Page 42 of Broken Wolf Heart
They’re sizing me up. Judging. Wondering if I’ll break. Or maybe wondering if I’ll be the same kind of cruel monster their previous alpha was.
My wolf urges me forward. Inside me, she’s alert: ears up, ready to snarl, to assert. To take me over. But I force her back, grit my teeth, and walk into the crowd withslow, deliberate control. I don’t rush. Instead, I let them feel the weight of my presence with each deliberate footfall.
They part to let me pass.
No one speaks.
No one challenges.
No one approaches.
Except Andy.
She steps forward just as I reach the center of the room. Her presence is cool and composed, her blue eyes meeting mine with something unreadable. Not doubt—but not blind faith, either.
“Alpha.”
She bows her head.
A few other heads bow along with hers. No one breaks the silence.
It isn’t loyalty. Not yet. But it’s submission.
My wolfpurrs, proud and pleased, pressing hard beneath my skin. She wants to throw her head back andhowl. To stake her claim on this place, these people.
I inhale slowly, trying not to tremble at my attempt to control her.
They don’t know me. Not really. But they’re offering me a moment—an opening. And if I don’t seize it, I’ll lose them before I’ve even begun.
Near the front door, Grey stands, watching and supportive. But if I lean on him, they’ll see it. This has to be all me.
I turn to Andy. “Step forward.”
She lifts her head and meets my eyes, stepping toward me without hesitation.
“I need a second in command,” I say, my voice steadier now. “Someone I trust. Someone who doesn’t just know this pack, but can help me lead it. Will you accept the position?”
Andy raises an eyebrow, just slightly. “Me?” She glancesaround at the faces of those I suspect she thinks should have the role instead. “You’re sure?”
“I’m not my grandfather,” I say. “I won’t rule through fear and blood alone. I don’t want to be worshipped or feared—I want to be effective. And I need someone who knows how this machine runs but is willing to embrace the change that is necessary.”
She swallows. The slightest flicker of emotion crosses her face—respect? Surprise? “Then I serve at your side. Whatever you need.”
I step closer and place my hand on her shoulder. The moment my fingers touch her, somethingclicks. A low hum of magic spreads between us—vibrating in the air, threading into my bones. A spark of energy sizzles through my palm and races up my arm like electricity, wrapping around my spine.
The bond is forming.
Not fated. Not like Grey and I share. Butchosen. Intentional. A different kind of connection. The kind shared by a pack.
I turn in place, scanning the faces. “I know you didn’t choose me,” I say to them. “Some of you were loyal to my grandfather. Others were afraid of him and are worried about having another Giovanni as your alpha. Maybe you liked the way he ruled. Maybe you didn’t.” My voice carries, firm but not hard. “But I’m not him. And I never will be.”
They’re watching closely now, the mood impossible to read.
“I won’t promise perfection. Hell, I can’t even promise I won’t fuck up—a lot. But Icanpromise this: I will work to earn your respect. And until then…” I pause, breathe. “I will require your obedience.”
A single heartbeat of silence follows. Then two.
“Or what?” someone calls. “You’ll rip out our throats like you did to the generals? To Dom?”
