CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 34
That night, I found it impossible to fall asleep.

Every time I shut my eyes, Tatum’s smile flashed before me — gentle and open, as if he placed a trust in me that was unwarranted. His voice echoed in my mind, steady and reassuring. It was almost ridiculous how quickly he had embedded himself in my thoughts. I hardly knew him, yet it felt like our souls had known each other for ages.

I shifted onto my back, gazing at the ceiling. Get a hold of yourself, Alaya. You’re an Alpha, not a lovesick kid.

But no matter what, I couldn’t quiet the part of me that yearned to hear his voice again, that craved to see him smile just once more.

When dawn broke, I pushed myself into Alpha mode. I put on black jeans and a gray shirt, gathered my hair into a bun, and stepped out into the courtyard. The air was infused with the scent of pine and dew, with faint traces of wolf scent drifting on the breeze — familiar, soothing, and slightly tense.

Dolphus was waiting by the training area. He appeared to be back to his old self — color restored to his face, the tension in his shoulders alleviated. A wave of relief washed over me at the sight.

“You seem to be back in good form,” I remarked, folding my arms.

He offered a slight smile. “Your commands worked. Resting did the trick.”

“You mean my nagging did the trick.”

“That too,” he conceded, his gaze softening. “You shouldn’t fret so much, Alaya. I'm capable of looking after myself.”

I cocked my head. “And what about the pack?”

He chuckled. “All under control. Jules is managing the southern patrol. Rory’s been overseeing the training sessions — claims he’s doing it to fortify our ranks.”

I raised a brow. “Rory’s doing that?”

“Mm-hmm.” Dolphus nodded. “He’s been… different lately. Not kind, but not hostile either. Like he’s trying to prove something.”

That unsettled me. Rory trying was good — but Rory trying too hard usually meant something else. “Keep watching him,” I said quietly. “And make sure Jules doesn’t push the new recruits too far. I still don’t trust his methods.”

Dolphus nodded. “Got it.”

Before I could say more, he added, “By the way, we need to talk about the elders’ meeting next week. They’re asking questions.”

“About me?”

“About you. About the power balance. Some of them think we should… expand the council.”

I exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Which means they want Rory involved.”

“Yes,” he said carefully. “They think it’s time you share the weight.”

My eyes narrowed. “Or they think I shouldn’t carry it alone because I’m half-blood.”

He didn’t deny it. He didn’t have to. I could read the truth in his silence.

The breeze shifted, carrying the faint sound of footsteps. Rory’s voice followed. “Good morning, Alaya.”

I turned to face him. His dark hair was damp from training, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp — always watching, always calculating.

“Rory,” I greeted evenly.

He smiled, just a little. “Heard you were checking on the troops. Good to see the Alpha actually leaves the house now.”

Dolphus tensed beside me, but I lifted a hand, silently telling him to stand down. “You’re doing training sessions?” I asked, ignoring his jab.

“Yes,” Rory said simply. “Someone has to keep the young ones in shape. Not everyone can rest as comfortably as our Alpha’s mate.”

Dolphus stiffened, and I felt anger crawl up my spine. “Watch your words.”

Rory held up his hands, mock innocence in his tone. “I meant no disrespect. Just keeping the pack strong — for you, of course.”

There it was. The old bitterness under a polished mask.

Yet, there was something in his tone that wasn’t malicious — it felt exhausted. When his gaze met mine, it lacked the fiery hatred I had seen previously. Instead, it was… complicated. It was as if he was caught between anger and obligation.

I chose to mirror his calm demeanor. “I appreciate your willingness to step up,” I stated. “But keep in mind, strength means nothing if loyalty is split.”

His jaw clenched, yet he acknowledged me with a nod. “Got it.”

As he departed, Dolphus glanced at me. “Are you certain about him?”

“No,” I confessed quietly. “But I believe he still cares for this pack. That’s what’s preventing him from betraying us.”

Dolphus regarded me for a lengthy moment before he nodded. “Then I’ll keep him nearby.”

“Do that,” I replied, although a sense of unease lingered in my stomach. Rory’s dedication to the pack was genuine — but so was his pride. I've learned that pride could turn into the most dangerous weapon.

The remainder of the day faded into a haze of silence and anxiety. I spent hours in the strategy room, going over maps and patrol logs, attempting to keep my mind occupied. But my thoughts continued to wander — not only to Rory or the pack, but also to Tatum.

His words from the previous day reverberated in my mind: “People who seem lost… like you.”

He had pierced through my façade so easily, as if my defenses were transparent. No one had ever accomplished that — not even Dolphus.

By late afternoon, I decided to stop pretending to concentrate. I exited the mansion, informing Dolphus that I needed some fresh air, and meandered into the human section of Crescent. The streets felt more tranquil here, with humans passing by, wearing headphones, carrying coffee cups, and sharing laughter that seemed distant from the world I was familiar with.

I envied that straightforwardness again — but even more, I yearned to grasp it.

I hadn’t realized how far I had wandered until I heard a familiar voice call out to me.

“Alaya!”

Tatum approached me at a jog, slightly winded, with his backpack slung over one shoulder. “ didn’t expect to see you here.”

I managed a faint smile. “I needed some air.”

“For what?”