Page 233 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
“Xavier and Lance are high-priority right now,” I told Dom. “But I’ll let you know if I need you to do more.”
“Sounds good.”
We watched the fighters a bit longer, and then because I wanted to distract myself from my thoughts, I asked, “So, how have things been with you and Tavi? Have you seen her since the dinner?”
“Not really.” He put his hands into his pockets. “After dinner, we walked around the compound and got some dessert at the commons, but I haven’t had a chance to spend time with her since then. She’s determined to look through the Redwolfs’ documents and says she doesn’t have much free time.”
I heard the slight hurt in Dom’s tone. It still felt a little weird to think of him and my sister as a couple, but as Dom’s friend, I wished I could do something for him. The reality was that only they could work it out, and if Tavi said she was too busy or wasn’t ready to spend more time with him, there wasn’t much he or I could do about it.
“I guess the best thing is to give her the space she needs for now,” I said. “She’s made a lot of progress, but she still needs time.”
“I know, it’s just tough. I…I miss her.” He shook his head as if trying to physically shake off his pain. “Anyway, I should probably head back to check on the rebuilding project.”
“I’m going to spar with Vince. I’ve got some stuff I want to work out.”
Dom and I hugged goodbye, and I went into the ring. Vince’s partner was taking a break, so when I offered to take his place, Vince agreed.
“Don’t go too easy on me, Alpha Night,” he said as we squared off.
I grinned. “I won’t go too hard on you, either, kid.” I just wanted to let off some steam and get in a good workout; I wasn’t going to leave more than a bruise on one of my best men.
As Vince and I traded blows, I kept an eye on Xavier and Lance to note their style. I didn’t want to make it obvious that I was watching them, and Vince provided good cover.
“Keep your elbow pulled more toward your chest when you go to punch,” I said to Vince, blocking one of his fists. “You’ll be able to put more power behind it.”
“Thanks, Alpha.” He tried it again, and when I blocked, I felt the hit vibrate up my arm.
“Good,” I said. “Just like that.”
We sparred for another minute, and then Vince spoke again. “Alpha Night, there’s something I wanted to tell you.”
I ducked under his kick. “What is it?”
“I got back from our compound yesterday, and while I was there, I heard rumors that the council might be looking for a new alpha if your takeover doesn’t work.”
“Were you able to verify the rumor?” I asked, keeping my expression as neutral as possible.
“No, nothing concrete. Just rumors.” He hesitated, then added, “I wanted to tell you about it as soon as I could. Most of us are rooting for you, Alpha. Not whoever the council has in mind.”
“I appreciate that, Vince.” I caught his arm, twisted it, and tossed him to the ground over my shoulder. It wasn’t a powerful takedown, but he blinked up at me in surprise. I helped him to his feet. “Do you have any idea who they might be looking at to challenge me?”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry I don’t have more for you.”
“That’s alright. Keep an ear on the ground for me, would you? And let me know if you learn anything else.”
“Of course, Alpha. I’ve got your back.”
I wasn’t shocked to hear the council was coming up with a backup plan in case I didn’t follow through with their wishes. They knew I wouldn’t give up my position without a fight, sowhomever they had in mind to take my place would have to be a real threat.
Sparring with Vince allowed me to let off some steam, but I still wasn’t ready to face Bryn. Still, she and I had talked about going to Samuel’s house together. I would follow through, even if we were in the middle of a fight.
I went up to the alpha cabin, but before I opened the door, I heard Bryn’s voice behind me.
“Night.”
I turned to see her coming my way. The sun chose that moment to move out from behind the clouds, just long enough to bring the shine out of her hair and accentuate the gold hue of her skin. She was so beautiful, my heart twisted. I wanted to take her in my arms, but I didn’t.
“Hey,” I said. “Did you go somewhere else?”
