Lucian's grip on Scarlett's hand was firm, almost possessive, a reflection of the power and dominance that coursed through him. The weight of his leadership, the mantle of alpha, wasn't something he could ever set aside-no matter how heavy it became. But with Scarlett by his side, something in him steadied. He was a force of nature, but even the strongest alphas needed someone to anchor them, someone who wasn't afraid to meet them eye to eye.
As they descended back into the clearing, the pack stirred at the sight of Lucian. His presence commanded attention without a word. The wolves, some still battered, others cautious in their movements, all turned to him, instinctively sensing that their alpha had come to speak. They may have been wounded, but they still respected strength. And Lucian was nothing if not strong.
Scarlett stood just behind him, letting him take the lead. This was his moment.
"Listen to me," Lucian's voice rang out, deep and authoritative. "I know the last few weeks have been hard on all of us. We lost wolves-good wolves. And Victor's betrayal has shaken more than just our bodies. It's shaken our trust, our unity." His gaze swept across the pack, eyes hard but not without understanding. "But that ends here. We *will* rebuild. We *will* regain our strength. I will not let this pack fall."
There was a collective murmur of agreement, a ripple of energy that moved through the wolves like a low hum of electricity. Lucian's power was undeniable, his presence unyielding. Even the most uncertain of wolves straightened at the conviction in his words.
"From this moment forward, there will be no room for doubt," Lucian continued, his voice steady, every word a promise. "Anyone who questions our pack, anyone who dares to challenge what we stand for, will be dealt with swiftly. I won't tolerate dissent. We've been through too much to fall apart now."
Scarlett could feel the atmosphere shifting, the pack responding to Lucian's raw strength and dominance. This was why they followed him-not just because he was their alpha, but because he *was* power, forged through fire and tempered by the kind of leadership that came from deep within. It was primal, and in moments like this, there was no mistaking who was in control.
"And Mara?" one of the wolves, a dark-haired male named Jared, stepped forward, his voice laced with concern. "What if she comes back?"
Lucian's expression darkened at the mention of her name. His jaw clenched, a flicker of something dangerous crossing his eyes. "If Mara shows her face again, she'll be dealt with. No one who betrayed this pack will walk freely among us."
Scarlett's pulse quickened. Lucian wasn't just talking about Mara-he was laying down the law. His dominance was absolute, a warning to anyone who might still harbor doubts. But Scarlett could see the subtle conflict behind his gaze. He didn't like that it had come to this, but as alpha, he had no choice.
The wolves murmured their approval, a collective growl of agreement rising from the pack. They needed this. They needed their alpha to be unrelenting, uncompromising. It wasn't just about survival-it was about *thriving* in a world that demanded strength above all else.
Lucian turned toward Scarlett then, his hand finding hers once more, not just for support but as a clear declaration. She wasn't just his second; she was his equal in every way that mattered.
"We rebuild together," Lucian said, his voice quieter but no less powerful. "This pack is ours. And no one-*no one*-will tear it apart again."
The pack responded with a unified howl, the sound reverberating through the forest. It was the call of loyalty, of strength. They had suffered, but they had survived. And with Lucian leading them, they would rise stronger than before.
Scarlett felt the rush of pride swell in her chest. Lucian was back-fully, completely. The alpha was reclaiming his pack, and nothing, not Victor's ghost or Mara's betrayal, would stand in his way.
And she would be right there beside him, as his partner, as his strength, through it all.
