All Chapters of The Alpha’s Hidden Mate : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Chapter 2The Future AlphaDevin Hunter woke before sunrise.The habit had been drilled into him for as long as he could remember."An Alpha who sleeps while his pack works isn't fit to lead it."His father had repeated those words so many times they felt etched into Devin's bones.With a sigh, he rolled out of bed and pulled on a gray training shirt before stepping outside.The morning air was crisp and cool.Silverwood Pack was still waking.The scents of pine, damp earth, and distant woodsmoke drifted through the forest.Devin breathed deeply.This was his favorite time of day.Before the expectations.Before the responsibilities.Before the reminders that one day all of this would belong to him.A familiar scent approached from behind."Tried getting a full night's sleep for once?" Todd Carter called.Devin smirked."And miss hearing you complain before dawn?"Todd snorted as they started toward the training field."One day you're going to realize future Alphas need rest.""One da

Chapter 4Visitors in the WoodsDevin knew something was wrong the moment he walked into the council room.Not dangerous wrong.Political wrong.Which, in his experience, was usually worse.Around the large oak table sat Alpha Rowan Hunter, Luna Eleanor Hunter, Gamma Marcus Carter, several pack elders, and Todd, who looked about as thrilled as Devin felt."Good," Rowan said when Devin entered. "You're late.""I arrived exactly on time.""Then you're late in spirit."Todd snorted.Devin took the empty chair beside him."What's happening?"Rowan exchanged a glance with the elders."We've received confirmation from Blackthorn Pack."That got Devin's attention.Blackthorn Pack was one of Silverwood's largest neighboring packs. Their territory bordered the northern forests, and while relations were stable, the two packs were never particularly close."They're attending the Full Moon Festival?" Devin asked."Yes."Gamma Marcus folded his arms."Not only attending. They're bringing nearly fo

Chapter 6The ArrivalDevin stood at the entrance to Silverwood Pack's central grounds as the first members of Blackthorn Pack emerged from the forest.The arrival had transformed Silverwood Pack over the past four days.Since the council meeting, wolves had worked almost nonstop to prepare for their guests. Additional housing had been arranged, festival plans revised, patrol routes adjusted, and enough food prepared to feed nearly twice the usual number of attendees.Now that Blackthorn Pack was actually here, Devin understood why his father had taken the visit so seriously.Nearly forty wolves walked beneath the towering pines.Warriors.Elders.Families.Pack representatives.At their head was Alpha Gideon Blackthorn.The older Alpha carried himself with effortless confidence. Silver streaked his dark hair, and the wolves surrounding him instinctively gave him space. Like Rowan, he possessed the quiet authority of a leader who didn't need to prove himself.Beside him walked a young

Chapter 8 Competition Devin had always loved competition. Not because he enjoyed winning. Though he did. Not because he liked proving himself. Though that was certainly part of it. He loved competition because it stripped away excuses. Rank didn't matter. Politics didn't matter. Reputation didn't matter. The field, the target, the finish line, the opponent. Those things told the truth. And today, the truth would belong to whoever earned it. The second day of the Full Moon Festival dawned bright and cool. By sunrise, wolves were already gathering near the competition grounds. Rows of benches surrounded the central field. Banners from both Silverwood and Blackthorn fluttered overhead. Children darted through the crowd while vendors set up food stalls and elders settled in to watch the events. The excitement was contagious. Even Devin felt it. Beside him, Todd stretched his shoulders. "Tell me again why we agreed to participate in every event."

Chapter 10Under the LanternsThe final evening of the festival should have been relaxing.Instead, Devin felt trapped.Not physically.Politically.The large dining hall beside the Alpha House had been reserved for ranked wolves, visiting dignitaries, elders, and honored guests. Long wooden tables filled the room, covered with roasted meats, fresh bread, seasonal vegetables, and enough desserts to feed half the pack twice over.At the head table sat the leaders of both packs.Alpha Rowan Hunter occupied the center seat beside Luna Eleanor Hunter.To Rowan's right sat Beta Garrett Hayes, Silverwood's trusted second-in-command.Gamma Marcus Carter sat nearby, looking entirely too pleased about Silverwood maintaining a narrow lead over Blackthorn in the festival rankings.Across from them sat Alpha Gideon Blackthorn and Luna Vivienne Blackthorn.Vivienne possessed the kind of effortless warmth that put wolves at ease within minutes. More