Alpha Wolf Defender (Alpha Wolves Book 0) Read online

  Connor got up and lifted his father from the floor with every ounce of strength he had left. And, when it seemed he may lose his footing, Tess was there to catch him.

  Tess’s father was already limping towards the scene.

  “Doctor!” Connor screamed between sobs, “I need a doctor!”

  Tess’s father joined the gathering and examined the body of his rival.

  “He’s gone, Connor,” he said.

  Connor didn’t know what to feel anymore. He wanted to kick something, or scream, but instead he just let the tears streak slowly down the sides of his face.

  He carried his father from the woods, while the remaining members of the packs followed close behind, and laid his father down before the still lake.

  He knelt down beside his father’s lifeless body, with Tess joining on his side, and began to wipe the tears from his eyes. He took a moment but cleared his throat.

  “Thank you,” he began “Thank you for everything, father.”

  Tess’s father placed a hand on Connor’s shoulder.

  “Son, nobody will ever forget what happened here today,” he said, “Your father, the Alpha of the Moon Runner pack, fought valiantly. Not only that, but he protected my daughter and for that I am forever grateful. You should be proud of yourself son, convincing two hard headed old dogs to put their differences aside to focus on the bigger picture is no easy task. You will be a great leader.”

  Connor silently nodded as the Alpha walked away. He turned around to see the members of the Night Howlers clan paying their respects to his deceased father. He gave them a thankful smile and watched as they followed their Alpha back to their den.

  Tess remained by Connor’s side as his pack walked in to mourn the death of their Alpha. After what seemed like hours, the elders and Connor carried his father home.

  Chapter 12

  It had been almost a week since the battle. Connor buried his father alongside his mother. He knew his father would be happy there. It overlooked the Moon Runner den and he was flanked by the alphas from years past.

  Tess wore a simple sundress and the sunlight from outside bathed her in a radiant glow. Connor felt lucky to have her by his side, she was a woman without equal.

  “What do you think the rest of the pack will think,” Connor wondered.

  “I think they’ll follow if you’re able to lead them,” Tess replied.

  He nodded and pushed his concerns to the back of his mind. The front door opened and Tess’s father pushed his way inside.

  “Are you two ready yet? The people are getting restless,” he said.

  Alex walked in behind him, his arm in a sling. Tess smiled at her family.

  “Just coming out now,” Connor replied.

  Her father nodded, pushing his way back outside.

  “Glad to see you about, Alex,” Tess said.

  Alex laughed.

  “You’re not the only one,” he replied.

  Cynthia stood outside the door behind him.

  “So you’ve decided to stick around a while longer?” Tess asked.

  “I figured we’ll see how things go,” he answered.

  Tess playfully punched her brother in his good arm before giving him a hug.

  “Alright, ready?” Connor asked.

  “As I’ll ever be,” Tess replied.

  He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek causing her to blush. With an eye roll, Alex sauntered from the house. Connor and Tess followed close behind.

  Both the Night Howlers and Moon Runner packs spread out before them.

  Tess’s father was already at the front and speaking.

  “We have suffered a great loss to our two packs. The bears are off licking their wounds but there’s no guarantee they won’t be back,” he shouted, “but the next time we see them, we’ll be ready. Our two clans will come together, united as one to face this threat. And, the one to lead the way will be your new Alpha.”

  Connor stepped up as he was presented. The crowd murmured.

  “He fought with more ferocity and felled more enemies than any of us. He convinced two stubborn old dogs to set aside their differences, and fight for what’s best for their people. By showing his tenacity, he has gained the strength and trust of both packs. More than that, his resolve has won over my respect and honor,” he continued.

  The crowd cheered. Connor wasn’t much of a public speaker and Tess knew as much. Still, he had a confidence that was unshakeable and the gathered mass could sense it.

  “Today marks a new day in history. With the strengths of both the Moon Runners and Night Howlers joined together, we will be a force that is not to be ignored! I will protect this pack with everything I have. As one, we will ensure the safety of all our members, young and old. We will bring peace to these lands once and for all. To honor this change, we will assemble under a new name. From this day forward we are the Night Runners!”

  He pumped a fist in the air, and the crowd cheered.

  Tess wrapped her arms around Connor’s arm and pulled him down close.

  “Our pack is probably about to get a little bigger,” she whispered.

  Connor looked at her with a shocked but excited expression and she nodded.

  Connor shifted and started howling with pride. The rest of the pack joined in, adding their voices to his. The future was still uncertain, but they knew one thing, with the strength of two packs combined, the Night Runners will be a force to be reckoned with.

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