Page 8 of The Alpha’s Heir

“Something like that.” Kera laughed. “Morrigan says that we’ll need a big ceremony where the gods can bear witness, and we’ll have to declare our intentions to live more like we did in the days of old, where humans and shifters shared the land. I’m not sure she has her history right, but I already tried arguing once and she didn’t listen. I sent a message to Ethica this morning. We’ll meet with them soon. In the meantime, I’d see if your Mom and Aunt Coral can give you a crash course on all things human.”

Of course she would be moving this fast.

Alphas didn’t say “When.” We said “Go.”

“I’ll be ready.” I gathered up the fish.

“You will be,” Kera agreed.

“The pack…” I started.

“They’ll be fine without you.” Kera tensed. “That’s not what I meant.”

“No, I know,” I was quick to say.

She was their Alpha. I was training for a position that might not ever come, depending on how long she lived. We were in a strange situation. Alpha-born wolves didn’t normally happen in packs this small unless there was a need.

At the end of the day, it was a cold reminder that no one here truly needed me.

Kera must’ve sensed where my thoughts were heading. “One day, it will be your time.”

“Until then, I’ll do my best to take care of them,” I said.

Kera nodded.

And that was that. The Alpha made her decision. Things were set in motion. I’d do the bidding of the gods, and hopefully save us all with this sacrifice.

Kera sent the stone skipping downstream, heading toward our packs’ homes and the town I’d lived in my whole life.

The one I hoped I’d be able to come back to someday when this was all said and done.

I didn’t bother praying for that outcome, though. The gods already had enough power over my future.

3

Roman

“Coverage is in place at the northern gates. Does anyone have eyes on Rabbit yet?” I let the radio drop to my side and raised my rifle scope, scanning the world beyond Ethica’s city walls and the normal hustle and bustle of the Fringes below.

It was a nice day today. Like always, on our side of the wall at least. The Fringes—the structures outside Ethica’s governing rule and wealth—still benefited from the controlled dome weather ozone, but they didn’t get the artificial cooling breeze. Nor did they get any help. Or supplies. Or anything other than the supposed protection of the city.

I felt bad for them, but they were hardy.

Most lower-class citizens I knew were.

The radio on my hip was silent, but I cursed under my breath when I heard his voice come over the earpiece I wore to communicate with top brass.

“Stop calling me Rabbit, asshole.”

I pulled the radio to my lips. “You’re not allowed to be on here. This is a secure line.”

I’m sure everyone thought I was crazy, talking to myself, but I had no way to communicate with him directly. I didn’t even know how he managed to hack my earpiece.

It wasn’t like he’d get in trouble. The smooth-talking bastard could get away with murder.

“But tell me that you’re here,” I said.

No answer.