Marcus became alpha at sunset. The formal transfer happened in silence—no ceremony, no celebration. Just pack bonds, realigning, recognizing new authority.
Sera felt it happen. Felt the connections that had defined her for five years shift to Marcus. Felt herself become an ordinary pack member instead of a leader.
It hurt more than she’d expected.
“How does it feel?” she asked him that night while Morgan slept between them.
“Wrong. Like I’m wearing someone else’s skin.” Marcus stared at the ceiling. “The pack bonds are there, but they don’t feel natural. They feel forced.”
“They’ll settle. Give it time.”
“I don’t want them to settle. I don’t want to be alpha. I’m an enforcer. I’m good at tactics and security. Not politics and diplomacy.”
“Then change what alpha means. You’re not me.
