Page 4 of Sun's Roar

Sol’s gaze swept across his territory with satisfaction. Pack members in human form lounged on plush chairs sipping drinks that caught the sunset’s glow, while several wolves prowled the perimeter, their fur gleaming wet from occasional dips in the water. The scent of grilling meat wafted from the stone outdoor kitchen where his personal chef worked diligently.

“A strong alpha provides.” Sol’s voice carried the natural authority that made others instinctively straighten their posture. “A pack that plays together stays together.”

The sound of squealing laughter drew his attention to the shallow end where his nephews and niece splashed in mock battle, their small bodies darting through the water.

“Uncle Sol! Watch this!” His dark-haired nephew, Finn, performed an awkward attempt at a cannonball that ended in a thunderous splash.

Sol nodded approvingly, unable to suppress the grin tugging at his lips. “Better than last week, pup.”

Joshua chuckled. “Your sister’s going to murder you when they come home soaked and hyper.”

“Let her try.” Sol’s green eyes flashed with challenge, though the smile never left his face. “Claire knows better than to question how I handle the pups.”

A female pack member in a crimson bikini slowly approached the pool’s edge, swaying her hips. “Prince Sol, can I bring you anything? Another drink perhaps?”

“Bourbon. Neat.” Sol barely glanced her way, though he registered her disappointment as she retreated. “They never stop trying, do they?”

Joshua snorted. “Can you blame them? Unmated alpha prince with a castle, power, and those cheekbones? Hell, I’d throw myself at you if I swung that way.”

Sol splashed water in his beta’s face. “Your loyalty is noted. Your taste, questionable.”

The wolf inside him stirred restlessly, pushing against his skin. Despite the perfect evening and the contentment of seeing his pack thrive around him, something felt off-balance. He’d been experiencing this odd sensation for weeks now—a burning in his blood that no amount of swimming, hunting, or fighting could quench.

“You’ve got that look again,” Joshua observed, his voice dropping lower. “Like you’re about to shift and run into the forest for three days.”

Sol rolled his powerful shoulders. “Maybe I should. Something’s not right.”

“The council meeting tomorrow?”

“No.” Sol’s jaw tightened. “Something else. Something...”

A burst of laughter erupted from a group nearby as one of the pack members shifted mid-conversation, clothes tearing as fur emerged, prompting others to dive away from the spray of water.

“Theo!” Sol barked, authority resonating in his voice. “Shift in the designated area. You know better.”

The wolf lowered his head in immediate submission before padding away, tail between his legs.

“Was that necessary?” Joshua asked.

“Rules exist for reasons. Respect them or challenge me for leadership.” Sol’s eyes flashed dangerously before softening. “Besides, he ruined a perfectly good outfit.”

As darkness soon settled around them, the outdoor lights activated, casting the backyard in a warm glow that mimicked the embers of a dying fire. Just as Sol liked it.

Thirty minutes later, the full moon emerged from behind a wisp of cloud, casting silver light across Sol’s domain. Joshua hoisted himself out of the pool, water cascading down his muscular frame.

“Time to wrangle the pups before my very pregnant wife threatens to shift and hunt me down.” Joshua nodded toward the shallow end where his children splashed wildly.

Sol tracked his gaze to the three youngsters. The twins, Filip and Finn, were locked in some sort of underwater wrestling match while their younger sister, Emma, jumped from the edge repeatedly, her delighted squeals piercing the night.

“She wouldn’t dare hunt my beta.” Sol’s lips curled into a challenging smile. “But her temper does rival mine.”

“Exactly why I’m not testing it.” Joshua whistled sharply. “Pups! Time to go!”

A chorus of protests erupted from the children, but one stern look from Sol silenced them immediately. The alpha power heexuded wasn’t something he could—or wanted—to turn off, even around children.

“Listen to your father,” Sol commanded, his voice gentle but unyielding. “You can come back tomorrow.”

The children climbed out obediently. Emma ran straight to Sol, who was still in the pool against the marble edge, and wrapped her small arms around his wet neck.

---