One True Alpha

Chapter 23

Today was the day Terrance would be released from the tree. His wolf looked pathetic as he barely moved during his sentence. The silver tail had done its job in discipline the young wolf. The blood continued to seep as he healed, I saw Myra on occasion tending to them to prevent infection. Scars would likely show on the wolf's back forever. Whenever I went to visit him, the primal part of Terrance would be in full control. His skin side wanted nothing to do with me at the moment. The wolf keeping his head bowed with soft whines as he tugged on the chain, begging me to release him. I would deny his request, that usually had Terrance taking over and snapping at me in anger. I doubted he had ever spent time collared in Canyon Creek and was treated like royalty. When talking with the few females that were originally Canyon Creek, the Alpha's punishment were not as harsh as our own. They certainly were not harsh on the Alpha's pups, they got away with most everything. I couldn't help but huff at that last statement. I needed a disciplined mate who knew when he should follow and when to lead.

Philip would occasionally sneak the smallest morsels of meat to him. I knew the Blackwood pack knew what hunger was. Being a nomadic pack and an alpha born, Philip would naturally want to be sure everyone had something in their bellies. Even the wolf that tried to starve his mate should have something. I said nothing and turned away when he made his nightly trip, I couldn't bring myself to enforce my mate's fast. Whether my father knew about these trips, I did not know but he didn't comment on it. He was still nursing the wounds I had given him. It was two days before he was able to leave his room. I noticed him favoring his right side when I came down for breakfast today. Most of my healing wounds were on my shoulder.

My family sat in their seats as usual, I was placed closer to my father and further away from my father's betas. I placed food on my plate before my father. Our wolves giving me joyous smiles each time they looked in my direction. Their future alpha was young and could beat someone as powerful as my father, it was reassuring. A strong wolf was needed to lead a pack into war when needed and prosperity.

"Iris, aren't you going to release Terrance," my mother asked before I sat down. My wolf was irked at her tone but I kept my canines behind my lips. "He will be released before lunch. He still has a few hours," I replied. She opened her mouth as if to say something but a look from me had her mouth close as she nodded. "I just thought it would be considerate to welcome him back to the table," she couldn't help but say. I knew she could feel my wolf as our potential climbed, we were above her rank now. My father gently but firmly grasped her chin and turned her face to meet his eyes. "You will respect her decision without complaint or riposte," my father ordered as my mother swallowed before averting her eyes. Her wolf knew better than to challenge the alpha but still thought of us as the pup she birthed. "I apologize for my tone, my Heir," my mother said as she gave me a sad smile. My father squeezed her hand as he smiled at me as well. He sat straighter as his wolf was confident in my ability to lead. "Any time now," he said as I gave him a glare.

I wasn't ready. I wasn't even in my twenties but I kept my mouth shut. He rubbed his cheek against mine as he whispered, "I love you my offspring." I grumbled and playfully snapped at him. "I love you too, both of you," I said, earning a smile from my mother as I took the first bite. She wiped a tear as she whispered to my father, "she is growing too fast." My father chuckled and hugged his mate to him. "I know, I know," he said before catching her mouth and his. My stomach turned as I kept my eyes away from them for the rest of the meal.

The older wolves began conversations about their offspring rather loudly. How strong their eldest was and how they were coming into themselves. As my ascension began it would only be a matter of time before I would be looking for wolves to replace my father's cabinet. "My boy found his mate and he is guaranteed to stay in the pack," my father's top beta said giving me a wink. I rolled my eyes as I returned his smile. "He is a strong wolf, I'll give him that," I said as the beta wolf nodded. I continued my meal while listening to them brag about their offspring. I would not make any promises yet, few of their offspring had shown interest and most were younger than me.