Page 32 of Forced Alpha Bride
“Winnie,” Damon’s voice sounds behind me. “We have duties to attend to.”
“Coming,” I reply. “Just saying hello to my brother.”
“Pleased to meet you, Alpha Galen,” Damon mutters.
“And I you,” Galen answers. “May our alliance be long and prosperous.”
Even though the words are common ritual, Galen’s tone doesn’t match the sentiment. Damon scowls and takes my hand, shoving me ahead of him as he heads through the crowd.
I throw one last wave over my shoulder, then turn to meet my destiny.
Chapter 10 - Damon
As the elders speak the final words of the ritual, a wave of triumph rushes over me. I close my eyes for a moment, feeling Winnie’s warm hands in mine and reveling in the soft hush of the crowd.
It was worth it. Every single thing I did to get here it’s all worth it.
Almost dying in the snow, even struggling with Winnie all the way down the mountain, feels like a triumph, though I didn’t fully enjoy it at the time. I’d rather not force her, and it’s exactly why I entered into a legal contract with clear terms. I thought it was the best way to ensure cooperation and an amicable relationship.
I turn around to see the first families walking towards us. Winnie rushes over to hug a tall, willowy woman and the somber-looking man beside her. I don’t need to guess to know that this is her brother, Alpha Galen. And he’s looking at me like he could cheerfully tear my throat out.
I maintain my composure while he talks with his sister, but I don’t let it go on for very long. I know they could be cooking up some kind of rebellion. The last thing I want is a war.
I’ll take it, though, if that’s what they give me. I’m more than happy to throw down with force if they won’t accept my rule with grace.
When I extract Winnie from her brother’s embrace, I turn around, almost running straight into Regina.
How did the old bitch sneak up on me like that?
“Alpha Damon,” she says in a crooning tone. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you on this happy day. Your ascension is complete, and you have won a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you,” I answer awkwardly.
“Of course, the union must be consummated in due course, or your position will be contended. You’re aware of this?”
“I’m aware.”
“Good!” she says, too cheerfully. “I’d love to spend time with your bride over the coming days until we know each other quite well. Don’t we, Winnie?”
“Yes, Elder Glass,” Winnie
I give Winnie’s hand a tug. “You don’t have to call her that now. You outrank her.”
You could call her “shit-stained bum fluff,” and she’d have to bow and say thank you.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Winnie says. “I’d like that… Regina.”
“Wonderful!” Regina exclaims. “You go ahead with your duties, Alpha. I wish you luck with your reign.”
“Get out of my way,” I growl.
She bows her head and steps back, flashing a sweet smile that makes me want to slap her. Dragging Winnie with me, I go to the front of the room and stand on the dais of the fireplace so everyone can see me.
“Attention!” I announce. “Here is my first edict as alpha. Flint Matlock is now your beta. You will obey his word as if it were mine, and he is my enforcer. Understood?”
The crowd murmurs restlessly, but no one protests.
“Austin, Dylan, Logan, and Giles are my first counselors. They now replace members of the first families that answer directly to the elders. Is that clear?”
