Page 203 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
“Good.” I would have loved to stay on the topic of Bryn and my future pups, but I needed to tell him how things went with the council. “You asked me how things went when I went home…” I began.
Dom, sensing my shift in mood, dropped all excitement from his expression and focused. “Tell me.”
“The council wants a complete takeover of the Kings, not a merger. And from the way they were talking, it was clear they wouldn’t mind if things turned bloody.”
As I recapped what they’d said, I watched Dom’s eyebrows draw together and his upper lip curl. I’d begun to think I was going crazy—that I’d somehow missed the council’s real intentions the entire time, so it was a relief to read the disgust on his face that matched mine.
Hearing the council’s true opinion had blindsided me so much, I was second-guessing whether the people in my circle wanted thesame things I did. I never really doubted Dom—he was my beta and my right hand. My goals would always align with his, even if we differed on which paths to accomplish those goals. Still, I was glad to see we were still on the same page about how we wanted to achieve peace.
“I don’t know why they made us think they wanted things to go peacefully,” he said when I finished. “If they had just been upfront about it, we wouldn’t feel like they were yanking the rug from under us after all the progress we’ve made.”
“That’s exactly my feeling. That meeting made it clear they were manipulating us from behind the scenes, encouraging us to get the Kings to let their guard down before we turn around with our teeth at their throats.” It had me seething all over again. Maybe Pete, the pathetic man who had been alpha after Gregor and before me, would have rolled over for them, but I never would. “The Kings have shown they’re willing to put in the work to make their pack better. Why would we want to fuck up that progress with a hostile takeover?”
“There’s no point to it but revenge for old wounds.” He shook his head. “How do you plan on handling it?”
“Very carefully,” I said. “I want to wait until the alpha challenge ends before I take a stance against them. Better that than risk forming a rift in the pack between those who side with me and those who side with them. If worse comes to worst, I want the power to protect my people.”
Dom nodded. “It might be difficult to get the council to sit tight for a month, but I’ve got your back. Not that I like the idea of my niece or nephew being used as a tool in any way, but don’t you think telling them about the new heir might get them off your back for a bit?”
I sighed. “Possibly. But I think it would be better to make that announcement after I’m alpha here. That’ll give us time to meet with a doctor and find more information about the baby’s due date.”
“Good point. You’re right—maybe waiting is the best thing to do for now.” He hesitated, then asked, “So, about the hunting party you sent for Troy…”
I winced. “Let’s just take this one thing at a time, huh?”
“Oh, so you didn’t tell her about that?”
“Not yet. Once we’re sure the baby is healthy, I’ll feel more comfortable letting Bryn know. I don’t want to put any more stress on her.”
Dom gave a resigned sigh that dripped with disapproval. “I understand why you’re not telling her right away. But all you’re doing is delaying the inevitable.” He crossed his arms. “But I’m sure you already know that.”
“I’m just trying to avoid a fight.”
He raised a brow. “For Bryn’s sake or yours?”
“Forbothour sakes.”
Dom didn’t look convinced. “I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
A moment of silence passed between us, one that felt like a stalemate. When Dom spoke again, I knew it was because he didn’t want the conversation to end on that note.
“Speaking about the alpha challenge, you need to start training. Like yesterday.”
“I know. After we finish up here, I’ll get started on that.” I had a training regimen in mind that I wanted to try. “Mind sparring with me at some point tomorrow?”
Dom grinned, and an answering smile played on my lips. He was the closest to me in terms of raw power and endurance. If I wanted to see real improvement in my fighting—and quickly—Dom was the best person to train with. He’d helped me train when I became alpha of the Wargs. My wolf growled and hopped about in anticipation of battle.
“Today, I’ll focus on agility and cardio,” I said. “But after…”
“Any time, any place, Night,” he said. “Just know I take no pleasure in whooping my alpha’s ass.”
I snorted. “You haven’t beaten me since we were kids.”
He smirked. “How do you know I haven’t just been taking it easy on you?”
“I’m glad to see my beta’s so fired up about fighting me.” I chuckled. “After dinner, we’ll talk more about where and when we’ll spar.”
“Sounds great to me.”
