Shattered Bonds novel Chapter 3

As I walk into the after party, I’m surrounded by people who want to get close to the new Alpha. This isn’t new. It’s been this way most of my life. My brothers are I are constantly surrounded by she-wolves that want our attention or want in our beds. And then, there are the guys that want to be close to or friendly with Alpha males.

When I walk further into the room, Finley, my wolf sits up. ‘What’s up, Fin?’

‘I don’t know.”

“Something dangerous?’ It’s not uncommon for packs to be attacked during Alpha ceremonies or the night of the celebration in an attempt to weaken the pack by taking out the new Alpha on the night of their oath.

‘No, not dangerous.”

‘Well, let me know when you figure it out.’ I tell him, refocusing on the party.

The party starts out as a full pack celebration with food, drinks, and dancing for pack members of all ages. As the night goes on, people begin to leave and only the young wolves are left. As the new Alpha, I wasn’t drinking, taking the time to speak to those that wanted to speak to me, setting up appointments for meetings and beginning my Alpha duties. My intended Beta, Jackson, was beside me all night. While he isn’t yet old enough to indoctrinate into his Beta role, he is my father’s Beta’s son, and we’ve grown up together, knowing he’d be my Beta.

Thankfully, my father also has a business, so my brothers aren’t jealous of not being my Beta. If things continue as intended, I’ll be sending Alexander off to college next year to get a business degree, so he can take over as CEO of Holstin Enterprises, Inc.

As the families and older pack members head to bed, I see my sister, Leana, and her best friend Lily standing by the bar. I walk over to say hi and get a drink. I kiss both of them on the tops of their heads. Lily is as much of a sister to me as Leana. Lily and I were born very close together in age and Leana is only 6 months younger than us. They’ve practically grown up as sisters, they are so close. Almost as close as my twin sisters.

“Ladies.” I say and order a bourbon.

“Alpha.” They say in unison and when I raise my eyebrow at them, they both smirk.

“What do you think Lea? Do you think, now that he’s Alpha, that Rich will let us use his name, or will we have to start calling him Alpha Richard?” Lily asks Leana as if I’m not standing right beside them.

“I don’t know Lils. Sometimes the whole Alpha thing goes to their head and they start acting like they are so above everyone else.” I shake my head and thank the bartender as he hands me my drink. He’s smiling, watching the girls make fun of me.

“I guess it’s a good thing we’re Guardians. If his head gets too big, any one of us can bring him back down to size.” Lily says.

“Good point. I mean, I love my brother, but he needs to keep his feet on the ground if he’s going to be running this pack the way it should be.”

“Okay, I’m out.” I say, seeing my brothers across the room. As I head that way, Finley sits up again.

‘Fin?’

‘Let’s go say hi.’

‘I was already headed that way.’

I'm intercepted by a she-wolf that is obviously drunk and is practically falling out of her dress.

“Hi Alpha. Did you need some company?” She's slurring her words.

“I’m good, thank you. Maybe you should find your room and lay down?”

“Is that an offer, Alpha?”

‘Get rid of her. I want to say hi to that woman with our brothers.’ Fin growls in my head.

Thankfully, Jackson shows up at that moment. And this is why he’s my future Beta. “Jackson, can you help this young woman find her room?”

“Of course, Alpha.”

As he pulls her away, I look back over to where my brothers are laughing with a woman. Her hair is up, leaving her long, graceful neck exposed. Her one-shoulder black dress is hugging her curves and I can feel my body responding. She’s tall, made taller by the black heels she’s wearing. I wonder how she’ll feel about keeping them on when I’m fucking her, because that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m not sure why Fin and I are drawn to this woman, but I know I want her in my bed, naked, sweaty and screaming her pleasure tonight. I feel Fin growling his agreement.

When I walk up, I almost swallow my tongue when she turns around and I see it’s Emlyn Gunnar. “Em…Emlyn. You look….” I’m honestly at a loss for words. I’ve watched Emlyn grow up. I don’t remember a time when I saw her in a dress, not even for her birthday party a few months ago. She’s a tomboy, always sweaty and dirty and doing whatever the guys are doing. I had no idea that she looked this good all done up.

‘Mate.’ Fin whispers in my head.