Page 15 of The Careless Alpha

She slipped her arm through his possessively, completely ignoring my presence even though we were in the middle of a conversation. It was exactly the kind of behavior I'd endured for three years, the casual disrespect that reminded me of my place in the pack hierarchy.

But this time, Sapphire stirred angrily in my mind.

She touches our mate in front of us,my wolf snarled.She shows disrespect to the future Luna. This cannot stand.

For the first time in years, I felt a surge of real anger instead of resigned acceptance. Scarlett was deliberately ignoring me, deliberately showing the pack that she felt no need to acknowledge my authority or position. It was a direct challenge, and my wolf wanted to answer it.

"Scarlett," I said quietly, letting just a hint of Luna authority creep into my voice. "How nice to see you."

The she-wolf turned to me with surprise, clearly not expecting me to speak. "Oh. Annalise. I didn't see you there."

The lie was obvious to everyone present, but I kept my expression pleasant. "I'm sure you were just excited to congratulate me on my first shift. It's such an important milestone for the future Luna."

Scarlett's smile tightened. "Of course. Congratulations."

"Thank you. It means so much to have the support of all our pack members." I looked pointedly at her arm wrapped around Marshall's. "Especially on such a special day."

The message was clear without being openly confrontational. This was my day, my ceremony, my moment. Her public display of possession was inappropriate and disrespectful.

Marshall's eyes sharpened as he watched our exchange, clearly picking up on the undercurrents I'd never let him see before. This was the first time I'd ever asserted myself with oneof his she-wolves, the first time I'd acted like the future Luna I was supposed to become. He moved away from Scarlett.

Good,Sapphire approved.Let him see that we are not the weak child he remembers.

"Well," Scarlett said after a moment of tense silence, "I'm sure you're tired after all that... shifting. Marshall, didn't you promise to help me with something tonight?"

The reminder of their plans hit like a slap, but I kept my expression serene. "Of course. Don't let me keep you from your obligations, Marshall. I know how important it is to honor one's commitments."

Another pointed comment that could be taken innocently but carried a deeper meaning. Marshall's jaw tightened slightly, and I wondered if he was finally starting to understand the position he'd put me in over the years. For the first time, I’d seen a crack in his smooth Alpha composure, and it was me who had put it there. The thought was exhilarating.

"Enjoy your evening," I added sweetly. "Both of you."

I turned and walked away before either of them could respond, my spine straight and my head high. Behind me, I could hear Scarlett's voice starting an animated conversation, but Marshall remained silent.

That was well done,Sapphire said with satisfaction.We showed strength without losing dignity.

"It felt good," I admitted silently. "But nothing will change."

Perhaps. But now he has seen what we can become. And that is a beginning.

I found Luna Etta waiting for me by the grove's edge, her expression proud and knowing. She'd watched the entire exchange, and I could see approval in her eyes.

"Your wolf has good instincts," she said as we walked back toward the Alpha house together.

"She's angry," I said honestly. "About a lot of things."

"Anger can be useful when properly channeled. Your wolf will help you find your strength, Annalise. But remember to temper her fire with your human wisdom."

"What if my human wisdom says to just accept things as they are?"

Luna Etta stopped walking and turned to face me, her expression serious. "Then maybe it's time to listen to your wolf's fire instead."

That night, I lay in my bed, staring at the ceiling and feeling Sapphire's presence like a warm weight in my mind. She was quieter now but still there, a constant reminder that I was no longer just human.

He will come to us,she said confidently.When he realizes what he has been missing, he will come.

"And if he doesn't?"

He will,she replied confidently.Ranger and I have been talking. Marshall is your, ours.