The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 87

Ryan

I stood in Gideon's grand hall, the scent of roasted meat, baked bread, and apple pie still lingering in the air. The former Alpha's body lay crumpled on the floor, a pool of blood spreading out from where his head used to be. The long table where he'd been feasting was now abandoned, plates and goblets scattered next to the corpse.

His guards had shifted at some point. They moved to flanked me, snarling with muzzles flecked with white.

They were old, past their prime, but still dangerous.

Regardless, I didn't want to kill them. They'd only been following their Alpha's orders. But with Gideon dead, I was now in charge of their pack.

I shifted into human form, the cold air of the hall having no effect on the bloodlust my dragon called out for. The beast inside me roared, desperate to break free and unleash chaos. It took every ounce of my self-control to keep it contained. "Yield," I commanded.

The guards hesitated, their hackles raised and their eyes flicking between me and their fallen leader. I could see the conflict in their faces, the struggle between loyalty and survival. "Yield," I repeated, taking a step forward.

After a slight hesitation, they lowered their heads, submitting to my authority. I could feel their resentment, their anger, but also their relief. Gideon had been a cruel Alpha, and they'd lived in fear of him. Now, they had a chance for a new start. The older of the two, a grizzled grey wolf, hesitated before shifting back. He stood before me, naked and bowed. "Alpha Thornton," he said, his voice rough. "What are your orders?"

I glanced at Gideon's corpse, the metallic scent of his blood heavy in the air. My dragon growled, hungry for more of the coppery scent. I clenched my fists, pushing down the urge. "Clean this up," I said, gesturing to the body, "and dump it in the ground. He doesn't deserve a warrior's burial."

The guard nodded, motioning for his companion to help him. As one carried his bulk and the other his head, I called out to them, "And prepare the pack. I'll address them shortly."

I looked over the servants, some clutched each other in fear, others so entrenched in their misery their expressions hadn't changed.

One came up as timid as a foal and pressed clean clothes into my hand, bowing low.

The gesture sickened me to my core. That would end today.

I quickly got dressed, using their clothes instead of my own as a gesture of good will.

"Join me outside," I said, softening my tone.

Turing on my heel, I departed the hall, servants scattering right and left.

***

I waited in the weed infested courtyard as the word spread. A sorry sight trickled towards me, some in twos and threes, until a pack of about a hundred wolves strong stood before me. All of them were in filthy rags. Some members showed some signs of malnutrition, abuse or both.

My jaw clenched, the anger surging through me like a wildfire as I thought of Gideon. I wanted to take him down over and over again, my jaws aching for the feel of his throat. But he was gone, and these poor souls needed me.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down as I faced the pack before me. "You are under my protection now," I said, making sure each word was clear and comforting. "But you must follow my rules and no more harm will come to you. Do you understand?" I asked, looking at each of them, my eyes filled with a promise of safety.

I stood tall as I faced the motley crew of wolves who now fell under my care. "I'm not like Gideon," I declared, my voice steady and firm. I squared my shoulders, again looking each of them in the eye. "I don't need you to grovel at my feet." I paused, letting my words sink in. "All I ask is that you stand with me against my enemies." I held out my hands, palms up, in a gesture of fairness. "In return, I promise to protect you and treat you with the respect you deserve."

The pack members looked at each other, their eyes wide and filled with shock. I could see the spark of hope in their faces, the relief that they no longer had to live under the shadow of a cruel Alpha. Some of them stood a little straighter, their shoulders squared as they listened to my words. I noticed a few of them with their hands over their hearts in a silent pledge of loyalty. I could feel the tension in the air easing up, replaced by a sense of anticipation. They were ready to stand with me, and I was ready to lead them.

A small pup approached me, her body covered in bruises and her clothes ragged and torn. She looked up at me with fear in her eyes, her body trembling.

"You really won't beat us?" she asked, her voice coming out smaller than she was.

I knelt down and picked her up, holding her close to my chest. She reminded me of Lyra at that age, bruised and broken, but still strong. "No, little one," I said, my voice gentle. "I will not hurt those who are loyal to me."

The pup looked up at me, her expression filled with wonder and I could see the trust forming in her eyes.

I set her down and stood up, addressing the new members of my pack once again. "I am your Alpha," I declared. "If any will challenge me, do so now."

Not one wolf moved, their eyes downcast in submission. They had been given a second chance. They knew it and weren't going to blow it.