He Will Be Mine

Chapter 53: Alpha's Apology

*** Alyssa's POV ***

Alpha Kane called me away from Matt and Tyler's visit with their parents, and I was hoping that it was to discuss Matt's dad joining the pack. But so far, he has just commanded that I strip and shift and follow his wolf through the woods. I have a feeling I know where we're going.

It's our spot, this little clearing that I used to think was magical when I was a pup. Certain times of the year, it's filled with color as all the little trees and flowering bushes are covered in blossoms, or in the summer when the berry bushes are heavy with fruit. Right now, though, it's not all that impressive, and I'm not amused that he's bringing me here. He's probably intending to manipulate me with sentiment, and I'm not falling for it.

I've been pushing Mari back in my mind to keep in control, but then I feel my Alpha force me back so his wolf can bond with mine. He's pulling out all the tricks this time, but it only irritates me more that he forced it. It might be worth fighting to become Alpha just so I can take that power and turn it around on him.

After I've had enough of the nuzzling and familial bonding, I push Mari back again and take off, knowing that when I don't hold back, his wolf doesn't stand a chance of catching up to me. I race ahead the rest of the way to our spot and shift back, searching the bushes for clothing I know we always keep in here. I find a man's t-shirt and a pair of my shorts and have them on and am sitting and waiting by the time he catches up to me.

His wolf gallops into the clearing and then starts circling me threateningly, growling softly.

"You're just upset that I reminded you of how slow you are, Anton. Get over it," I tell him tersely.

He apparently gives up and shifts back. Alpha Kane makes his way to the bushes to find some shorts to put on. Then he comes and sits across from me, trying to make eye contact with me, but I refuse.

"Actually, he's upset that you're keeping Mari from him. Be irritated with me all you want, but she's still his family," he scolds me.

"How does he feel about you trying to keep Mari from her mates?" I challenge him.

"That's not my intent. I told you, I like those boys. I wish it would have worked out with the Elders."

"And I told you I'm not done fighting," I insist, crossing my arms over my knees.

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I invited Gordon and Stacy to join our pack, and Gabe and Tammy as well if they're interested. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you said it could get you a second chance with the Elders?"

"Yeah, uh, thanks," I stammer out, surprised that he already took care of that. I figured it would take no fewer than two meetings with Matt's parents and a fair amount of begging and pleading on my part.

"And yes, that's what we need to apply for an appeal," I confirm. "But from the information I found, we will also need to convince the Elders to reconsider their opinion about having two mates. I'm going to need to do some research and try to find whatever I can to convince them. I'm thinking maybe there's some precedent, or something in our history, or I don't know what exactly but whatever is out there, I intend to find it and present it to the Elders."

"Let me help you," he says softly, pleading with his eyes. "I didn't know that there was any chance to sway the Elders to change their decision, but now that I do, I want to help."

"How? Do you know something I don't?" Now I'm interested in looking at his face.

"About this? No. But I am Alpha, and that allows me more access to some of the places and materials you may need. First thing that comes to mind is that Elder Stirling is in charge of the Elders' archives going as far back as you can imagine. He might be more willing to let me access them than you."