Page 26 of Fated to the Rogue

“Please, just Zephyr. We’re family now,” I insisted.

“Of course.” She showed me a sympathetic smile. “Are you the one with a female wolf? Alpha Ruben said he met you out in the desert yesterday and-” She seemed to notice how her question caught me off guard, because she suddenly turned redwhen I stiffened. “I’m sorry, that is a very personal question, isn’t it? I shouldn’t have-”

“No, it’s alright. I’m just…still getting used to the idea,” I clarified, sighing. “Yes, Dawn is a female, and my counterpart.”

There was silence for a moment before her face lit up again. “Oh my Goddess, that’s so amazing!” I blinked a few times in confusion. Thankfully, she didn’t hesitate to explain, “I mean, if Deltas have to be strong enough to take on other males, imagine what an Alpha she-wolf can do! Dawn must be super powerful if she ended up with you.”

“Oh, I don’t care that we just met this girl, I fucking love her already!” my she-wolf cooed.

“That’s what I keep telling him!” Malin yelled.

The three of us continued to chat throughout the flight. I told her about our life at Wind Howlers, and she explained a little more about herself. Despite how much she loved the lands she had grown up in, most of her friends had moved out after finding their mates. She said she was ready to start fresh in a new place and make her own story instead of hearing about others’ experiences.

Apparently, she was very close to her brother, who was quite hesitant to let her go - which was understandable, considering the threat our pack was facing. Either way, he was happy for her. And most importantly, she seemed happy. As nauseating as it was to watch my best friend’s public displays of love towards his mate, their romance had a hopeful energy. We needed that kind of positivity with everything going on back home.

Time flew by, and before we even noticed, we had landed. Our driver was waiting for us at the entrance of the airport. The ride home was fairly quick, and as soon as we crossed the borders of our territory, Amaya was speechless. Wind Howlers wasn’t nearly as big as Dune Drifters, but our lands were incredibly beautiful. Malin pointed at the main landmarksthrough the window as we drove by, giving his mate a quick preview of what he would show her later.

Although I wish I could have had more time to explore Galensoles, it felt good to be home again. Sure, it was impossible to ignore the problems I would have to take care of now, but if anything, taking in the view reminded me of why I wanted to fight to protect these lands. I would do whatever it took to ensure my pack would thrive, with or without help.

Absorbed in thought, I barely noticed the car come to a stop until the driver opened the door. “Welcome back, Alpha Zephyr.”

The moment I hopped out of the vehicle, my gaze landed on my Gamma and Delta standing in front of the main building, ready to receive me. Their neutral expressions turned into surprised ones as they watched my Beta climb out of the car holding hands with an outsider. Intelligent as they both were, it only took them a second to understand the situation, which is why I didn’t even bother explaining anything as I approached them.

“Gamma Zachari. Delta Alexandra.”

“Alpha Zephyr.” They lowered their heads before me.

“First of all, this is Amaya Kimbel, Malin’s mate.” I waved my hand towards the blonde girl. “I trust you will give her the warm welcome our future Beta Female deserves.”

“Nice to meet you, Gamma. Delta.” She greeted them with a shy smile.

“I’m sorry to ask with such short notice, Alex, but can you please put together a dinner celebration for her tonight?”

“You got it, Alpha.”

“Malin,” I called, and the next second, my second-in-command was standing by my side. “Link the Elder to see when we can perform the joining ritual.”

“On it.”

As his eyes clouded over, I turned to Zachari. “Our priority is to organize everything for Amaya’s arrival, but there are a few issues we must discuss regarding our trip. Get ready to meet us at the Elder chapel. After that, I’m calling a meeting in my office. Did you leave the pack reports on my desk?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Great. Thank you.” I squeezed his shoulder. “How did you enjoy being Alpha for a day?”

“Your job is too easy.” He frowned, and I couldn’t contain a small laugh.

“Zephyr.” My best friend caught my attention. “Elder Laelius said he’ll be ready to see us in an hour.”

“That’s how long we have to get ready then,” I observed. “I’ll be waiting for you there.”

???

Returning to my room should feel relieving, but the big space only ever reminded me of how empty I felt. Thankfully, I only needed to stay there for a short time. After taking a quick shower to make sure I looked presentable for the joining ritual, I put on a navy button-up shirt and black trousers. Although I preferred mixing light and dark tones, it would be smart to stick to darker colors, since my clothes could get stained by blood in the process. As heir, I had more than enough money to buy new outfits, but I loathed shopping as much as Zach did training.

My hair was still damp when I rushed back outside, headed to the Elder Chapel. I was a few minutes early, but my team wasn’t far behind. It felt weird not seeing my father or his friends among them. It was a formality for all Elite members to be present during most rituals, but I hadn’t yet gotten used to the fact that we were the new generation. Only then did I also realizeit would be my first time officially welcoming a new member into the pack. I wasn’t nervous though; I had watched my father perform it enough times to know exactly how it worked.

“Are you ready to become part of Wind Howlers?” I flashed Amaya a bright smile.

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