Chapter 6

Alpha Vlad~

The squawks of our horses capture the atmosphere as we arrive at Duskwarren. It’s dawn already. Kane and I had to leave at night to get here in time. Striking a new deal with Dargo and making sure he’s on my side entirely is my reason for being here.

I have to carry out this and return by noon. It's not ideal to be away from the pack.

Stomping through the passage of Drago’s castle, I huff as my nose flares. My hands in my pockets, urging me to keep my serenity as I pass his warriors to the door of his quarters. Without waiting for the men to announce my presence, I kick the door open.

As expected, a maiden is on her fours. My stupid brother never keeps it in his breeches like my old rag. At the sight of me, he stiffens, rigid like I'm a ghost. Then comes his disgusting half-grin, before twisting the hair of the maiden, yelping her neck back.

I whiff in disdain, pulling a chair and sitting.

The maiden gapes at me with a witty, inviting smirk. Her smile tells she is used to Drago’s madness. I’ve seen her before but can’t place a face. Not like I give a fuck.

“Vladimir. Vladimir. You always surprise everyone,” Drago says, thrusting the maiden with his eyes transfixed on me. The bastard enjoys pissing the cock off me.

“Well, let’s say it’s my nature.” I snort, crossing one leg over the other.

“This is not the right time.”

“To an Alpha, every time is right.”

He chuckles, sliding out of the lady like a horse. Spanking her unclothed butt with a rogue force, he utters, “Dress up, Freja. We have an Alpha intruder.”

Sluggishly, she lies on the bed, rolling the sheet over her body. Her seductive eyes are on my face as she swings her hair off her shoulder, revealing her collarbone while she bites her bottom lip.

She has stinking audacity, all thanks to my brother whose cock digs every hole.

Worthless dick.

“What do I owe this visit?” Drago climbs down, standing bare before me.

“Dress up, and meet me in your courtroom. Cocks disgust me,” I reply. The screeching of the chair resounds as I stand and stride away. Kane follows behind, cracking up on our way out.

Drago knows why I’m here, but wants to play his stupid games by acting dumb. I will end him if he taunts my patience, because I'm losing it.

Kane and I arrive in Drago’s courtroom. With my hands fixed in my pockets, I lean on the council table. There isn’t much time, and Drago should be aware of that.

“Has Zoran arrived at the packhouse?” I ask Kane.

It’s inappropriate for the three of us to be out of the pack. My head warrior, Thane, can’t do much without our presence.

“No idea.” Kane plucks a phone from his pocket. “Do you want to speak to him?” He stretches that thing toward my face.

My nose scrunches. “Do it yourselves.”

He beams warmly. “When do you intend to start using a phone?”

Rubbing my chin hair, I look away from my beta. “I hate humans and everything they invent.”

“But they are quite useful. They invented our ships, computers, cameras, and a lot more. Let’s not deny these things make lives easy for the packs.”

“We’re wolves, Kane.” My brow lifts as I point a warning finger at him. “Don’t forget that.”

This whole trading shit between my people and humans can’t stay. Many elites don’t see the need for it to go because they are primary beneficiaries. This trading is barbaric. She-wolves and the poor masses are commodities used as exchange for human technologies.

Horrible things had been done to my innocent subjects. Some were used for whatever humans call 'experiments.' The process is intolerable, especially for a wolf. Crazy how my greedy father failed to see their pain. Why would he when he is one of the architects?

“Zoran has confirmed he’s at the pack,” Kane informs.

“Great. We have to wait a few seconds—”

“I’m here, Brother,” Drago announces as the double door opens. He steps closer; his beta and gamma are behind him. “Courtesy demands you inform me before showing up in my pack.” His head tilts.

“Father will come for Milena soon.”

He shrugs. “Then let him.”

Scoffing like a drunk man, my head pushes back as I forcefully smile. “Do you choose death?”

“Ahh… I always do, Brother.”

“It’s evident.” My brow furrows as my eyes narrow. “And it will be my pleasure to send your head back to Virethorn,” I say, gripping the neck of his coat, tugging him. “Listen up, Drago. There was a fucking agreement. You signed that deal with your stinking blood.”

“But I never signed to protect her from our father.” He spits. “If you want me to do that, pay up.”

“Is this a game to you?”

“Always, brother. A rare opportunity I can't bid to miss.”

My eyes shut as I sigh momentarily, taking in a deep breath while counting figures in my head. Uncultured animals aren't worth my energy, and Drago is one of them.

Adjusting my jaw, I let go of him and dust his twisted coat. “How much?”

“Two new warships for my men.”

“Not possible.”

“That's my desire.”

“Drago,” I say through gritty teeth, clutching his neck. “Don’t push me.” He’s fucking making me lose it.

“And if I do.” He chuckles dryly, his face leaning into me. “Do you have the balls to kill me?”

My upper lips twitch as a low, thundering gnarl lulls off my chest. I snarl, about digging my claws into his stomach when Kane tugs my wrist.

He opens the mind-link, whispering, “Don’t give your brother what he wants. Drago understands your weakness.”

“I don’t give a damn what he understands.”

“I know, but kill him some other time. Right now, there is so much in line, and we are doomed if he dies.”

Nonsense. Everything makes less sense. Why must there be consequences for every action? Profound consequences reminding me of my incapability and how badly those I cherish will break.

Fuck.

Clenching my teeth, I let go of Drago. “The ships will be sent by morning. Spill a word to that old rag; your pack goes.”

“This part of you is always my favorite. Deal, Brother. Deal.” His thumb brushes his lower lip with a villainous leer.

“Where is the girl? We’d love to see her before returning,” Kane states.

I dim my sight, gazing at him. Confused. Seeing Milena isn’t part of the plan. Kane understands the effect it will have on me. Why the hell is he bringing her up?

“To be certain she is safe and well taken care of,” he adds, studying my expression, and I nod.

His reason is valid.

“Are you sure you wish to set your eyes on your mate?” Drago steps closer, stopping shoulder-level with me. “Can your balls withstand her scent?”

“I have control over whom I mate. Where is Milena?”

“Vasil.” Drago takes two strands backward. “Lead my brother and his Beta to the dogs’ den,” he instructs, his words chiming in my ears.

Dog's Den?… a place where his dogs sleep, eat, and make messes. My mate is in there. “Hahahahahha! ...Drago," I say, pressing a finger against his chest, “…you lead the fucking way. Now.”

“And if I say n—?”

Without letting him completely spill his balderdash, I tug the hem of his coat and tow him out of the courtroom. Goddess help him that Milena isn’t hurt, because I fear what I will do if a strand of her hair has been touched.

Our feet echo through the walls of the dungeon passage like warriors on a battlefield as we head toward Milena. This dark, poo reeking place is where my mate has been sent to.

Drago certainly dares to dangle balls with me. It’s my pleasure to put him where he belongs.

Dragging the prick closer, I go to slam him against the wall, but halt as wretchedness shoots through my blood. I hud my temple, my heart drumming faster as the whole of me trembles.

Blazing sweat creates a tent on my forehead.

These aren't my emotions. It's hers. Milena is sick and in pain. What has my idiot brother done to her?

Hauling Drago to the entrance of the den, his men guarding it open the gate with quavering hands.

I shove the moron in.

My wolf, Fenrir, blusters at the sight of our mate balled on the cold, dirty ground. Tears rolling down her shut eyes as she shivers. Her dress and body are coated with sweat, but she is freezing.

I grind my teeth, groaning in distress. “How dare you?” I've been struggling to hold back my rage, but with a nuthead brother like Drago, it’s impossible. “How dare you lower my mate to a dog!?” I roar, stabbing his stomach with my claws, reaching for his intestine.

The only thing that will give me satisfaction is ripping his intestine and strangling him with it.

“Alpha.” Kane sprints forward, wrapping his arms around me, trying to stop me from ending the animal.

“Stay out of this, Beta,” I groan. Now isn’t the right time because Fenrir has taken over my head, and it’s dangerous for Kane to get involved.

“You are killing your brother.”

“Stay. Off,” Fenrir howls, and I clutch the neck of Kane with my free hand. My wolf wants to snap Kane’s neck, and I'm struggling to restrain myself.

I can’t let my wolf have his wish. He’s okay to kill Drago but not my Beta, whose only crime is trying to stop me.

My eyes shut as the vibration of my body increases. This vibration comes from the fear of Milena, and it’s fueling the rage of my wolf.

Her misery makes him furious, and I'm about to forcefully shift when a soft voice calls out, “What’s going on?”

It’s Milena. She is still asleep, but the sound of her voice turns my blood into ice, feeling my emotions with something forbidden. The pain radiating in my veins halts as the veins of my cock drag, twitching my cock.

The damn mate bond. Fucking mate bond.

I cross my legs, letting go of Kane and Drago as my primitive instinct sets in. I want to run toward Milena, grab and pull her into my chest. I want to bury my nose in her hair, and let her scent ruin me.

I want to have this woman.

Clenching my fist by my side, I let my instinct lead me towards her as the smell of her arousal floods my every being, leaving a sweet sting in my tongue. My cock kicks painfully. I'm ready to go against all odds and feel her tender skin. I'm ready to mark my territory, and no fucking male dares come close to her.

I'm ready to—

“Stay away from her, brother,” Drago shouts, daring to head towards Milena.

My head snaps in his direction, my teeth baring, and my eyes darken. “Rrrrraaarr!” I dart to her, pulling her into my arms as I kneel beside her. My pupils morph into fire as my fur spurs, waiting for Drago to take further steps.

“She is mine now,” he roars and makes to lurch at me when Kane and Vasil grip him, yanking him out of the den.