Page 12 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
Xander’s expression darkens. “So, the truth finally comes out. This is all about me and Thea.”
Oh, Goddess, help me.
“That isn’t true.” I hold my ground. “I have the utmost respect for your bond—”
“With visible reluctance.”
Rage claws at my composure and starts to bleed through.
“You better than anyone should know that I’ve given everything to this pack.Everything.I’ve kept Kortan safe. The border patrols, the enhanced training regimens, the summit preparations — all me.” My voice rises beyond my control. “And yet everyone looks at me like I was only promoted to Commander because you felt guilty about taking Thea as your Luna.”
Xander scowls at the accusation. “I made you Commander because you earned it. You have always been the best warrior of the pack. That is true whether you were meant to become my Luna or not. As Commander, however, you must show loyalty to Thea asyourLuna too.”
My wolf bristles at the challenge in his tone. “I’ve always—”
“You make your disapproval of Thea known in a thousand small ways, Rhiannon.” Xander steps closer. “The tone of your voice when addressing her, your posture. The way you leave the room when she enters.”
“That’s not—”
“It is.” His voice deepens. “And it stops now.”
I can’t contain myself any longer. “Then let me do my fucking job, Xander! I should be preparing for the summit, not collecting baby toys for your paramour!”
Xander’s eyes flash silver, and the rings around his irises burn with fury. “You are talking about our Luna, Rhiannon. I will not let you disrespect her.”
He snarls at me with his fangs to remind me of his dominance. My wolf hunkers down inside me. Though I don’t move, he can sense my cowering and steps away from me.
“Because of our history,” he says, his voice a little calmer, “I’ve given you more leeway than I would have given anyone else. But do not let your familiarity with me cloud your judgment. And don’t ever mistake my generosity for weakness.”
“Yes, Alpha,” I instinctively lower my head in respect. I hear the hurt in my voice and hate it instantly.Damn him for being who he is.“I forever swear my loyalty to you, our Luna, and our pack.”
“Good.” He backs away a few more steps as the tension clears. “Now, what’s this complication—”
The sound of an alarm rings out somewhere in the distance. I’m instantly in defense mode, drawing my sword.Are we under attack?
A guard bursts into the room, doubling over slightly as he enters. “Forgive the intrusion, Alpha, Commander. We have a problem. One of the prisoners has escaped.”
Shit. Ethan.
Xander looks confused. “What prisoner?”
“Has he been seen since he escaped?” I ask the guard. He nods, his large fearful eyes turning toward Xander.
“In the courtyard,” he says, looking back to me. “He’s headed for the gates.”
“Let’s go.” I take a step forward, but Xander grabs my arm.
“Wait, I’m coming with you,” he says.
“No, My Lord. Stay here until we know it’s safe.”
“Rhiannon—”
“Xander, let me do my job. Please. Find Thea and make sure she’s okay.”
Xander relents, a disappointed look in his eyes. Then he nods and says, “I expect a full report when you return.”
A knot in my chest tightens as I clear the doorway. I’m going to have to move fast if I’m going to catch Ethan. He can’t match our speed or strength, but he makes up for it with that irritating cleverness of his.
