Page 37 of Destined Mate

“No. He arrived with two betas—Clyde Puckett and Albert Shipley are their names, and they’re at the stone circle with Elmer. They’re as bad as he is.”

Wesley didn’t bother to ask how she knew. He was afraid of what her answer might be.

“They forced the majority of our pack to go too. Our beta, Henry, and an enforcer, Al, are also there. It’s only the women and pups left here. Apparently, according to Elmer, women cannot hold rank.”

Unfortunately, Wesley knew Elmer wasn’t the only one in werewolf society who thought that. “Thank you. Now, where’sthis stone circle located? Time is of the essence, young one, if I am to save Jerome.”

“Go straight past those hills and through the south gate—about two miles downriver from there.” She pointed eastward, her hand shaking slightly.

“Thank you.” Wesley hugged the young wolf. “What’s your name?”

“Julia Jones.”

“Okay, Julia. Stay here, please.”

“Are you going to help him?”

“I am.”

He watched her disappear into a dark house. So, the females were basically hiding out. Good. Female werewolves were just as vicious as the males, especially if they had pups to protect. But if there were several young, it was sometimes better to hide than fight.

Wesley, Keith, Theo, and Duncan stripped down, leaving their clothes in the SUV. The night air whispered against Wesley’s skin, a gentle caress before the transformation began, the change cascading over him like a wave.

White fur erupted, covering his form. Beneath the surface, his bones moved with a seamless fluidity, reshaping and realigning into a new, powerful structure.

Once they had all shifted, they took off into the night. If he thought this angered his human self, his wolf was damn near feral. They raced through the forest, weaving between trees and rushing over the hillsides.

He had no idea how long they ran, but eventually he noticed a change in energy around them. Something powerful and ancient was not far ahead of them.

Just as they crested a hill, Wesley saw the stone circle, its rugged surfaces weathered by time, surrounded by tangledcables and pieces of scattered equipment that hinted at recent activity.

And there, in the center of the circle, stood the most breathtaking omega Wesley had ever laid eyes on. His presence was magnetic. Every nerve in Wesley’s body came alive, tingling with energy as he gazed at the striking male, whose beauty seemed to illuminate the entire scene with an ethereal glow.

It felt like an internal explosion, a shockwave that crashed over and through him.Mine!His wolf yowled with primal yearning, pushing Wesley beyond thought or reason.Fate mate! My Fate mate!

The world warped as he raced the rest of the way, closing the distance. Lights from the equipment flickered around them, but all he could see was Jerome standing in the center of the circle.

Wesley could smell the touch of fear that overlaid the scent of honeysuckle—an intoxicating scent that he wanted to roll around in. After he tore apart whoever had scared the omega.

Wesley’s heart pounded a wild rhythm against his ribs. His wolf wanted to claim his mate right in the dirt, but something else—something stronger—overpowered that basic need.

The fiercer need to protect.

Chaos ensured as he barreled into the circle and shifted, facing the only other alpha there. Keith, Theo, and Duncan stayed in wolf form.

Equipment flew in all directions as Wesley’s sudden arrival scattered the small crowd assembled around the circle. The two betas in the circle darted backward, eyes widening at the sight of him.

Elmer whirled to face Wesley. “Who the hell are you?”

“Someone who’s about to make you regret ever setting foot here,” Wesley retorted, body wound tight with tension.

He heard Jerome gasp.

“My name is Wesley Valentino. I challenge you, Elmer Woodhouse, for the position of alpha of the Cross Creek pack. This pack deserves leadership born from respect and unity, not fear and oppression.”

Then he smiled at Jerome. Elmer snarled, baring sharp teeth, but Wesley stood undeterred as his declaration rang through the night, resonating off the ancient stones.

This was a challenge—a direct confrontation for control—and everyone there damn well knew it.

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