Chapter 10: The Heir

***Lucas

Fuck... why did I bother coming back to this place?

I returned this afternoon to High Moon with my half-brother and future Beta, Thiago. We had different mothers, of course, but shared the same shitty father. He was a few years younger than me, but we were more like best friends than siblings.

From the age of seven, he was trained to protect me. I used to tease him about his smaller stature but now... he was built like a pitbull. Short and stocky, with muscles shredding his thighs and upper body. What he lacked in height, he made up in stealth and pure strength. And never did I doubt his loyalty; he was my best friend.

We were the black sheep among the warriors, even though we were father’s sons. The men that fought and protected my father thought they were above pack law. I think father molded them this way. Forged them this way.

I kept a handful of my own Gammas, loyal only to me. Though we attended the normal pack functions, we were not allowed to associate with the rumored reward parties that went on after-hours.

It was those men that traveled to the northern border with me for the last two months. When the King first touted the idea of expansion, I jumped at it without hesitation. We looked to expand the King’s holdings, which would also extend my reign. Borders were outlined and preparations were already set for a new pack den. Construction and planning was arduous, but I was happy to get away.

Father and I had an awkward relationship growing up. He was never the warmest person but through the years, he grew even more ornery and quick tempered. Pack members of the High Moon obeyed and acknowledged that he was their Alpha but only through fear. Subjects were beaten or worse for minor infractions, a side effect of his old age and ailing demeanor. So, it was common for pack members to scatter when he and his men made their way through the town.

Yet, whatever qualms people may have had about his temperament, the Alpha was an ingenious strategist. I was next in line for succession; however, we agreed that since he had no plans on leaving the throne soon, I would expand our forces. High Moon was located at the southern tip of the region and I would head upwards and set up a new territory on the northern side. Once established, I would claim myself as Alpha and I could either chose to remain in the northern realm or take over my father’s pack once ready.

Either way, our forces and influence would be doubled in the realm.

As Alpha, I promised myself to command through respect and good governing, starting with strengthening all territories that I planned to oversee in the future. I knew some of the smaller packs needed better defense mechanisms against rogues. Father knew this too but that may have been his intention. He often took advise from the Red Witch and she warned of allowing the lower packs too much strength. The Alpha at current had no fear of an uprising. That was also why he didn’t fear me relocating to the opposite end. No one would challenge his claim.

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I mind-linked my father and he told me to meet him in the Council Room. I could tell he was in the middle of pack business, but he would still want a debrief of the boarder planning and building permits.

“Lucas, you’re back,” the King exclaimed as I entered with Thiago. He seemed in good spirits as he sat at the helm of the board table. There, he was accompanied by the Red Witch, Beta Braxton, and a couple advisors. They all nodded as I walked in, with the exception of her.  That woman... she made my skin crawl.

But as I strolled over to sit next to my father, a scent so forceful, slapped me in the face. My eye twitched; a fierce growl escaped my curled lips as I sniffed at my father.

“Mine!” my wolf, Dax yelled.

The King looked at me, puzzled. The witch’s eyes sharpened, suspiciously.

“What the fuck,” Thiago mind-linked with his head still bowed. His lowered eyes darted at me, anxiously. Dax was jumping, nervously inside me. He bounced like a penned circus animal, scratching to escape. He howled and whined to the point where I couldn’t focus.

I shook my head. “Sorry father. Long travels... maybe I need to rest,” I lied, attempting to explain away whatever was going on in my head.

“I have to get out of here,” I mind-linked my beta. “I don’t know what’s up but Dax is going crazy. I can’t be near my father right now.”

The King looked me over with narrowed eyes. Finally, he nodded, “Settle in and we’ll debrief later. Beta Thiago can attend the advisory meeting in your place.” I bowed, respectfully.

“Thank you, father,” I said to him as I turned to walk out. The witch’s glare burned through my back as her gaze followed me out. As soon as I felt the conference doors shut behind me, I hurried through the long corridor. Dax’s tail wagged, excitedly, following the scent.

My heart was pounding out of my chest; adrenaline raged through my system.

Whatever this smell was, it was all over my father. Why was this captivating odor of sweet honeysuckle and orchid drenched in the foulness of his sweat and heat? My face was growing hotter. I followed the delicious aroma to my father’s office and knew it was trapped behind his padded cell.

My forehead pressed against the wall next to the door. Fury fueled my step but a hint of anxiousness bit at the back of my throat. I had to collect myself; had to prepare myself for whatever was in that room.

I steadied my hand as I pushed the door open.