Page 40 of Jace’s Mate (East Coast Territory #1)

His growl conveyed his meaning: “Anyone else want to challenge this pack?”

Before anyone could move, a new presence entered the standoff.

A sleek blond wolf padded into the barn, her pale coat almost glowing under the moonlight. Her lips curled back, revealing gleaming white teeth—and she was clearly pissed.

Jace scented her immediately. She wasn’t one of his. Not part of his pack. Yet there she was, standing in front of him, his betas, and his teenage recruits like she owned the place.

Definitely female. Attractive, yes—but not remotely as gorgeous as his Anikka. And something about her scent was…off. Not dangerous exactly. Just unfamiliar.

Then a soft whimper came from his right.

Jace flicked a glance over—and nearly snorted.

Ragnor.

His beta was slack-jawed, tongue hanging to the side like a dazed puppy, staring at the blond newcomer with unabashed fascination.

Jace turned back to the she-wolf, eyes narrowing. Her focus was only partially on the gathering tension. But she lifted her tail slightly—then Ragnor’s did the same.

Well, well, Jace thought. He would have laughed if he hadn’t been surrounded by hostile wolves who’d been ready to tear out his throat moments earlier.

Instead, he shifted his stance and watched as the she-wolf began circling the other pack members. There was a low growl, a few quick snaps, and then chaos—controlled, purposeful chaos.

She took them down one by one.

No hesitation. No wasted motion. Just efficient domination.

Jace sat back on his haunches, genuinely impressed. Magnificent , he thought. Then looked back at Ragnor, who was now practically panting.

Beside him, Ciaran recognized what was happening too. With a huff, he loped over and sat next to Jace, both of them observing the scene like spectators at a gladiator match.

The she-wolf continued, swiping at ears, cuffing jaws, and pinning challengers with surgical precision. And all the while, trying to pretend like she hadn’t just discovered her mate. Her very smitten mate.

Ragnor, for his part, looked like someone had kicked the air out of his lungs. His wolf was love-struck, mesmerized.

Finally, the blond she-wolf leapt atop the highest hay bale. She surveyed the beaten-down challengers—then threw her head back and howled.

It was powerful and confident. An unspoken decree.

One by one, the other pack members joined in. Not reluctantly. With acceptance.

She had taken command.

A new Alpha had been initiated—and accepted.

Jace turned to check on Anikka and felt a fresh wave of love slam into him.

His mate was still on top of Janice. Every time the defeated beta twitched, Anikka clamped her jaw or growled low and deep. Then she did something that made Jace want to roll with laughter—she flicked her tail across Janice’s face.

A full tail-flick to the snout.

Total insult, Jace thought. Wolves didn’t get more humiliated than that. And damn if he didn’t love Anikka even more for it.

As the howling quieted, Anikka stood. She released Janice without hesitation. The disgraced beta slumped to the ground, face down in the straw, breathing heavily.

But Anikka wasn’t done.

With precise and pointed grace, she stepped forward several paces, then kicked backward with her hind paws—sending a spray of dirt and straw onto Janice’s head. Another brutal insult. Janice whined in shame.

Then Anikka strutted over to Jace. And yes— strutted . Even in wolf form, her hips swayed with pride. Her tail lifted high, and her beautiful ass gave the kind of wiggle that sent Jace’s heart flipping.

He rubbed his nose along her flank, a low rumble of affection humming in his chest.

She jumped onto his back in response, belly rubbing along his fur. A claiming gesture. A bond declared.

The teenage wolves behind them watched the entire exchange with wide, reverent eyes.

Another howl split the night—this one shorter, more direct. The new she-wolf Alpha stood tall on her hay bale, her dominance absolute. Her eyes locked on Jace’s.

He met her gaze without flinching.

She dipped her head once.

He understood. She was in charge now. The pack was hers—and there would be no more trouble from them.

Jace gave a small nod in return, acknowledging her authority and her success.

Then he stood, turned toward the barn door, and gave a commanding bark.

Time to go.

Anikka responded instantly, leaping to her feet and falling into step beside him. Ciaran and the three boys followed without question.

But Ragnor… Ragnor hesitated.

The beta looked back at the blond Alpha. His mate. His future . The conflict in his posture was impossible to miss. Loyalty to Jace, the pack, the mission—pulling him one way. Instinct, bond, and love—pulling him another.

The new Alpha barked at him, nudging him toward Jace. Her command clear: Go.

But Ragnor growled back, his tone defiant.

Jace sighed and gave a soft grumble in return. Go on, then.

Ragnor broke from the group. He leapt up the hay bales, stopping one level below the she-wolf. He didn’t climb to her—just sat beneath her, content.

His place was with her now.

Jace trotted out of the barn, the rest of his pack trailing behind. At the threshold, he paused, nostrils flaring.

Janice.

He scented the trail she’d taken—fleeing, wounded, humiliated. She wouldn’t be back tonight. Maybe not for a while. But she’d be back eventually.

And when she did, he’d be ready.

Jace loped into the woods, the chill night air rushing through his fur. Anikka stayed tight to his side, her steps strong and sure. Behind them, Ciaran and the boys kept pace. He monitored them carefully. They’d already run hundreds of miles—and they had at least two hundred more to go.

But they were strong.

And they were going home.