Dominic
"Your father would be so disappointed," Victor Caldone said, the words cutting deeper than any claw could, as Dominic adjusted his expression, showing weakness to his Beta would be disastrous.
Dominic Silvercloud reclined in his father's chair and regarded Victor with controlled features. Even early in the morning, the Beta's salt and pepper hair looked groomed, his lean body attired in clothes worth probably more than what the pack made in a month.
"My father's way is not the only way to lead," Dominic said, his voice level even as the wolf under his skin snarled. "Things change."
Victor's thin lips formed a smile. "Some traditions are traditions for a reason, Alpha. The Mooncrest alliance would tighten our northern border and double our hunting territory."
Dominic stood to walk to the windows overlooking the compound. From his office, he could see his people beginning their day: training, working, living under his protection. He felt the weight of responsibility like a physical burden.
"And it would mean taking Sasha Mooncrest as my mate." The words tasted bitter. "A woman my wolf does not know."
Victor sighed. "With respect, Alpha, true mate bonds are a privilege of those without responsibilities. Your father was wise."
And look where that got him, Dominic darkly considered. A political match brought neither happiness nor true strength. Just an empty alliance that dissolved at the first trouble.
"I will think about it," Dominic said finally, dismissing Victor. "The council meeting starts in twenty minutes."
Only after the door clicked shut did Dominic allow his mask to drop. He punched the solid oak desk hard enough to crack the wood. Pain shot through his knuckles, a welcome distraction from his frustration.
Two years as Alpha. Each day felt like swimming against a hellbent current. Each day under the shadow of his father's reign. The illustrious Alpha Julian Silvercloud, whose iron discipline and loyalty to pack traditions was legendary. That same adherence had gotten him killed by rival wolves who interpreted his rigidity as weakness.
Dominic had vowed to be different. To lead with strength tempered by flexibility, but Victor and the old guard pushed back constantly, whispering that change was weakness.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," he called, schooling his features.
His younger brother Liam poked his head in, golden-brown hair disheveled in a way that made him popular with unmated females.
"Council members are arriving early," Liam said, stepping in. His eyes went to the cracked desk. "Rough morning already?"
Dominic flexed his healing hand. "Victor's pushing the Mooncrest alliance again."
Understanding crossed Liam's face. "Ah. The 'mate with the ice princess' plan."
"She's not that bad," Dominic countered automatically, though neither believed it. Sasha Mooncrest had been groomed from birth to be Luna. She was stunning with impeccable training in pack politics. But she lacked warmth and real compassion, two things Dominic valued more.
Liam sat casually, ignoring formality. "Not that bad? Last month she suggested we get rid of old wolves that could no longer fully shift."
Dominic winced. "She was raised differently."
Liam laughed. "You're not mates, and we both know who is."
Heat flooded Dominic's chest at the unspoken name. Sierra Greywood. The pack healer whose rain and wildflowers scent called to his wolf like nothing he'd ever felt. Her rare smiles made him forget the weight of responsibility.
"It's complicated," Dominic said, turning from the window. In the distance, he could see the medical center where Sierra was likely preparing for her day with those skillful, gentle hands.
"That's because you make it complicated. Tomorrow is her twentieth, she can formally request recognition."
Dominic closed his eyes, remembering their last private time three months ago. He was injured in a territory dispute with a gash that wouldn't heal. Pride stopped him from seeking treatment until infection made him delirious with fever. Sierra came to his private rooms, her professional demeanor slipping as she chastised him.
"You're no use to the pack dead from infection," she scolded, applying cooling herbs to his burning skin.
"You worried about me, little healer?" he teased, fever loosening his tongue.
Her hands stilled on his chest. "The pack needs its Alpha."
"And what about the Alpha's needs?"
Something shifted between them. Her silver-blue eyes met his, brimming with emotions. When he cupped her cheek, she turned into his hand, pulse racing beneath his touch. Their wolves, recognizing each other, pushed forward, seeking their other half.
"Dominic," she whispered his name, not his title, a truth from her lips. He pulled her closer, inhaling her scent; she felt completely right in his arms...
A knock jolted him from the memory. "The council is ready," announced Caleb Stone, his head enforcer and childhood friend. Caleb's keen eyes registered Liam's slouched posture and Dominic's stiff form. "Bad timing?"
"It's fine," Dominic said, grabbing the report folder. "Let's not keep them waiting."
The council chamber crackled with tension when Dominic entered. Eight wolves rose from the conference table: four elders who'd served his father, three Dominic had appointed, and Victor, who had no voting power but whose presence was traditionally required.
Dominic took his seat, noting careful realignments in seating. He caught Elder Grayson's eye, who gave an imperceptible nod. One ally, at least.
"Thank you all for gathering," Dominic started, his Alpha voice commanding the room. "First, I'd like to address the incursions along our eastern border."
Victor cleared his throat. "If I may, Alpha. Given recent events, perhaps we should first address the Mooncrest alliance. They await our response."
Dominic felt calculating eyes on him. This was Victor's power move, forcing the issue publicly rather than privately.
"Border security directly impacts our pack's safety," Dominic replied calmly. "But since that subject's been raised, let's discuss it. The Mooncrest Alpha has suggested an alliance through mating between our packs."
Elder Kincaid leaned forward. "An alliance would benefit both packs greatly. The Mooncrest Alpha's daughter is of good blood."
Dominic bit back a grimace at the term. Wolves weren't prized racehorses.
"There are other methods of creating alliances," Dominic said. "Trade deals, mutual defense pacts—"
"With respect, Alpha," Victor interrupted, "those lack the permanence of a mating bond. To truly unite packs, they must be bound through blood and bond."
The old guard murmured agreement. Dominic noticed Victor's careful positioning, not directly opposing the Alpha, but guiding the council toward his desired outcome.
"I have met with Sasha Mooncrest," Dominic answered. "While she would make a politically advantageous mate, I have concerns about compatibility."
Victor's eyes slitted slightly. "Compatibility? Or perhaps there's another reason for your hesitation. Another wolf perhaps?"
The loaded question hovered. Every wolf knew Sierra was turning twenty soon. Victor was forcing his hand.
Before Dominic could respond, Elder Grayson spoke up, his voice gravelly but authoritative. "An Alpha's mate choice affects every pack member and shouldn't be rushed or imposed." His pale blue eyes locked on Victor. "I'm sure our Alpha understands this decision's significance."
The subtle reprimand gave Dominic precious seconds to think. This was the fine line he walked daily; maintaining authority while dealing with complicated pack politics without showing weakness.
"I will meet with the Mooncrest representatives again," Dominic allowed, noting Victor's slight triumph. "However, I won't promise anything concerning mating. Now, regarding our borders—"
For the next hour, Dominic led the council through reports on territorial encroachments, resource distributions, and pack justice matters. He sensed Victor observing, judging, waiting for mistakes.
The Beta had been loyal to his father for decades. However, Dominic had witnessed changes since his ascension. Their relationship had shifted from admiration and respect to hidden challenges masked as guidance.
Dominic was exhausted when the meeting ended. Dealing with Victor's sly undermining took considerable energy he'd prefer focusing on real threats.
As others departed, Victor asked, "May I have a word, Alpha?"
Dominic indicated for him to proceed, mentally preparing.
"Tomorrow is Healer Greywood's twentieth birthday," Victor said lightly, his tone casual but eyes boring into Dominic. "There's talk she intends to request mate recognition."
Dominic's expression remained impassive. "Sierra is a fine healer."
"Indeed, she's impressive." Victor adjusted his perfect cuff. "It would be a shame if anything complicated her position. An Alpha's rejection can be... crushing. Some wolves never recover their hierarchy position."
Victor was threatening Sierra. If Dominic pursued her, Victor would ensure she suffered.
"That sounds like a threat against a pack member," Dominic growled dangerously.
Victor's expression conveyed shocked innocence. "Threatening? I'm just concerned about her wellbeing. As Beta, I cannot act recklessly." He paused. "Your father always consulted me on such matters."
Before Dominic could respond, commotion exploded outside. Shouting and running footsteps approached quickly. Dominic leaped into action, Alpha instincts engaged as he threw the door open.
A border patrol guard was being half-carried down the hall by Caleb and another enforcer. Blood dripped from his torn uniform, his face wild with panic.
"Alpha!" Caleb exclaimed. "He came from the northern border—"
The injured wolf broke free and fell at Dominic's feet. Despite life-threatening wounds, he desperately maintained human form.
"They came from nowhere," the messenger heaved, blood pooling from his lips. "They tore through our patrol like we were pups. They weren't normal wolves. Stronger and faster." He clutched Dominic's pants leg with blood-spattered fingers. "Their eyes Alpha... they glowed like blood."
The wolf seized once more and fell unconscious.
Dominic looked up to find Victor staring not at the injured messenger, but at him. His cold, calculating stare measuring Dominic's reaction.