Chapter 269 THE NEW ALPHA
Percival
I paused, the weight of my words settling over the gathered wolves. “You’ve lost your rank. This pack no longer respects you.” I raised the whip, feeling the silver sting my skin as I ran it through my fingers, a reminder of the punishment to come.
I pulled my arm back and snapped the whip forward. He remained silent as I threw it hard, his head dropping in resignation. The leather and silver bit into his skin, leaving a mark that seemed to resonate with the weight of his past failures.
Even though he didn’t utter a word, I could see his body tense in response to the strike. Another crack echoed in the air, and blood oozed from the open wounds on his back, even as he stood motionless.
By the time I reached six, he was shaking and tears streamed down his face. By ten, he had dropped to his knees, his back a crimson mess, streaked with the aftermath of my punishment.
The crowd erupted with howls as I lashed my dad, punishing him for the harm he had caused and the years of pain he had inflicted. Each crack of the whip was a reminder of every moment I felt helpless under his oppressive rule, bound by his title of Alpha while I was still too weak to challenge him.
I was no longer that wolf.
“Twenty-five!” I called out, keeping track of each lash as his body lay prone on the ground, blood pooling beneath him. The glow from the nearby fire cast an ominous shadow over the scene.
He was no longer crying, but I could see the pain etched into every line of his body. By the time I reached thirty, my final strike wasn’t as fierce as the first ten, but it carried all the weight of my wrath.
Dropping the whip, I turned away from my dad, exhaustion settling over me like a heavy shroud. Blood covered my body, a mix of my own and that of others, a grim testament to the chaos of the night.
I needed a moment to breathe, my cuts beginning to throb, when I finally spotted Jack.
“Beta Jack, could you call Doc?” My voice was hoarse as I stepped away from the crowd, Jack quickly moving to free my father from the post.
As I surveyed the wolves, all standing bare before their new Alpha, a surge of pride washed over me. I had earned their respect through fear and punishment, making it clear what I would no longer tolerate. I was determined to build a better pack, one that wouldn’t bend to the whims of a tyrant. I wouldn’t shy away from challenges, and I wouldn’t pretend to be something I wasn’t.
I stood amid the gathered wolves, feeling the weight of my fatigue mirrored in my weary gaze.
“Have a good night, everyone,” I addressed them, my voice steady despite my exhaustion. “To the friends and family of those who fell tonight, I promise you a proper funeral parade. You have a new Alpha. If any of you have concerns, we will gather in two days to discuss the new pack rules. Some things will remain unchanged, but I will not be here for the rest of the night. I’m leaving Beta Jack in charge during this gathering. If you can handle it, stay. Good night.”
I was drained, both physically and mentally. I had given my mother to her true love, reprimanded my father, and taken his title—all in one night.
As I stepped away from the pack, I approached Alpha Maxim, who remained by the fire, surveying me with a mixture of admiration and respect. Behind me, the wolves cheered for the dawn of a new era. I had repaired the fractures within the pack, but I knew there was still work to be done—especially with Edeline by my side. The stronger I became, the more I felt the strain on my mind.
Maxim’s grin reminded me of Gaspar’s, a reflection of pride. “Well, this is Alpha Percival,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I must say, I’m amazed. We honestly didn’t think you’d win tonight. No offense intended; it’s just that it’s only been two months since you started training. Not many could achieve that.”
The praise he gave me made my wolf howl with pride, but I maintained a straight face and replied, “Thank you.” I appreciated your support. Gaspar has been invaluable. If it’s alright with you, I would really like your advice on keeping this pack thriving—on how to keep myself from losing my mind.” I rubbed my chest with my bloody hand, the warmth of the blood contrasting sharply with my thoughts.
He chuckled, his bright crystal eyes sparkling with amusement as they took in my battered appearance. “Yes, I think you’ll need some help with that. Here’s the deal: because you’re family and you helped me avenge my sister, Gael will stay with you for two more months. He can assist you in setting up your pack. I’ll also remain here for two weeks to help out. I’ve told my Beta to take charge while I’m gone; he can handle it. We can discuss the details when you’re feeling better tomorrow. But I want to forge a stronger alliance between our packs. My men need to find mates. Since my dad messed things up with your grandfather, they haven’t been able to find any females in this pack. Would you be open to our packs meeting once a year to help our wolves find their partners?” He raised an eyebrow, his muscular frame towering over me.
I smiled slightly and replied, “Of course. The bond between mates is sacred. I would welcome that.”
With a satisfied grin, he declared, “Done.” He extended his arm, and I grasped his wrist firmly in agreement.
“Thank you,” I said earnestly, meeting his gaze to express my gratitude.
He laughed, rolling his eyes playfully. “I should be thanking you for taking down your father and giving my sister the peace she deserves,” he replied, his laughter warm and genuine. I smiled back, shaking my head.
I gave him a couple of friendly slaps on the back. “Enjoy yourself,” I told him, “I’m going to rest while I heal.” With a nod, I turned and made my way toward the packhouse, heading up to the presidential suite on the third floor, which was empty since it hadn’t been used by the Alpha and Luna.
I had earned this.
I finally had what was mine.
...
Lying in the spacious, unfamiliar bed, I noticed it didn’t smell like my family or anyone I knew. My wolf was restless, the adrenaline from the night’s events wearing off, leaving a dull ache throughout my body. Despite the pain, there was a strange satisfaction in the air.
My thoughts drifted to Annabel and how she was faring now. Gaspar must have been taking advantage of the situation, and I imagined she wasn’t too thrilled about it.
I used to believe that bonds were forever, but now I understood that they could be severed by those who weren’t true friends. It made me question everything I thought I knew about love and loyalty.
As I lay on my back, I glanced down at my torso, tracing my fingers over the hurt areas. An infinity sign, inked in thick black lines, adorned the waistband of my boxer briefs.
Edeline.
What must she think of me now?
What was she doing?
How was she feeling?
Even though I was angry with her for leaving me, I realized that it was my fault—I had pushed her away. I had been a weak boy.
But I was a man now.
I allowed my thoughts to wander further. The only thing that calmed my wolf amidst the ache of missing her was the memory of that night—the night I marked her.
As I drifted into a hazy slumber, I felt a pull toward her, and I sensed the moon would grant me dreams of Edeline.
…
Edeline
The cool water hugged my skin. Not cold—just perfect. A soothing kind of cool, as if my skin had been burning before this. I let my fingers float on the surface, weightless, feeling the water ripple around them. The sky stretched above, clear and full of sparkling stars that glimmered like scattered pearls.
Floating there, free from gravity, I suddenly became aware—there were no clothes on me. My breath hitched, but I swallowed the panic, taking in a deep, steady breath. Then I laughed quietly, letting the sound roll through me. It felt good.
Then hands gripped my waist from beneath the water.
I did not scream. I knew those hands, knew them too well. They slid over my skin, sure and steady, as if they had memorized every curve and shift of me long ago.
He rose from the water, and there he was—Percival.
But not the same.
The moonlight glinted off his shoulders, and I noticed them first—tattoos, swirling like marks left by stories untold. His muscles rippled beneath his wet skin, chiseled in ways they had never been before. I could hardly reconcile this new version of him with the memory I had clung to. He was different. Too different.
His gaze fell on me—possessive, sharp, like a tether pulling me in.
"You have changed," he said, his voice deep, the words carrying the weight of unspoken things.
I blinked, my own eyes dropping to my reflection in the water. Had I? I stared at the contours of my form, the shape of me... shifting. "You have too."
His expression sharpened as if my words had unraveled something in him. My mouth opened, but no words came out.
I pushed my feet through the soft sand below, steadying myself as I stood. The world tilted slightly. It was just a dream. None of it could be real. A strange ache settled in my chest—a longing to let myself linger in this dream for a moment longer, to fall into the illusion.
Percival's eyes held mine, as deep as a storm-tossed ocean. I missed the color of them—missed that particular shade of sky blue that once meant everything to me. It hurt, and yet, I could not look away. My gaze drifted lower, down the lines of his chest, sculpted and strong. Those broad shoulders and thick neck begged to be touched, and without thinking, I reached for him.
I wrapped my arms around him, running my fingers over the firm muscle beneath his skin, rough and warm under my palms. He shivered—just a slight tremor, but enough to make my heart skip.
This version of Percival was overwhelming. Unfamiliar, yet familiar enough to undo me.
His hands found my hips, and in one smooth motion, he pulled me flush against him, as if closing the distance between us was the only thing that made sense.
My pulse hammered in my chest, erratic and wild, as his hand skimmed along my side, tracing every curve, every angle, until his fingers found my face. He cradled my jaw gently, while my hands threaded through his damp hair, savoring the silky strands between my fingers.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "More than ever. I missed you... missed you more than I thought possible. I have not stopped thinking about you—not for one second. You were with me even when I nearly died. Every moment. Every single day."
His words cracked something open inside me. And then his lips were on mine.
The kiss burned through me—intense, needy, a collision of desperation and relief. I kissed him back just as fiercely, pulling him closer until there was no space between us. His hands moved to the backs of my thighs, lifting me effortlessly. I wrapped my legs around him, pressing my bare body to his.
He wore nothing either, and the feel of his skin against mine was electric—like lightning threading through every nerve and setting me alight.
In this dream, it was just the two of us. No noise, no interruptions. Not even my wolf lingered here. Just Percival and me, locked in this moment outside of time.
His hands roamed over my body, rediscovering me, tracing old paths and exploring new ones. Each kiss deepened, and my hands wandered down his back, over the taut muscles that flexed beneath his skin. I felt him bend into my touch, a quiet groan escaping his lips.