The midday sun was high in the sky as Liam walked through the packhouse courtyard, Theo trailing a step behind. The morning training session had left them both sore and tired, but Theo had insisted on helping with the pack’s chores to prove himself. It had been Liam’s idea to start small—stacking wood for the bonfire, carrying supplies to the kitchen—but Theo had taken to it with surprising enthusiasm.
“You know you don’t have to do this,” Liam said, watching as Theo balanced a stack of logs in his arms.
“I want to,” Theo replied, his voice steady despite the effort. “I’m not just going to sit around and be useless.”
Liam opened his mouth to argue, but he closed it just as quickly. He didn’t think Theo was useless—he never had—but he knew Theo still felt like an outsider. And truthfully, not everyone in the pack had welcomed him with open arms.
As if to prove his point, a pair of older wolves passed by, their conversation loud enough to reach them.
“Should’ve left him where they found him,” one said, sneering. “Rogues don’t belong here.”
Theo’s steps faltered, but he didn’t look up. Liam’s jaw tightened as anger flared in his chest. His wolf stirred restlessly, pushing at the edges of his control.
“Hey!” Liam barked, his voice sharp enough to make both wolves stop. They turned to him, their expressions wary but defiant.
“Got something to say?” Liam asked, his tone low and dangerous.
The older of the two shrugged. “Just speaking the truth. You’re the Alpha’s son. You should know better than anyone that a rogue can’t be trusted.”
Liam stepped forward, his shoulders squaring. “He’s not a rogue. He’s part of this pack now.”
The wolf smirked. “Says who?”
“Says me,” Liam growled. His wolf pushed harder, a warning rumble building in his chest. “You have a problem with that?”
For a moment, neither wolf said anything. Then, with a muttered “Whatever,” they turned and walked away.
Theo let out a breath as soon as they were out of earshot. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I did,” Liam said firmly. “They don’t get to treat you like that.”
Theo smiled faintly, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “Thanks.”
The pack was gathered for lunch when Liam and Theo entered the dining hall. The noise level dropped slightly as the two boys walked in, but it picked up again quickly. Liam ignored the looks being thrown their way and made a beeline for an empty table near the back.
“Don’t let them bother you,” Liam said as they sat down.
“I’m not,” Theo replied, though his shoulders were tense. He grabbed a piece of bread and tore it in half, his movements brisk. “I’m used to it.”
Liam frowned. “You shouldn’t have to be.”
Theo didn’t answer. Instead, he focused on his food, his gaze fixed firmly on the table. Liam wanted to say something more, but the words wouldn’t come. He hated how the pack treated Theo, but he didn’t know how to fix it.
Across the room, a group of pups was playing a clapping game, their laughter ringing out over the din. Liam watched them for a moment, then glanced at Theo, who was still eating in silence.
“Come on,” Liam said suddenly, standing up.
Theo looked at him, confused. “What?”
“Come on,” Liam repeated, grabbing Theo’s arm. “We’re going outside.”
Theo didn’t protest as Liam pulled him toward the door. The courtyard was quiet, the midday heat keeping most of the pack indoors. Liam let go of Theo’s arm and turned to face him.
“You don’t have to prove anything to them,” Liam said, his voice firm. “You belong here.”
Theo hesitated. “Do I, though?”
“Yes,” Liam said without hesitation. “You do. And if they can’t see that, it’s their problem, not yours.”
Theo stared at him for a long moment, his green eyes searching Liam’s face. Finally, he smiled—a small, genuine smile that made something in Liam’s chest ease.
“Thanks,” Theo said softly.
Liam nodded. “Anytime.”
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the pack gathered around the bonfire for the nightly meeting. The Alpha stood at the center, his presence commanding as always.
“We’ve had a good day,” the Alpha began, his voice carrying across the clearing. “Training went well. The patrols reported no signs of rogues or threats. And the new pup”—he glanced at Theo, who stiffened under the attention—“has been pulling his weight.”
There was a murmur of agreement from some of the pack, but not everyone looked convinced. The Alpha raised a hand, silencing the crowd.
“I know some of you have doubts,” he said, his gaze sweeping over the gathered wolves. “But let me be clear: he is under this pack’s protection. He is one of us. And anyone who has a problem with that can take it up with me.”
The murmurs faded into silence. Theo’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though he still looked tense. Liam leaned closer, his voice low.
“See? You’re one of us.”
Theo glanced at him, his smile returning. “Yeah. I guess I am.”
YOU ARE READING
The Alpha's Bond
Werewolf(This book is already complete. I will publish 5 episodes a day until it's finished, this is a long book.) Liam has always known his destiny: to become the King of Werewolves, unite the packs, and secure peace for the kingdoms. But when a strange pr...
