Page 82 of Marked By Alphas 2: Claimed

“Sorry, little one,” Marcus said, pressing a kiss to the top of Kai’s head. “Just thinking out loud.”

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Shifting Kai slightly, Marcus retrieved it, recognizing Elder Grey’s number immediately.

“Elder,” he answered, his tone respectful. “What can I do for you?”

“After nearly a month of escalating… territorial adjustments,” came the crisp voice of the oldest living former alpha in Cedar Grove, “the Knox Pack has finally responded to our formal challenge.”

Marcus felt a smile spread across his face, one that contained no warmth. The day Marcus returned from the council, his brother had started methodically dismantling Knox’s border outposts. When the traditional week passed without response, Derek’s “demonstrations” had become considerably more creative.

“I trust Richard Knox found our message clear?”

“If by ‘message’ you mean your brother’s systematic campaign that started with border stations and ended with his security force redecorating their main training facility?” Elder Grey’s tone was desert-dry. “The one that became notably more… aggressive after they ignored the council’s deadline? Then yes, remarkably clear.”

“Derek has always believed in clear communication. Especially when others choose not to respond through proper channels.”

“Clearly. The council’s approval of a ‘territorial demonstration’ wasn’t quite meant to extend to four weeks of increasingly creative property damage, but given Knox’s deliberate disregard of protocol…” She sighed. “In any case, the duel is set for the full moon, three nights from now.”

“Rather fitting timing.”

“Indeed. The council will oversee the proceedings, of course. And given the… unusual nature of the circumstances—both Knox’s delayed response and your mate’s unique heritage—several neighboring packs have expressed interest in observing.”

Of course they had. A formal duel between alphas was rare enough to be noteworthy, but one involving a quarter-wolf mate with First Blood heritage? That would draw supernatural spectators from across the region.

“The grounds will be prepared according to tradition,” Elder Grey finished. “Sunset, at the ancient circle.”

“We’ll be there,” Marcus confirmed, ending the call.

Kai was watching him intently, gold-flecked eyes surprisingly perceptive for a wolf so small.

“Good news, little mate,” Marcus told him, scratching under his chin. “The Knox Pack has finally accepted our challenge. In three days, they’ll answer for daring to touch what’s ours.”

Kai’s ears flattened slightly, whether in concern or annoyance at the possessive declaration, Marcus couldn’t tell.

“Don’t worry,” he soothed. “Derek has been… educating them for weeks now. They know they can’t win. This is just formality.”

His phone buzzed again with a text from Maria.Min-seo has prepared the garden. She says it’s time.

Marcus frowned slightly. Min-seo had been increasingly cryptic over the past few days, spending hours in meditation. Whatever she was planning, she’d been tight-lipped about the details.

“Apparently, we’re needed in the garden,” Marcus told Kai, rising with his mate still cradled in his arms. “Min-seo has something planned.”

The garden had been transformed. A small stone altar stood at its center, surrounded by candles and bowls of what appeared to be herbs and oils. Min-seo knelt beside it, dressed in traditional Korean clothing, her eyes closed in concentration. Around the perimeter sat the entire household—Jorge and Maria side by side, Luke cross-legged on a cushion, Anna and Miguel standing respectfully at the edge, and Caleb.

“What’s happening?” Marcus asked quietly, approaching his brother.

Caleb’s eyes never left the altar. “Min-seo had a dream last night. A celestial dragon, she said, circling a silver wolf.” He glanced at Marcus. “She thinks it might be the key to helping Kai shift back.”

“A dragon?” Marcus frowned. “That’s not part of any wolf mythology I know.”

“Not wolf,” Caleb confirmed. “Korean. Something about ancient guardian spirits and bloodlines chosen to protect cosmic balance.” He shrugged. “I didn’t follow all of it, but she seemed pretty convinced.”

Min-seo opened her eyes as Marcus approached, gesturing to the altar. “Place him there,” she instructed.

Marcus hesitated, his protective instincts flaring. “This won’t harm him?”

“It is a blessing,” Min-seo assured him. “A calling to the blood that sleeps within him.”

Reluctantly, Marcus placed Kai on the smooth stone surface. His mate looked impossibly small there, silver-white fur gleaming in the afternoon sun, eyes wary but trusting.

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