Alphas burden

Offense roils my stomach and ruffles my wolf’s fur as we careen through the compound. No one stops our group from busting through the doors to Cormac’s massive lodge set at the edge of a cliff face.

Power driven by my fury radiates from me with every bounding step. I shift back mid-leap, landing in a crouch at the center of the great room.

Lorne sits in a regal chair with my uncle at his side on the raised platform backlit by windows overlooking the valley like he’s won. Like he’s the Silver Falls Pack alpha.

I’m pissed as fuck, furious growls tingeing every panting breath. Outrage rockets through me at the sight of females cowering behind the males who all wear self-important expressions. At how many of my pack has accepted Lorne’s takeover. At my beta in Dane’s headlock near the front of the crowd to my left.

My heart stops. An unconscious female is sprawled at Lorne’s feet.

Avery.

Something’s wrong with the bond. I can’t sense her.

I’ll fucking kill him for this. He’s harmed my mate and my pack. My wolf surges forward to take my skin again, ready to destroy everyone in the damned room to get to our mate.

My outraged roar rattles the glass and sends half the room to their knees cowering. Those that manage to remain standing look to my cousin.

Lorne gives me a vicious grin.

“Cousin.” He rises, spreading his arms. “I’ve been waiting for your return. I challenge you for the title of Alpha.”