Page 8 of Running with the Alpha’s Son (The Alpha’s Son #3)

Jericho is reading a book in a leather chair, the back of which rises above even his immense height, bathed in warm light from an antique lamp nearby. He’s surrounded on all sides by bookshelves, intricately carved out of rich mahogany. The shelves are stacked with leatherbound volumes, artifacts, and sculptural curiosities that sit somewhere between crazy science gizmo and art piece. Under his feet is a large rug with geometric patterns. I feel like I’ve just wandered into the Library of Alexandria.

“Max,” he says, standing to greet me, placing the paperback novel, diminutive in his massive hands, on the table beside him and reaching out to shake my hand. His grip is firmer than firm, like steel wrapping around my poor fingers. “It’s a pleasure to see you”—he lowers his gaze, pinning me to the spot—“as always.”

Gulpity gulp.

Jasper is a warm presence beside me and I wish I could reach for his hand. But I also don’t want to show weakness in front of the alpha. Even if he chews me out for having a go at him on New Year’s it’s important I stand my ground. Right?

Or maybe I should fall on my sword, drop to my knees and beg forgiveness, anything to make him stop glowering at me like that.

“It’s…nice to see you too,” I croak.

“Come in.”

I take a step but Jasper doesn’t accompany me, instead nodding to encourage me forward. With my palms raised I shake my head at him. What are you doing? To which he smiles and ushers me onward. I shoot him my best death stare then turn back to the alpha.

“That’ll be all, Jasper,” Jericho says. “I’ll send Max out when I’m done with him.”

Gulpity gulpity gulp gulp.

Jericho flashes me a toothy grin, like he’s hungry and looking for a snack to take a bite out of.

“Yes, sir.”

Jasper gives me one last encouraging nod then leaves the room, shutting the large and probably quite heavy door behind him.

“Take a look around,” Jericho says, when Jasper is gone. “You like to read?”

“Uh-huh,” I say, casting another exploratory glance across the shelves. “When I have the time.”

“Of course.” Jericho gestures to his collection of books. “The entire history of our pack is contained within these volumes. Decades of power struggles, political uprisings. And through it all the Apollo family has ruled the Elite Pack with an iron jaw.”

He comes to stand next to his chair, placing a threateningly large hand on the leather back.

“What you and Jasper are doing has never been done in the entire history of our pack.”

“I see.” I don’t see, I’m completely in the dark. What’s he getting at?

“To do what you’ve done…takes guts—the guts I thought you had.”

Whoa, wait a lunar minute? Was that a compliment?

“Sorry?” I stammer.

“The resilience and fortitude it takes to stand proudly as you and my son have done is no small feat.” Again he grins like he wants to gobble me up. “I’m proud.”

Holy smokes!

“I…uh, thanks?”

Jericho laughs, the sound reverberating in his expansive barrel chest. “I expect you thought I might be less hospitable after our last interaction.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Yeah, uh, sorry about that.”

“The truth is you were right, Max. And you weren’t afraid to tell me exactly where to stick it. I appreciate that sort of forthcomingness. That’s how I know you are the right wolf to stand by my side now during this time of uncertainty.”

“Uncertainty?”

“Yes.” He sighs and rubs his eyes, and for the first time in my life the alpha seems to shrink before me, to appear—just a little—like a normal wolf. Suddenly he looks his fifty-something years. “Not every pack is as understanding or welcoming of change as ours. You and Jasper have made quite a splash, one our rivals are willing to take advantage of.”

“Riiiiight.”

“And sadly there is also discord within our own ranks. A division in the pack. I believe you’ve already had a taste of the divisive attitudes of our pack members.”

Does he mean the graffiti?

“I’m truly sorry you and your family have had to bear the consequences of our pack’s ambivalence.”

“That’s okay,” I say, rubbing my neck raw. “The garage needed a new coat of paint anyway.”

Jericho lowers his brow, and his fingers clench the chair a little tighter. “I’m afraid that could be just the tip of the iceberg. Changing long-held opinions and uprooting ancient traditions is an uphill climb.”

“Yes,” I say, well aware of just how tricky it can be to make a stubborn-ass wolf come around to logic. “It takes time.”

“Time and strong leadership.” His gaze focuses and he takes a breath. “A lot will be asked of you in the coming months and years, Max. But you’ve proven to me that you’re up to the task.”

“M-me?”

“Yes. You and Jasper. The two of you will be instrumental in showing our society that we are still a strong, united pack, with capable and unwavering leadership. Tonight’s event is just the first step. In the coming days it will be imperative that you are able to show up and prove to our pack members that we are still the pinnacle of power and the very example of prowess amongst wolves. We must accomplish this if we are to face the external forces who would wish us and you harm.”

Jericho’s words are a big swampy mess in my mind. Jasper and I are going to be instrumental to the pack, to keep everyone’s shit together in case we’re attacked by outside forces. Right. But what does that mean? How on earth am I supposed to do that? The responsibility feels too large and the actual task too vague. “That all sounds, um…sorry, what do you mean exactly?”

“The first step is introducing you to the pack. At the party tonight we start with the inner circle, the most influential of wolves. They will be the most discerning and the ones you’ll need to charm if we’re going to convince the rest of our people that you and Jasper are the right fit for future leadership. Win over the crowd tonight and you’ll have won the hearts of every Elite Pack wolf.”

Okay, so no pressure then.

“I’m counting on you, Max.”

“Of course,” I say, and nod obediently. “I’ll do my best.”

Another sinister grin. “I know you won’t disappoint.”

As I leave Jericho’s office, wandering slowly through the halls of the apartment, dazed and adrift, I can’t quite piece together what’s just happened and what’s been asked of me. Somehow it’s my job to prove to the crusty Elite Pack elite that I’m worth putting their support behind—that my and Jasper’s relationship is strong enough to raise the sprits of the entire pack. We’ve only been on one proper date, for moon gods’ sake!

And what if we fail? What if we can’t convince the pack to get behind us? Does the pack crumble? Will some sort of civil war break out? And what does that mean for our relationship? Will Jericho decide to find a new mate for Jasper and order him to reject me?

“You okay?” Jasper says, eyeing me as I meander back into the living room. He’s standing by the elevator, ready to go. “You’re white as a sheet.”

“Fine,” I say. “I think.”

He reaches out and takes my hand and a cool, reassuring wave crashes over me. Instantly, I feel better, less confused, less unsure.

“What did he say?”

“That the fate of the pack is on our shoulders.”

Jasper laughs. “He didn’t…did he?”

I try my best smile but I know it turns out all crooked and forced.

Jasper, furrowing his brow, takes my other hand and steps closer. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just got a lot going on. All you have to do is be yourself, everyone is going to love you.”

My lips are dry, my stomach is gurgling like I haven’t eaten in days, my knees are knocking against each other.

“If you say so.”

Jasper’s birthday bash is taking place at a trendy, upmarket bar and restaurant in Williamsburg—the sort of place up-and-coming pop stars would hang out to be seen in, and young tech entrepreneurs would spend too much on cocktails in for their staff. Just one drink at the place would pretty much wipe out my savings.

As we pull up outside, the dull, fuzzy feeling of encroaching voices presses in on all sides of my mind like storm clouds. I haven’t been around this many wolves since New Year’s and I guess I’d gotten used to lowering my guard. We’re still in the car and already I’m squinting and twitching trying to keep the noise at bay.

“You okay?” Jasper asks, carefully placing a hand on my knee.

I nod and force a smile.

“I know it’s a lot, but you get used to it.”

I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this, I want to say, but I don’t want to come off as too negative. Jasper has been dealing with this sort of thing his entire life, going to big events, hobnobbing, putting on a brave and charming front. I can manage to act like a normal, well-adjusted wolf for all of four hours. Can’t I? Plus, it’s Jasper’s birthday. I’m sure he isn’t exactly thrilled to be spending it with his dad’s colleagues and the wealthy blob. I’m sure he’d rather be hanging out with me and Aisha and Jodie at home. But he’s here, looking debonair in his suit, and trying to be encouraging to me, when I should be the one making sure he has a good night.

“It’ll be fun,” I squeak, and he slips out of the car. Before he can zip around to my side to open the door for me I check my messages. I’d texted Aisha on the way over to see what time she’d be arriving and all she said was “Be there in a bit.” I was hoping for something more concrete so I knew exactly when backup would arrive to rescue me. My door clicks and swings open and suddenly there is Jasper reaching out his hand for mine, to help me from the car.

Music is pumping from inside and a trickle of smartly dressed wolves are lingering by the entrance—girls in sleek satin dresses with spaghetti straps and guys in suits who stop laughing and turn to greet us as we step toward the door.

Shoulders back, head high, I take a breath, and as Jasper slips his hand into mine, we make our way inside.

Walking into the party feels distinctly different than the handful of other times I’ve arrived at pack events. Usually I wander into these completely unnoticed, like a shadow or the invisible man. This time, all eyes turn to Jasper and me. Jasper, while not entirely comfortable—his back is unnaturally straight, his chin raised, an easy but performative smile has appeared on his face—is clearly used to this. He nods in greeting as we pass partygoers standing along the concrete bar, grins at the guests on the other side of the room in the velvet banquettes beneath the large warehouse-style windows, seemingly unfazed by just how many people are staring at him, waving as if they’re close friends, leaning in as if he might stop and talk to them.

Meanwhile the noise of this many wolves is making it hard to keep my expression neutral. I grit my teeth and press my lips together, trying not to screw up my face like I’ve been stabbed and someone is twisting the knife. I must let out a small groan because Jasper squeezes my hand and glances in my direction. He shoots me a look of concern and I do my best to shake off the darkening clouds compressing my brain and smile.

We’re about halfway into the large room, crowds of polished, well-dressed wolves surrounding us on all sides, when a couple approaches us. The woman looks to be in her twenties, blond hair, a black cocktail dress that hugs all of her ample curves, and the man has to be somewhere in the region of fifty, his salt-and-pepper hair gelled smartly to one side, his wide shoulders filling out his suit, the crinkles around his eyes betraying him.

“Jasper,” the man croons. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too, Cyrus. And you as well Jessica.” Jasper shakes Cyrus’s hand and goes full European as he air-kisses the sides of Jessica’s face. “Allow me to introduce my mate—”

“Max!” Cyrus erupts before Jasper can get my name out. “Yes, we’ve been so eager to meet you since that little show at New Year’s.”

I can’t tell if this guy means to patronize or if he just talks like a game-show host. Either way, his smarmy, amused tone is setting me on edge.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” I say.

“Cyrus is my father’s head of PR,” Jasper says.

“Oh, cool.”

“Yes and I’ve been trying to nail the two of you down for a while now,” Cyrus says.

He has? I shoot a questioning glance at Jasper. Has he been dodging Cyrus all this time on my behalf?

“I’d love to set up some interviews with the both of you so the pack can get to know you better.” He literally runs his gaze up and down the length of my body, as if appraising me. “I’m sure there are some fascinating stories about how you met and I’d love to know about your upbringing, Max. Where on earth did you come from?”

I fight with every fiber of my being not to rub the back of my neck and give away how awkward I feel. “My upbringing?” I ask. “It was pretty normal.”

Cyrus shakes his head like I’ve just made the most beguiling statement. “I can’t begin to imagine.”

“We’d love to help,” Jasper says, maybe coming to my rescue, maybe jumping in before I explode. “Let’s set something up. I’ll give your people a call in the morning.”

“Perfect,” Cyrus basically purrs.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Jasper says, placing a hand on the small of my back and leading me away.

“Does she not get to speak?” I whisper once we’re out of earshot.

“Cyrus loves the sound of his own voice,” Jasper whispers back.

We make our way through the party and I search the crowded room for familiar faces but come up short. Where is everyone? Jasper stops to say hello to a few more people, shaking hands and introducing me. Everyone shakes my hand and smiles welcomingly but I can’t help noticing the curious glint in people’s eyes, like I’m some strange amusement. The smirk playing at the corner of people’s lips. It’s like they can smell how out of place I am, and I can’t help feeling a little judged. Although, of course, that’s what this night is all about, right? Letting the pack judge me and me proving to them I’m worthy of being Jasper’s mate.

Before I know it we’re approached by another couple. This time both the guy and the woman look like they’re in their sixties. Her silver hair is piled in an intricate updo, while he’s red in the face and almost bald.

“This is Stefan and Maria Lykos,” Jasper says. “They belong to one of the oldest families in the pack.”

I actually think I’ve heard of the Lykos family. They’re descended from a high-ranking gamma wolf who was instrumental in the formation of the Elite Pack. His battalion won a key victory in the Wolf Wars, which assured our then alpha, Jericho’s great-great(-great?) grandfather, success in claiming what’s now our territory.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“A pleasure,” Maria says, holding her gloved hand out as if I’m supposed to kiss it. Gingerly, I take her hand and shake it. “How charming,” she says, with a lifted brow and a smug pout.

“How are things with the allied outreach program?” Stefan asks Jasper, not even acknowledging me.

“Progressing nicely,” Jasper says, all business. “I’ve recently met with Alphas Matteo, Carmine, and Meyers along the southern border and they’ve assured me we have their allegiance. As long as our pledge to provide military support should they be threatened by the southeastern contingent remains, they’re happy to stay aligned. In fact I wanted to ask your opinion on a matter…”

Jasper continues talking shop but I lose the thread, confounded by how complex and dense it all sounds. There are so many packs I never even think about, each with their own alphas and hierarchies, each wanting something different from us, so many names and complicated relationships to keep track of. I’m amazed watching how adept Jasper is at all this, how easily he is able to slip into his role of noble diplomat. I had no idea just how well versed he was in military strategy, trade, foreign affairs. It’s all over my head and while I’m no longer listening to a single word, as his mouth moves, I can’t help but puff out my chest with pride that this is my mate.

“And what about you, Max?” Maria asks, pulling me back into the room.

“Ex-excuse me?”

“Where do you stand on the issue of water supply between us and the Eastern Riverside Pack?”

Eastern Riverside Pack? I’ve never even heard of them. My mind races, trying to think of something not completely dumb or ignorant to say. If they’re based on a riverside then surely they have plenty of water, I assume. So I say the first thing that comes to mind: “It’s very generous of them to share their water supply and I think—”

The woman stifles a little laugh and Stefan makes a confused grunting sound.

Jasper leans into my ear. “The Eastern Riverside Pack has a contaminated water supply. We provide them with clean drinking water in return for their allegiance.”

“Oh, I see.” My face is a hot plate. “Then I think…if we have enough clean water we should share it with packs who need it.”

Stefan and Maria lean back and eye me cautiously.

“Interesting,” Stefan says. “And what should we expect in return?”

“Nothing,” I say, shrugging. “Isn’t the point of having all these resources so we can use them to help people?”

Stefan chortles like a bulldog. “Next you’ll be suggesting we share our resources with the local rogue contingents.”

“If they could use our help I don’t see why we wouldn’t give it,” I say, feeling less sure than ever but also gaining a little momentum. “Jasper and I have actually visited a rogue encampment and I think they could really use our assistance. With just a tiny portion of what we have—”

“They’d overrun us!” Stefan interjects.

Jasper’s cheeks have turned a rosy shade of pink and the muscles in his jaw are working overtime. Jeez, was it something I said?

“Give the rogues an inch and they’ll take a mile,” Stefan continues. “You best school your mate on the ways of the wolf world, Jasper. Before we become a hot spot for rogue incursions.”

“Yes, can you imagine?” Maria joins in, laughing like I’ve said something outrageous. “We’d all be frothing at the mouth!”

“I didn’t mean…we’d—”

“When is your father arriving?” Stefan says, turning to Jasper, done with me and my lofty ideals.

“He should be here shortly,” Jasper says, sounding a little choked. “I’ll tell him to look out for you.”

“Please do, my boy. And best of luck with your delegations. With any luck we won’t be dining with rogues in the next year.”

“Yes, very good,” Jasper says, a little too accommodatingly.

When the Lykoses have finally wandered off I’m practically steaming in my shoes.

“That was fun,” I say, too snarkily.

Jasper shoots me a sideways glance and for a minute I’m scared he’s about to take a bite out of me. His calm demeanor slips and I can tell how stressed he is by the tightness around his eyes, the way he swoops his hair back trying to smooth it into place.

“I’m sorry. Guess I’m not doing a great job convincing people to like me.”

He eyes me again then quickly his expression softens. “You don’t need to convince people to like you,” he says. “I want you to be yourself.”

“You sure about that? They didn’t seem to enjoy me being myself.”

“Stefan flunked out of the military academy when he was eighteen and has been dining out on his family’s fortune ever since. The man has no idea what he’s talking about when it comes to strategy or interpack politics.”

“Then why did you ask his opinion like he was some fountain of knowledge?”

“He still considers himself an expert, and while his politics may be stuck in the Stone Age he’s a big supporter of my father and he runs in some influential circles. I’m just humoring him, making him feel relevant.”

I have a feeling Jasper is pretty good at humoring annoying and ignorant people, me being the captain of the team.

“You were just being nice to him,” I say.

He shrugs. “You didn’t know the whole story. I should have briefed you on who would be here.”

“I’ll try to keep my crazy super modern beliefs to myself from now on,” I say.

He smiles and takes both my hands. “Please, don’t.”

Jasper grins at me in a knowing and adorable way that makes me drop my guard almost completely and, as the sound of the surrounding wolves rushes in, a stab of pain makes me wince.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“It’s just…taking a lot to keep everything in check up here.”

“You want to go somewhere quiet?”

“Just for a minute,” I say.

He nods. “Of course.”

He leads me by the hand in the direction of a set of stairs. “It would be nice if any of the people I actually know were here.”

“When did Aisha say she’d be here?”

“She didn’t. Not really.”

Just then a hush settles over the room. We’re about three steps up and as we turn to look back across the floor we’re able to see over the sea of heads. A couple of newcomers have just entered the bar and are lingering by the entrance. It’s still daylight outside and the light is casting the pair in silhouette, but as the doors close behind them I realize one-half of the couple is Aisha. She’s finally here, in a green dress with her hair in braids, and standing next to her, looking petrified in a loose suit jacket, the reason everyone has stopped midconversation to stare in silence, is Troy.

Aisha has brought a human to a wolf party, and from the way people are starting to growl, the crowd looks ready to prove just how inhuman they are.