Chapter 93: Rising Alpha

Claire POV

The world returned gradually, like a flickering light in a long tunnel. Initially, all I heard was the rush of wind and faraway voices. My body hurt as though the stone had crushed me. Then, bit by bit, my senses came back. The aroma of herbs, pine, and something warm—like the sun striking the forest floor after rain. I opened my eyes to a dimly lit room and a familiar set of dark eyes looking down at me.

Derek said "Claire," brushing my cheek with his hand. You are awake.

I blinked once. My lips were parched and my throat felt like sandpaper. "You are living..."

He grinned. Because of you. You provided me with all. Once more.

Though it required work, I wanted to smile. “What happened?”

“You passed out.  The Moonroot took something from you,” he said, voice tight.  “But it didn’t take your life.  Not completely.

Though I did not get his meaning, I nodded.

He kissed my brow. You have slept for three days.

I blinked. Three days

Derek propped pillows behind my back and helped me sit up gradually. Looking down, I saw the bandage around his chest—fresh, clean, mending. Though weariness still clung to my bones, relief flooded me.

He said softly, "Redwater needs you." There is discontent. The wolves are restless since I am still too weak to move or guide. They require guidance. They require fortitude. And at this time... you are the one they will pay attention to.

The weight of his words dropped like a stone in my stomach.  I wasn’t ready.  I still felt like I was floating, still hurting.  But I nodded.

“I’ll do it.”

That evening, Rowan called a gathering in the centre of the camp.  Wolves from both Redwater and Midnight Moon stood in a wide circle.  Many had worried eyes.  A few murmured. Some just looked on.

Derek sat on a carved wooden chair, unable to stand for long. But his presence inspired me.

Though my legs shook within, I stood tall and moved forward.

Starting with "My name is Claire," I spoke steadily. You are aware of me. Many of you belonged to Midnight Moon. Some of you have been with Redwater since its inception. You have witnessed our losses. What we have acquired. You have witnessed suffering, treachery, and conflict. Yet you have witnessed recovery.

I breathed and scanned the audience with my eyes.

We cannot now afford to fall apart. Derek's healing, but for the time being he cannot lead. That’s why I will stand as a temporary Alpha.  Not to rule.  But to serve.  To protect what we’ve built.  To make sure we don’t lose it to fear.”

The murmurs began again.  I spotted an older wolf—Barin, a Redwater loyalist—stepping forward.

“You’re not a full-blood Alpha,” he said, not cruelly, but with concern.  “The council only accepted you because of Derek.”

I understand, I remarked. But blood does not create an Alpha. But an Alpha is not made by blood. Strength does. Loyalty does.  Action does.

Barin nodded gradually. Some people said yes. But not everyone.

A sharp voice came from behind. At heart, she is still Midnight Moon. She protected Jared.  What makes her worthy to lead us?”

It was Lira, one of the warriors still bitter over the merge.

I said, "I saved a guy since he evolved." "Since he saved lives. What we require now is redemption, not retribution. And if that renders me unworthy in your opinion, so be it. But I will keep fighting for all of you. Though you question me.

Lira growled quietly, but Rowan moved in front of her. "She speaks the truth," he stated. As Beta, I also see her as a transient Alpha until Derek comes back.

That made the difference.

Wolves started to lower their heads in acceptance. One by one, slowly, the circle bowed.

One thing inside me changed.

I was no longer the terrified Omega I had once been.

I was now Alpha—if only temporarily.

Power, however, creates foes.

Rowan and Elder Myra saw me in the strategy tent following the meeting that night. Worrying indicators had been disappearances, odd border-area scents, and midnight howls not connected to any known wolf.

Rowan remarked, "The plot I believe is not finished." Though someone else supported Crane, he might be dead. Perhaps more than one.

Myra consented. Many components still do not fit.

I agreed. We look into it next. Calmly. No worry.

I immersed myself in work for the next several days. I supervised border patrols, listened to the worries of both packs, visited the ill, and trained with the fighters. I stated clearly: either unity or nothing. Though some wolves tried me, I remained resolute. Bit by bit, I gained respect.

Still, something remained in the air. Like an unnamed shadow.

Then, one late night, it occurred.

A scout came in, breathless, while I was in the command tent going over patrol logs.

Alpha Claire—southern border trouble. Masked wolves assaulted patrol Unit Three. Two hurt. One gone.

I got up right away. Who?

The scout was unsure. Lira.

I froze.

Of all the wolves, she had been the most outspoken against me. Now she was gone.

I said softly, "This was not random." "They did it on purpose."

Rowan came next to me. Do you believe she was a target?

"No," I said carefully. I believe she was involved. Now they are quietening her.

Rowan's expression grew sombre.

I looked at the scout. Two patrols. Everyone travels in groups. Call the Night Guard. Before dawn, I want the whole southern ridge searched.

He ran and nodded.

But inside, something hurtlingly contorted.

Should I be correct… the danger was not forthcoming. It was already within the camp.

Then it was my turn.