Page 5 of Red and the Alpha
Mate.
His beast was stubborn as hell. His wolf had identified his mate years ago, and it had been a struggle to keep the animal at bay.
He wanted to claim her.
But there was no way in hell he could do that.
For years his wolf was desperate to claim the one who was meant for him.
About an hour ago, his wolf had become so disgruntled that Maxius didn’t have a choice but to let his beast out to stretch his legs. It had been a long while since he’d had such a fight with his animal.
Maxius refused to think of the last time it had happened…it had been in her presence.
He broke through the clearing and shook the memory away before it played out again. His gaze landed on his house not too far away. Maxius halted, his senses picking up that he was no longer alone. He looked around but didn’t see anyone.
I’m losing it.
His wolf released a snort and strolled forward. Maxius had left his clothes on the back stairs. They never survived the transformation from man to beast.
In a few hours he was to have a meeting with his beta and enforcers. Going for a run had relaxed him and helped him clear his mind before the important meeting. As alpha, he would be expected to be focused on the job at hand.
Maxius had planned to bring out the grill and feed his men when they showed up. The fall in Hollowgate was a beautiful time. The crisp air was fresh and exhilarating to breathe in. A nice bonfire keeping them warm outside. A few beers and good food would be a fine meal for him to provide for the esteemed members of his team.
As the alpha of the Wolffang Pack, it was Maxius’s duty to take care of anyone who belonged to the pack. He had come into his new position almost a year ago.
His father, Grieg Wolffang, had been the alpha for almost sixty years and was ready to enjoy life with his mate. He had turned over the reins to Maxius, the eldest son of the Wolffang offspring.
Their family had settled this pack centuries ago in Hollowgate. There would always be a Wolffang in charge of the pack. When Maxius had pups, his children would be expected to lead. His brother, Beryn, was five years younger and was very involved with their people. Should Maxius not have children and something happened where he could not lead, then the responsibility would fall to Beryn.
Maxius pulled back on his animal. The damn wolf fought him, not wanting to switch over the reins. Finally, his beast submitted and allowed the change to occur. His bones began to crack and shift back into his human form.
His white fur retreated into his deep-almond skin. His claws disappeared, and his canines withdrew.
Maxius knelt on the ground, his breaths coming fast. He opened his eyes and blinked, allowing his vision to clear.
“Stubborn creature,” he muttered. He stood to his full height and rotated his shoulders. He glanced at the sky, taking in the deep-purple hues. Soon the sky would be dark, and it would be the perfect backdrop for the meeting.
The chilled air gently blew past him. Had he not just shifted, he would have felt the cold, but his body was currently heated from the change.
He reached down for his jeans and slid them on.
The dark hairs on his forearms rose.
A growl escaped his chest.
Again, he felt the sensation.
Someone was watching him.
Maxius spun around and braced himself.
“Show yourself,” he demanded. His gaze swept the area around him, but he saw nothing. His wolf growled again, not backing down.
Maxius blinked, and there stood three warlocks with their gazes narrowed on him. Their black cloaks hid most of their body, but he recognized the emblem on their breasts.
Eternal Flame warriors.
One with dark-blond hair and hard blue eyes, stared him down. Another, skin the color of midnight, and long dreds, his arms folded before him. The third one Maxius knew.
