The Alpha's Mistake

Chapter 11

He's gone, and we don't have time to mourn. Atlas stood on the body and howled, the power of the Alpha transferring to him.

The whole pack felt Archer die, and Alaric rising in his place as Alpha of Phantom Moon Pack. Howls erupted from every member as everyone shifted into their wolf forms to accept their new ruler. Most were mournful, while others yapped happily. Atlas morphed, giving Alaric control as the joyful wolves surrounded him. Chaos erupted across the territory due to the lies spread by Archer. They distrusted Alaric and worried about what punishment he would deal out.

Glancing around, he searched for the rest of the previous leadership. Not catching sight or smell of his dead fathers cohorts, he was about to reach out to Todd.

Alpha! Larry and Frank are trying to enter the hospital. We've easily kept them back, but now there's more of them. Chuck linked him.

Jumping and shifting mid-air, Atlas took off like a rocket. Stand down! He yelled through the link at the troublemakers. The Alpha tone making them hesitate.

Zeroing in on his targets, he landed on both Lester and Frost, one large paw on each of them. Growling and barring his teeth, Atlas stood on them until they submitted to their alpha.

Todd and Timber are to be Beta of Phantom. Chuck and Conan will be your Delta, with Steve and Stone being Gamma. Until we can have the ceremony, obey them. Atlas told the pack.

Take these two to the dungeon while I decide what to do with them. Alaric said to Steve and Chuck. Try anything, and I won't hesitate to kill you. Atlas snarled at the cowards.

Atlas stepped back, letting the subdued wolves get up. Anyone else want to join them? Atlas roared through the link. The group of ten wolves laid down, giving up without a sound.

No one is allowed into the hospital unless you need an injury looked at. Do I make myself clear?

A loud chorus of "yes, Alpha" came back in the link.

Todd, stay here.

Go see her. We've got this.

Looking at the crowd that gathered to watch the commotion, he felt conflicted. They needed him to make a speech, to be reassured about his taking over. He needed to be with his mate. Anger still flowed in his veins, the only solution being the calming bond with his mate.

Changing into his human form, Alaric hurried to her room. The annoying beeps from the machines offer a slight comfort, knowing she was alive. Kneeling by the bed, he took her hand into both of his.

"It's over, baby. It's over. They can't hurt you anymore." Tears splashed her arm as he gave himself a few minutes to mourn what he lost. "I'm sorry I can't get permission for this."

Alaric kissed her neck, searching for the perfect spot. Extending his canines, he bit into her soft flesh, marking her as his. Careful not to take too long, he gently licked the wound. Feeling her blood mix with his was wonderful.

"You can't mark me, but you can drink my blood." He bit his wrist, then held it against her lips. Opening her jaw a little, he waited for the red drops to flow into her mouth and throat. "We are one, my love. No one can take you from me. Please wake up, I need you." He rested his head next to hers as their bond got stronger.

The pack felt when he marked her. They howled in sadness as they realized Luna couldn't speak to them. Unease rippled through the pack. Uncertainty filled them while reality sank in. Alpha Archer was dead. Alpha Alaric killed him. Luna, which no one even knew her name, was in a coma. What was going to happen to them now? Especially those who tormented Luna?