LOGINDarius stood by the window, staring into the dark woods.His hands were still shaking, and the meeting replayed in his head like a curse.The elders and the Luna talk, with Rylan’s name on their tongues.He gritted his teeth. “They want to weaken me,” he muttered. “Make me easy to control.”The door opened quietly. Wayne stepped in, looking unsure. “You called?”Darius turned his head slightly. “Yeah. Close the door.”Wayne did, then walked closer. “You look like you’re about to break something.”“Already did,” Darius said, glancing at the splintered table by the wall.Wayne gave a small, worried smile. “So it went bad?”“It went exactly how they wanted.” Darius let out a low breath, rubbing his jaw. “They said I need a Luna. That I’m unfit to lead alone.”Wayne frowned. “That’s stupid. You’ve kept this pack alive longer than any Alpha before you.”Darius’s eyes darkened. “Guess who helped them reach that decision?”Wayne froze. “Who?”“Rylan.” The word came out like poison.Wayne’s e
The air in the council hall was cold.Too quiet, and Darius stood at the center of the room, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as the elders murmured among themselves. He hated being summoned like this—like a child called to explain himself.Elder Rowan finally cleared his throat. “Alpha Darius,” he began, voice heavy with authority. “We have gathered to discuss something of importance to the pack.”Darius didn’t flinch. “Then speak.”Elder Miren glanced at Rowan before stepping forward. “It concerns your… position. More specifically, your lack of a Luna.”Darius’s jaw tightened. “I don’t need a Luna.”“You do,” Rowan said, cutting in sharply. “The laws are clear. An Alpha cannot lead without balance. A Luna brings stability, unity, and politics."That’s what this is really about," said Darius. "You want someone sitting beside me to smile at your meetings and pretend everything is perfect.”Miren sighed. “It’s not just about appearances. The pack needs reassurance. With the rogues circling
The moon hung high that night, pale and distant. Rylan moved quietly through the back corridor of the packhouse, making sure no one saw him leave. His heartbeat was steady, but his mind wasn’t.He knew what he was about to do wasn’t right but jealousy had a way of twisting right and wrong.Kael’s hall sat on the far edge of the territory, past the training fields and the riverbend. The old wolf was sitting outside when Rylan arrived, leaning back in a chair, a faint smirk curling his lips.“Well, well,” Kael drawled, eyes glinting. “Didn’t think you’d come here this late unless something was burning.”Rylan didn’t smile. “We need to talk.”Kael motioned to the chair across from him. “Then sit. Let’s talk.”Rylan stayed standing. “It’s about Wayne.”That got Kael’s attention. His smirk widened. “Ah. The new toy Alpha Darius seems so fond of.”“Watch your words,” Rylan snapped.Kael chuckled softly. “Relax, pup. I just call things what they are. What about him?”Rylan folded his arms. “
Rylan had noticed it days ago.The looks. The late-night calls to the Alpha’s chambers, the smell that lingered in the hall after Wayne left. Not sweat or training musk, it was something else—something intimate. And tonight, it was stronger.He saw Wayne leaving Darius’s chamber again. Shirt slightly rumpled. Eyes a little too bright.Then his jaw tightened. He waited until Wayne disappeared down the corridor before stepping out of the shadows. His fists were clenched so tight his nails dug into his palms.Later, when Darius entered the training yard, Rylan was already there. Waiting.“Alpha,” Rylan said, tone clipped.Darius glanced at him. “You’re up late.”“So are you,” Rylan said.“Is there a reason for this?”“Maybe I should ask you that.”Darius’s brow arched. “Watch your tone.”Rylan took a step forward. “I’ve been watching, Alpha. I see the way you look at him.”Darius’s eyes sharpened instantly. “What?”“You think no one notices?” Rylan pushed. “He walks around like he owns t
Morning came too soon.The yard buzzed with whispers again, the kind of talk that slithered between wolves when they think their Alpha wasn’t listening.Wayne ignored it. He focused on training, fists hitting the target until his knuckles throbbed.Rylan’s voice cut through the air. “You’re early.”Wayne didn’t look up. “Couldn’t sleep.”“Guilty conscience?”Wayne dropped his hands and turned slowly. “You following me now?”Rylan smirked. “Someone has to keep an eye on you.”“I don’t need a babysitter.”“Maybe not,” Rylan said, stepping closer, “but the Alpha sure treats you like one.”Wayne’s jaw twitched. “You got something to say, say it.”“Everyone sees it, Wayne. You think I don’t? The late-night visits, the private training. You think people aren’t talking?”Wayne’s eyes hardened. “And what are they saying?”“That the Alpha’s lost focus. That he’s letting some wolf-less stray take his time. His trust.”Wayne scoffed. “You sound jealous.”Rylan laughed under his breath. “Jealous?
Days had passed since the fight, but the pack still talked about Wayne’s victory and Oliver’s humiliation. But what people didn’t see was what happened after the cheering stopped the silence, the tension and the way Darius started finding excuses to keep Wayne close. That night, he called Wayne to his chamber.The fire was low, the air heavy with quiet. Darius sat on the couch, boots off, shirt half-unbuttoned, like he didn’t care to look like an Alpha in that moment. Wayne stood awkwardly by the door, hands shoved in his pockets. “You wanted to see me?” Darius nodded. “Sit.”Wayne hesitated, then did. The couch dipped slightly, bringing him too close, but he shifted and pretended not to notice.Darius glanced at him. “You’ve improved.”Wayne shrugged. “Guess beating Oliver helped.”A faint smirk. “Guess so.” Wayne leaned forward, elbows on his knees.“Can I ask something?”Darius tilted his head. “You’re full of questions lately.”“Maybe ‘cause you never answer any.”“Fine. Ask.”







