23. Alpha Dex

I was right about the early bird catches the worm, I just never expected it to be the wizened, scary-ass old worm I never want to be alone with. As I sat on the bench, idly playing with some vine leaves I toyed over yesterday’s Conference meeting. Twirling the ring from my father absent-mindedly, its black opal revealing fiery folds of orange and red when examined closely.

I should wear it all the time, instead father doles it out for official business only. I keep it when he officially recognises me. Like having a toy repeatedly taken away.

Alpha Austin wanted something. The forestry of Luna Gwyneth's pack was too paltry to go to war over, but what if it was a cover for something bigger? Trying to make me look the other way and miss the bigger picture?

I didn’t expect to see Kate running past. It was as though my imagination conjured her into life. Watching her move, with long slender limbs like a ballerina, I almost called her name. Then, with a pang I remember all my duties, my r