Chapter 201 Author's POV

Chapter 201 Alpha Davan's POV

Alpha Davan's POV

The lamps that are hung in the streets of Veilfang add a special glow to the pack tonight.

I have stood on this podium for more reasons than I liked, yet today, when my lips stretch in a smile, it feels genuine.

"Caelvoryn of Veilfang." My voice rings across the gathered crowd, and every head turns toward me. "Step forward."

He saunters to the base of the podium with his shoulders squared and his jaw set, and I think for a moment that he looks exactly like the young stubborn wolf who used to trail behind me demanding explanations for every decision I made.

I would not trade the memory for anything. I know wherever my older brother is, he has a stupid grin on his face.

"Before this pack and before the goddess who watches us," I say, "I name you Alpha of Veilfang. You carry the weight of every soul standing before you. You carry their safety, their futures, their trust." I hold his gaze without blinking. "Do not waste it."

"I won't," he says with a certainty that makes me proud.

"And Ira." She straightens when I say her name, and I catch the flicker of something behind her eyes that is not quite surprise but not quite readiness either.

Her steps are slower as she walks up. Caelvoryn reaches for her hand and she takes it.

"I name you,” I say, once she's in front of me. “Luna of Veilfang.”

Ruel's hand finds hers before I finish the sentence.

The pack answers with a deafening howl, their acceptance immediate.

One by one they come forward to greet their new alpha and I step down from the podium, feeling a heavy weight lift off my chest.

"I guess this is cheers to a beautiful beginning," Cael mutters beside me, appearing at my shoulder with two cups already in hand.

I inhale slowly and take the one he extends.

The evening air is warm and the torches along the yard are starting to look prettier. Around us, the celebration opens up. There's loud music, joyful voices, and the smell of food from the long tables where pups are gathered.

I click my cup against his.

"Thalrik would be so proud of us," Cael says.

I look at him. He is staring out at the crowd with his jaw working slightly.

"You are still such a loyal pup," I scoff.

"Hey." He turns with a warning in his eyes that is not even slightly convincing. "Watch it. You are no longer Alpha. I could kick your ass and I won't be imprisoned for it."

The laugh that comes out of me is quiet but true. I drink from my cup and let myself settle into it. Former alpha. The words are strange and comfortable at the same time.

My gaze drifts out across the gathering when I spot her.

Cath… One of Ira's friends.

The one with the sharp mouth and the shameless unforgettable eyes.

She's currently in the middle of the crowd with absolutely no hesitation about any of it.

I find it impossible to look away as she rolls her shoulders back, throws her arms wide, and squatting before creating what is an attempt at swinging her hips but ends up being her jerking hilariously.

“She's cute,” Cael's voice echoes my thoughts.

Several people around her start laughing and matching her energy.

“Hm.” I respond, looking away.

"You barely enjoyed your youth, Davan," Cael says. "She clearly likes you. Has for weeks now. You should go for it."

"Yeah?" I murmur, taking another drink. "And then she will decide my old ass is boring and dump me within a week."

"That lady?" Cael tilts his head with genuine skepticism. "Heck, she looks like she could be entertaining enough for the both of you well past a week. Stop making excuses." He nudges my shoulder. "Hey, she is heading this way."

I feel my heartbeat skyrocket and I swallow hard, trying to stay composed.

"Shit," I mutter when it clearly fails.

"Relax. It has been a while. Take your chance before you lose it, idiot." Cael gives Cath a single nod as she approaches, which she returns with a small smile, and then he dissolves into the crowd so quickly that I'm left facing the empty space where he once was by the time Cath reaches me.

She stops in front of me.

"You look like you don't want me here," she mutters with a smile in place, but her shoulders look tight.

"No, it's not that," I start.

"I know I can be a lot." Her voice drops low enough that only I can hear it, her eyes looking at me, pleading. "But I really want to be your little problem."

A cough breaks from my throat and I look elsewhere.

Goddess, she's unhinged.

Cath takes it as the opening it is. The gap between us disappears and suddenly she is pressed against my chest looking up at me, and with the look in her eyes, I know there’s nothing accidental about any part of her posture.

"Alpha Davan," she says, drawing out the title like it is something she enjoys weighing on her tongue. "You have been making that face at me for two weeks. You know what face I mean."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say, which is a lie so obvious I feel embarrassed for myself.

"The face that says you want to eat me but you're worried you forgot how." She tilts her head. "You haven't forgotten, I can tell."

"You are incredibly forward."

"And you are incredibly built." She runs one finger slowly up the center of my chest. "I have been thinking about what it would be like to climb you. For two weeks. Every single day."

"Cath."

"Yes, Alpha?"

My jaw tightens. The way she says the word is deliberate and she knows exactly what it is doing.

"Have you been drinking?" I ask, grasping for anything sensible.

“No alpha, I've been a good pup.” she breathes, leaning closer.

“You should celebrate with your friends.” I say, nodding at Ira and the other lady who barely leaves her side.

"I am celebrating." Her eyes do not move from mine. "I am celebrating the fact that I am standing very, very close to the most unfairly attractive man I have seen in my entire life and I have his complete attention." She pauses. "I do have your complete attention, don't I?"

"Unfortunately," I murmur.

She laughs, the sound full and unguarded. My hands slowly find her waist when that sweet sound does something tingly to the back of my ribs.

I stay relaxed as her hand drifts lower, stilling when she wraps her fingers around me through the fabric.

“Cath,” I groan but her smile only grows mischievous.

I feel my wolf lunge forward so fast my vision shifts at the edges.

"Cath." My voice comes out rougher.

"Take me to your room," she says quietly. “Please,”

I breathe in, slow and controlled. "Ira only just healed you last week. I don’t think you should be doing anything strenuous."

Cath tightens her grip and my wolf presses hard against the surface of my skin.

"Alpha," she murmurs. "I promise you, I feel wonderful."

I believe her. Gods help me, I believe her.

I take her hand and I move before I can talk myself out of it. Down the corridor, up the steps, through my door.

The moment it closes behind us, she plants both palms against my chest and shoves.

I hit the bed, grabbing her hips as she climbs over me.