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Fernando stepped forward and spit, his saliva landing on Draven’s chest. “I cannot and will not allow you to continue to belittle us as a subclass of the supernatural world.”
Draven didn’t react, even though his wolf wanted to rip Mateo’s uncle to shreds. He hardened his features and gestured toward the back of the Howler. “So be it. There’s the door.”
Fernando let out a growl and leapt from the stage, landing in front of Flora. Kade and Mateo didn’t waste a moment and stepped in front of his mate, teeth bared.
A low rumble built in Draven’s chest, daring Fernando to make the first move and lay hands on his mate. He would love nothing more than to tear the wolf apart. Not only for his obstinate show that day, but also for every bit of bullshit he put Mateo and his family through. He waited, almost hoping that Fernando would push him far enough to let him retaliate. He would love nothing more than to attack based on Fernando’s words alone, but he stopped himself—the change needed to start with him, and that meant letting the bastard leave here unharmed.
For now.
Fernando bared his teeth, but didn’t take another step toward Flora. Instead he looked over where his daughter and advisors sat and nodded his head toward the door. They followed him, along with a few of the more traditional wolves from Moon Ridge. It stung that they would choose to walk away from the pack that had nurtured them and given them so much, but ultimately Draven wasn’t going to force anyone to follow him down this path.
The door slammed behind them and all eyes swiveled back to Draven.
He stretched his hand out toward his mate and waited for her to join him on the stage. Looking out at the members of his pack, he pressed his fist to his chest. “I’m not going to act as though lying to you about my heritage was the right decision. I thought I was doing what was best for our pack by pretending I was the wolf I thought you needed. I was wrong. It was narrow-minded of me to think you wouldn’t accept me for who I am. That being said, I am not going to claim my right to be Alpha of Moon Ridge. Not right away, and not unless it is what the pack wants. Instead, I am only going to ask that you support me and my mate on our quest to right the wrongs of our ancestors.” He turned and met the eyes of the Alphas from around the world. “Our world is changing and if we don’t welcome it, if we fight it, I fear we are going to be left vulnerable at the hands of gods and goddess that love to fuck with the fates.”
His father crossed the stage and placed a hand on Draven’s shoulder. “Moon Ridge will stand with you, son, with me as their Alpha until you are ready.”
“Pine Shore will stand with you.”
“As will Rock Pointe.”
“And Shadow Grave.”
Pride filled Draven as each of the remaining Alphas proclaimed their loyalty to their cause and promised to support Flora and him.
“Thank you. We will keep you all updated as we gather more information. My immediate plan is to open Moon Ridge as a sanctuary for hybrid wolves. If there are any others that would do the same, please let us know.”
“What happens next with the witches and vampires?” Thomas, the Alpha from southern Mississippi asked. “They are attacking one another, and we still have no idea who is killing vampires in cold blood. Where do we stand as enforcers?”
“For now, we continue to do our job. I will be in contact with the vampire delegation and the witches coven to determine where we need to be. Ultimately we are on the side we’ve always been on: where justice and protecting the innocent prevails.”
They spent the next hour answering questions and talking to their pack. Flora was incredible. Not only did she set him at ease with a single strategic touch when he grew overwhelmed, but she knew exactly how to defuse tensions between Alphas with her unique brand of blunt diplomacy.
It wasn’t until he saw her tiny fangs poking out of her gums that he realized she was at her limit and likely starving. Not that she’d say anything.
Draven met the eyes of his father, who gave him a subtle nod. He stood from where he sat beside Flora and addressed those still left in the Howler. “Now if there aren’t any other immediate questions or concerns, I’d like to show my mate her new home.”
“More like you’d like to show her your bed,” Mateo snorted.
Draven and his wolf simultaneously let out a low growl, and his father and a few of the older Alphas chuckled.
“Take your mate, Draven,” his father said with a smile before turning to Flora and giving her a small nod. “It's been a pleasure to meet you as my daughter in law, and I look forward to hearing all about how you snagged my stubborn son.”
Flora flashed a smile at him, not bothering to hide her fangs. “I assure you, the pleasure is all mine, and I look forward to telling the tale.”
“On that note, we are done here.” Draven wrapped his arm around Flora’s waist and, before she could object, hoisted her over his shoulder.
“Not this again!” Flora shrieked, but seconds later, her shock morphed into a playful laugh as she banged her fists against his ass.
Draven slid his hand up her robe and pinched the round of her ass hard enough to make her squeak but not so hard that she’d bruise.
Flora continued to put on a show for the pack, playing the damsel being carted off by the big bad wolf, but what they didn’t see was the way she leaned into him. The way her pussy gave off enough heat to make his cock lengthen or how she ground it against his shoulder seeking more of his touch.
He couldn’t wait to get her to his house; the house that they would make their home. She was insatiable, but she was all his, and Draven couldn’t wait for forever with her.
