly to greet him.
"Alpha Darwin," I said with a polite bow, "Welcome to Shadow Hollow. I am Dorian Maddox. I hope your journey was comfortable."
He offered a slight nod.
"It was tolerable."
That was as much of a compliment as one could hope for from Jack.
"Please, allow me to show you to your private suite. I’ve arranged everything to your specifications."
"I assume my privacy will be respected?"
"Absolutely. And... I’ve also arranged a small gift in your quarters—a personal token of appreciation."
He arched a brow.
"You’ll find it pleasing," I added with a thin smile.
Jack said nothing more, but his eyes were cold.
He followed Kane through the hall while I stayed behind, basking in the buzz of whispers that trailed him.
I glanced toward the ceremonial hall.
The event was already beginning to fill with nobles, dignitaries, and warriors from distant packs.
But all I could think about was the plan unfolding upstairs.
Celeste was already in his room.
And once Jack had what he wanted, I’d have what I needed, which was alliance and power!
And of course, a reminder to that b***h, Celeste, "you don’t reject Dorian Maddox and walk away unscathed!"
No one does!
- Writer
