Alpha's Blood (Book One)

Maximus

It was late afternoon before Sage and Carter returned to the camp, each other smelling like a mixture of the other. It was obvious what had been done, and Sage knew Astrid would see this and flip out. The ginger female was actually feeling satisfaction in hitting Astrid where it hurt most. Many of the pack looked at the two with shock filling their eyes, some showed anger. Running her head under Carter's neck she gave him a dip of her head before starting to walk off to the prey pile and pick some food out.
   "I would suggest washing his scent from you. If Maximus sees this, he'll harm Carter." Blackrosey's voice filled Sage's ears and made the shewolf turn around. Looking into the black wolf's eyes she furrowed her brow and tilted her head in confusion.
  "What do you mean?" Sage spoke quietly, her eyes darting around to see where Carter had gone. She noticed his tail disappear into the alphas den, raised.
   "Astrid's father is the alpha of BloodMoon pack. He offered Carter a deal moons ago and if Carter doesn't fulfill, it'll mean war." Blackrosey sat down in front of Sage and raised her brow in question, her tail curling over her paws.
  "What was the deal?" Sage looked back at her, the blue in her eyes shining with the threat of tears. Was Astrid and Carter betrothed..?
   "It's best if Carter tells you. Go wash your coat.." A sigh left the delta female before she turned away and disappeared into the pack members den. What had she meant? Sage started for the alphas den when voices flowed out of it, one belonging to a male she didn't recognize.
  "So who is your play toy?" The voice of the male was rough and held hatred.
  "She is no toy. I care for her truly, and I would rather her be my mate than your bubble-headed daughter." Carter had anger and dominance in his voice and Sage felt her ears go back as pain strikes her heart. Carter was betrothed to that bitch. The ginger female hid deeper behind the rock wall and buried herself into bushes so she could listen further.
   "Watch your words, mutt. You remember our deal, you know the price if you refuse my precious little girl. And need I remind you. My pack outnumbers yours ten to one." This male was Maximus, there was no doubt in Sage's mind as she bit back a growl. How dare this male force Carter into a mate? With Sage's powers and Arrow they could win if this male did start a battle. A huff left Carter as he walked out of his den and sat down, his eyes alive with anger.
   "Maximus, I'd rather die then mate your brat." The white Alpha male stood his ground as he sat there, the shape of a large greyish black male emerging from the den, anger filled Sage's sight.
  "Then so be it." The large male rushed forward, charging at Carter. Fear filled her as Carter didn't move a muscle and seemed to brace for impact.  A harsh snarled filled the air as Arrow leapt in front of Carter and caught Maximus by the throat, pinning him to the ground. Against Arrow's stone like strength, this male stood no chance towards Maximus and the dark alpha had no choice but to yield. When Arrow released himself, he backed up and stood beside Carter in a show of loyalty and protection.
   "You don't scare me Max, my pack may be smaller, but loyal wolves will always be stronger." Carter stood and gave Arrow a respectful smile before walking away. "Escort him off my territory, and his bratty spawn too."
  Arrow barked in return and did as he was asked, Sage still sitting there in shock and sadness. Why hadn't Carter told her he was betrothed to that skunk? The white alpha moved back into his den and Sage took this time to leave her hiding spot and head into her meadow, her heart heavy and fear of the future gripping her heart. Carter did stand up for her, but every alpha has to think smarter when it comes to their pack. What would he really choose? The wolf he loves and danger for him family, or the wolf he hates and his packs forever protection?