The Alpha’s Decree
The Alpha’s voice echoed through the packhouse, booming with authority. Every wolf in the courtyard stood still, listening intently to his grave announcement.
“There is news of a rogue alliance forming on our borders,” the Alpha declared, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “We do not yet know their strength, but we cannot afford to be unprepared. Martial law is in effect starting immediately. Patrols will be doubled, and no one is to leave the territory without permission. Anyone caught aiding a rogue will be dealt with as a traitor.”
Ayla stood near the back of the group, her heart racing. The word traitor seemed to hang in the air like a noose. She clenched her fists, stealing a glance at Rowan, who was standing near the Alpha with his ever-present smug expression.
“As for Ayla,” the Alpha added, his gaze landing squarely on her, “she is to remain under strict supervision. We cannot allow… mistakes.”
The crowd murmured at the Alpha’s pointed words. Ayla’s face burned with humiliation, but she forced herself to stay calm. She knew better than to react.
Rowan’s smirk widened, and he shot her a look that made her stomach twist. “Guess that means you’ve got a babysitter now,” he muttered as he passed her.
Later that evening, Ayla slipped away from the packhouse and made her way to the woods, her senses on high alert. Every shadow felt like a threat, every rustle in the leaves a sign she was being followed.
When she reached the hollow, Zion was already there, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. His expression was grim.
“I heard the announcement,” he said as she approached. “Martial law? Surveillance? They’re tightening their grip on you.”
Ayla nodded, her voice bitter. “The Alpha’s made it clear he doesn’t trust me. But this rogue alliance… is it real?”
Zion hesitated before shaking his head. “It’s real enough to scare them, but it’s not what you think. The rogues aren’t planning a full-scale attack. It’s a distraction.”
“Distraction for what?” Ayla asked, frowning.
Zion’s gray eyes darkened. “The Alpha’s working with another pack. An enemy Alpha. They’re consolidating power, probably planning to wipe out the rogues entirely. But that’s not all.”
“What else?” Ayla pressed, her stomach twisting.
“They’re using you as leverage,” Zion said quietly. “Your bloodline makes you valuable, Ayla. They know what you are, even if they don’t want to admit it. And if the other Alpha finds out about you, you’ll be the first target.”
Ayla felt a chill run down her spine. “Why me?”
“Because you’re a threat,” Zion said simply. “To both sides.”
Ayla paced the clearing, her mind racing. “So what am I supposed to do? Just sit here and wait for them to turn on me?”
“No,” Zion said firmly. “You’re going to get stronger. You’re going to train.”
“Train?” Ayla repeated, skeptical. “And how am I supposed to do that with the entire pack watching my every move?”
Zion smirked. “Leave that to me.”
The next few days were a blur of secret meetings and grueling training sessions. Zion pushed Ayla harder than she’d ever been pushed before, teaching her techniques she’d never learned in pack training.
“You’re faster than you realize,” Zion said during one session, ducking under her swing. “Use that. Don’t just react—anticipate.”
Ayla lunged at him, her movements sharper than before. “Like this?”
Zion blocked her attack, a grin spreading across his face. “Better. But don’t hesitate. You’ve got the strength—now trust yourself.”
As the training continued, Ayla began to notice the changes in her body. Her reflexes were quicker, her strength more controlled. Even her senses felt sharper, as though she were finally tapping into a power she hadn’t known she possessed.
One evening, as they took a break beneath the stars, Zion glanced at her with a look she couldn’t quite read.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” he said softly.
Ayla rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed at his words. “Don’t start.”
“I mean it,” Zion insisted. “You’ve been holding back for so long, but now… I can see it. The Alpha in you.”
Ayla’s smile faltered. “And what good is that if everyone wants to destroy me for it?”
Zion reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Then we make them see you for what you really are. Not a threat. A leader.”
Her heart skipped at his touch, the intensity in his gaze making her chest tighten.
But as Ayla grew closer to Zion, she couldn’t ignore the tension with Cian. He seemed to be everywhere she turned, his presence as frustrating as it was confusing.
One afternoon, after a particularly difficult training session, Cian confronted her in the packhouse.
“You’ve been disappearing a lot lately,” he said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
“I didn’t realize you were keeping track,” Ayla replied, brushing past him.
“I am,” Cian said, stepping in front of her. “And so is everyone else. Whatever you’re up to, you’re not as subtle as you think.”
Ayla glared at him. “What do you care?”
Cian’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked as though he wanted to say something. But instead, he shook his head. “Just be careful,” he said quietly, his voice softer than she expected.
That evening, as Ayla and Zion trained in the clearing, the sound of footsteps stopped them cold.
Rowan stepped out from the shadows, his expression triumphant. “Well, well. What do we have here?”
Ayla’s heart sank. “Rowan, this isn’t—”
“Save it,” Rowan interrupted, his grin sharp. “The Alpha’s going to love hearing about this.”
Zion stepped forward, his stance protective. “Back off, Rowan.”
Rowan laughed. “Oh, this is perfect. Little Ayla and her pet rogue. You’ve just sealed your fate.”
