266- Under the Alpha’s Oath
POV Elowen Grimwald:
“I have always done everything in my power to protect and strengthen Valmorin. Every decision, every action I take is for the good of all of us. Today, more than ever, we must stand united, because only together can we face the dangers that surround us—simply for being who we are.”
The crowd murmured in admiration.
“I make it clear tonight, under the witness of the gods, that our strength as a pack and our loyalty define us. We will protect our family, no matter the cost. I wish luck to those who dare to stand in our way.”
The roar of collective approval that followed was nearly deafening.
Moved, I kept my eyes fixed on Aldren, feeling the weight of his speech. The fire danced, casting shadows that seemed to circle the crowd, as if even the flames understood the alpha’s power.
Music began to play, and suddenly a dozen small pups approached him. My emotion deepened when I saw him lift a little one into his arms, smiling like someone born to lead and love his people.
I muttered a curse the moment Nala’s image appeared before me. It didn’t matter how many times I saw her—every time, my furious she-wolf thrashed inside me, filling me with raw anger.
Bratvo stepped protectively in front of me, anticipating that I might be attacked.
“Calm down, Bratvo, I just want to talk,” the snake said.
“Watch the words you’re about to use, Nala,” he warned, and Nerin nodded, staying by my side.
“It’s fine,” I intervened calmly.
He stepped aside so we stood face to face, and I didn’t buy the pitiful expression she aimed at me—not for a second. She wore a black lace dress above the knees, with a deep U neckline and long sleeves.
“Look, Elowen, I think we started off on the wrong foot. I’d like to begin by asking your forgiveness.”
Forgiveness? That had to be a joke.
“We are not going to be friends. Ever,” I declared, making her clench her teeth.
“Elowen, Aldren is a great friend and he trusts me. It’s easier if we get used to that idea. I respect that you’re with him, and you respect our friendship.”
I almost laughed at that poorly told lie.
“No way. Touch him and I’ll break your neck.”
For the first time, I heard Bratvo laugh, even if restrained. I glanced at him briefly before crossing my arms and facing the insolent woman.
“Elowen, you should know that Aldren doesn’t like possessive females,” she shot back disdainfully.
“No?” I smiled. “Would you believe he thinks it’s adorable when I’m possessive? I guess it’s different with me.”
Unable to maintain her good-girl façade, her brow furrowed and anger exposed itself in her features. Now, her feelings were real.
“Good for you, Se-le-na.”
I winked at her arrogantly and thanked the gods when I saw Korlina approaching from behind her. I walked away without saying goodbye and ran to that sweet lady, wrapping her in a tight hug.
“My dear, you look beautiful,” she praised in her hoarse, broken voice.
I stepped back slightly to admire her outfit. A white chemise with golden stripes covered her body.
“You do too! Did you just arrive?”
“A few minutes ago. Have you eaten?”
She greeted Nerin and Bratvo. Quickly, I felt the air grow lighter again as Nala moved away.
“Not yet, Mrs. Korlina.”
“Then let’s go, my dear.”
“Let’s!” I said eagerly, excited to try the food.
Nerin and Bratvo followed us to a table filled with a variety of dishes. As they began serving themselves, Korlina leaned toward my ear and whispered:
“Did you keep our secret?” she asked so quietly I almost didn’t catch it.
“Of course,” I whispered back.
I prepared a small plate with some Romanian appetizers, hoping that at the main dinner Aldren would eat with me. Standing away from the table with my new friends, I watched people dancing and celebrating—but I didn’t smell any alcohol.
“There aren’t any alcoholic drinks?” I asked Nerin, standing beside her with my plate.
“Only after the pups return home. Aldren wants everyone sober to protect them if there’s an attack.”
It was never just a happy day. In everything, a trace of tension and suspicion lingered in the air. The absence of alcohol was a small sign of the constant vigilance Aldren maintained over his pack.
On one hand, I admired his relentless dedication to everyone’s safety—a leader who left nothing to chance. On the other, a subtle melancholy struck me.
It was sad to think that behind his always-alert deep green eyes, there was a man who might never allow himself to fully relax.
He carried the weight of leadership not just as an obligation, but as armor—heavy and sometimes lonely.
I understood everything.
All his aversion to what he felt for me when he thought I was a threat.
All his reluctance. Everything.
A new comment from Korlina cut through my spiral of thoughts:
“My dear, have you noticed that the only friends you’ve made are two old ladies?” she teased herself.
Even tense, I joined them in laughter.
“And I guarantee there are no better friendships,” I replied, shrugging.
Minutes later, out of the corner of my eye, I sensed an energetic approach. I turned to look.
An alpha was walking toward us—I could smell it. His short hair was light blond, and his clothes deviated from the usual style. He dressed as if he were just passing through life and didn’t care in the slightest about appearing important.
“Konrad, alpha of the Cyndrael pack.” He extended his hand.
I hesitated to take it, but Bratvo greeted him warmly, as if they were close.
“Elowen,” I introduced myself, accepting his hand. He gave mine a firm shake.
It immediately occurred to me that if he led one of the five packs and was here, I might convince Aldren to invite my sister and all her friends to future gatherings.
How wonderful that would be.
Stepping back, the alpha smiled and bowed to Nerin, taking her hand and placing a gentle kiss on the back of it. Wow. That definitely looked like romantic interest.
Poor Nerin seemed flustered, her cheeks flushed red.
“Did I miss something?” I blurted out.
The alpha placed another kiss on her hand and turned back to me.
“Don’t be surprised. We’re old friends, and I take pleasure in being courteous to this charming female.”
I exchanged glances with my other friend, who smiled discreetly, deepening the crow’s-feet at the corners of her eyes.
“I sensed some tension, Mrs. Korlina. Didn’t you?”
“I did too, my dear.”
Nerin frowned, crossing her arms, while the alpha seemed amused.
“Stop it!” she snapped.
“Elowen, don’t you think I’m a good match?” Konrad directed the question to me, tugging at the fabric of his button-up shirt as if to say: aren’t I handsome?
“Well, I can’t say yet, because I don’t know you, but I fear no male is special enough for Nerin.”
He gasped, offended.
“I am!”