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作者: WriterA
last update 最終更新日: 2025-11-09 19:40:19

ALINA

The meeting with the feuding families was exactly as ridiculous as Alexander had suggested.

They spent thirty minutes arguing about a tree. Not even a particularly impressive tree. An old apple tree that happened to straddle the property line between their homes.

“It’s clearly on our side,” the Mason patriarch insisted, gesturing dramatically. “The trunk is at least three feet into our property.”

“The roots extend into our land,” the Damon matriarch countered. “Which means we have equal claim to the fruit.”

“That’s not how property rights work—”

“Perhaps,” I interrupted, my patience finally exhausted, “we could split the fruit evenly each season?”

Both families turned to stare at me like I’d suggested they burn down their houses.

“Split it?” Mr. Mason said, sounding offended. “But the tree is ours—”

“The tree,” I said firmly, channeling every ounce of authority I could muster, “is a tree. It doesn’t care about property lines or family feuds. It just grows and produces fruit. Fru
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  • Claimed by the Ruthless Wolf Slayer   220

    ALINAThe meeting with the feuding families was exactly as ridiculous as Alexander had suggested.They spent thirty minutes arguing about a tree. Not even a particularly impressive tree. An old apple tree that happened to straddle the property line between their homes.“It’s clearly on our side,” the Mason patriarch insisted, gesturing dramatically. “The trunk is at least three feet into our property.”“The roots extend into our land,” the Damon matriarch countered. “Which means we have equal claim to the fruit.”“That’s not how property rights work—”“Perhaps,” I interrupted, my patience finally exhausted, “we could split the fruit evenly each season?”Both families turned to stare at me like I’d suggested they burn down their houses.“Split it?” Mr. Mason said, sounding offended. “But the tree is ours—”“The tree,” I said firmly, channeling every ounce of authority I could muster, “is a tree. It doesn’t care about property lines or family feuds. It just grows and produces fruit. Fru

  • Claimed by the Ruthless Wolf Slayer   219

    ALINAI made my way slowly to the bathroom, catching sight of myself in the mirror. The Luna mark on my collarbone had settled into its final pattern, lines spreading like branches, beautiful and permanent. I touched it gently, feeling the slight warmth that indicated it was still integrating with my system.Twenty-four hours ago, I’d stood in front of the entire pack and promised to protect them, guide them, and serve them. I’d felt so certain, so ready.Now, I couldn’t even make it through breakfast without being overwhelmed by everyone else’s feelings.“Fake it till you make it,” I told my reflection. “That’s a thing, right?”My reflection didn’t answer, but one of the twins kicked again, and I chose to interpret that as encouragement.By the time Rory arrived with breakfast, I’d managed to shower, dress in one of the few outfits that still fit, and even braid my hair into something presentable. Small victories.“You look exhausted,” Rory said bluntly, setting the tray on the table

  • Claimed by the Ruthless Wolf Slayer   218

    ALINAI woke to the sound of crying. I panicked at first thinking it was the twins at first. Then I remembered I was still pregnant and my hand moved over my very round bump. They are getting more and more active. Which Dr. Sarah said it was a good thing.After a moment I realised it was a pack member somewhere in the territory, their grief filtering through the Luna bond like water through a crack.It had been less than twenty four hours since the ceremony, and I was already drowning.I pressed my palms against my temples, trying to block it out. But the bond didn’t work that way. It wasn’t something I could turn off like a faucet. Every emotion, every strong feeling from every pack member, it all flowed into me whether I wanted it or not.Grief from the south wing. Anxiety from the training grounds. Joy—thank God, at least some joy—from the nursery where a couple had just brought home their newborn.And underneath it all, a constant hum of general contentment. The pack was happy. Th

  • Claimed by the Ruthless Wolf Slayer   217

    ALEXANDERI kept a protective arm around Alina, making sure no one jostled her too roughly, and that she had space to breathe. But I didn't have to worry, the pack was careful with her, mindful of her pregnancy, showing the same protectiveness I felt.“Luna Alina,” one of the visiting Alphas said, approaching us with his mate. “A beautiful ceremony. And a powerful speech. You’ll be good for this pack.”“Thank you,” Alina said graciously. “That means a lot coming from someone with your experience.”I watched her navigate the conversation, deflecting questions she didn’t know how to answer, asking intelligent questions of her own, making connections with these influential visitors. Natural diplomat, just as I’d told her.The evening progressed, food and drink flowing freely. Alina managed to eat a little, though I could tell she was getting tired. The Luna mark would take time to fully settle, and the magical binding was exhausting on top of everything else.“Do you need to sit?” I aske

  • Claimed by the Ruthless Wolf Slayer   216

    ALEXANDERI felt the bond knitting itself between Alina’s spirit and the heart of the pack. Her pulse beat against mine, strong and sure, until the line between us blurred. My wolf stirred restlessly, recognizing the shift, the acceptance, the power that now pulsed through her veins.Alina’s breath caught. A faint glow shimmered where our hands were joined.When I finally pulled back, the wound had already sealed, leaving a faint scar shaped like the crescent moon.“Now, you mark her,” Moira’s voice broke through the thoughts running wild in my head. “Let all who see know that she belongs to this pack, and this pack to her.”I released Alina’s hand and moved to stand directly before her. This was the part I’d been both anticipating and dreading. The Luna mark was different from a mate mark. It was more visible, more painful, and absolutely permanent. It would brand her as mine, yes, but more importantly as theirs. The pack’s Luna.“This will hurt,” I said quietly, so only she could he

  • Claimed by the Ruthless Wolf Slayer   215

    ALEXANDER“Good,” Alina said. “Because I’m going to need you. Today, tomorrow, when these babies arrive and I have no idea what I’m doing—”“We’ll figure it out together,” I interrupted her before she would go on a spiral and start doubting herself again. “That’s what this ceremony means, remember? We’re not alone. We have each other. We have the pack.”She nodded, taking a deep breath. “Okay. I can do this.”“You can do this,” I confirmed.A knock on the door announced Rory’s return. “Time,” she said. “Alexander, you need to get to the hall. Alina, we need to get you in position.”I pressed a kiss to Alina’s forehead, careful not to disturb her hair or makeup. “I’ll see you out there.”“You better,” she said, managing a smile. “Don’t make me walk down that aisle for nothing.”“I wouldn’t dream of it.”The ceremonial hall was packed when I arrived. Every member of our pack was present, dressed in their finest. Representatives from six neighboring packs occupied the places of honor nea

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