All Chapters of Claimed by the Lycan King : Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

Dante's POV Six months after Alexander's birth, I decided Vera and I needed time away from the compound, just the two of us without the constant demands of pack leadership and parenting. I approached her one evening while she was putting Alexander to bed, watching as she hummed a lullaby and gently rocked our son in her arms. "I want to take you somewhere," I said quietly once Alexander had fallen asleep and she'd placed him in his crib. "Where?" "Away from here. Just us, for a few days." I pulled her close. "Elena and your mother can watch Alexander. He'll be perfectly safe." She stiffened immediately. "Leave Alexander? He's only six months old." "Which is exactly why we should go now, while he's still nursing and sleeping most of the time." I kissed her forehead. "We need this, Vera. Time to remember we're mates, not just parents and leaders." "I don't know." She glanced back at the crib where Alexander slept peacefully. "What if he needs me?" "Then Elena will call and we'l

Dante's POV On our last night at the estate before returning to the compound and Alexander, Vera and I sat by the lake under the full moon, wrapped in blankets and each other's warmth. The moon's reflection rippled across the water, creating patterns of light that danced and shifted with each small wave. The air was cool but not cold, carrying the scent of pine trees and clean mountain water. I reflected on how different my life was now compared to a year ago, the contrast so stark it almost seemed impossible that both versions of me could exist in the same timeline. A year ago I had been alone despite being surrounded by pack members, believing myself cursed to watch every potential mate die or reject me. I'd convinced myself I would never have what others took for granted, never experience the bond that gave life meaning and purpose beyond just accumulating power. I'd built walls around myself so thick I thought nothing could penetrate them, told myself I didn't need companions

Vera's POV Over the following months after Sarah's arrival, more rejected and abused wolves showed up at our gates seeking sanctuary with the Russo family. Word had spread across the East Coast that we offered safe haven to outcasts, and desperate wolves were finding their way to us from hundreds of miles away. I interviewed each one personally, sitting across from broken wolves and listening to their stories of rejection, abuse, and survival. Some had been banished for challenging corrupt alphas. Others had been beaten for refusing unwanted advances. A few had simply been born into the wrong rank and punished for it their entire lives. Each story was different in its details but the same in its core truth: these were wolves the world had deemed worthless, and they'd come to us as a last resort. I provided shelter and support to those who genuinely needed it, turning away the few who seemed dishonest or potentially dangerous. My instincts for reading people had gotten sharper over

Vera's POV As Alexander's first birthday approached, I found myself reflecting on the incredible year we had experienced as a family. Twelve months ago I'd been heavily pregnant and facing down Daemon in that clearing, proving to myself that I was completely over him and everything he represented. Now I was a confident mother to a thriving one-year-old and a leader who'd earned genuine respect from wolves across the East Coast. The transformation still amazed me sometimes when I stopped to think about it. I planned a celebration for Alexander's birthday that would be bigger than probably necessary for a child who wouldn't remember any of it, but I didn't care. This was as much about marking how far we'd all come as it was about celebrating my son. I invited the entire Russo family and our closest allies, sending formal invitations to the Morrison pack, the Chen family, and several other groups who'd proven themselves reliable over the past year. The compound would be packed with g

Dante's POV I dragged the captured rogues to the center of the courtyard in front of all the party guests, my hands gripping their collars hard enough that they choked and stumbled. I wanted everyone to see what happened to people who threatened my family, wanted the message to be absolutely clear. The party atmosphere died immediately as pack members and allies realized something serious was happening. Parents pulled their children closer. Warriors moved to defensive positions automatically. The celebration transformed into something darker in seconds. The rogues were terrified, bleeding from where my soldiers had subdued them during the capture. Deep gashes marked their arms and faces, evidence of the violence they'd encountered trying to breach our walls. I threw them to the ground at my feet and let my claws extend fully, each one six inches of razor-sharp bone designed to tear through flesh and bone. The hybrid was pushing forward, wanting blood for daring to threaten Alexand