With that he was gone, and I was furious.
She’s pregnant?! With that bastard’s child?! It should’ve been my child she carried, not his!
Now I had even more of a reason to kill that bastard.
The next thing I knew, I had broken the door off its hinges, busted every window and ripped the TV off its mount on the wall. Realizing what I had done, I hastily packed what little I had and rushed from the scene, disappearing into the shadows of the night.
This time, for sure, I’d get her back. Even if it killed me
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Lucian’s Revenge (Novella #1) – Coming July 13th, 2021
The Prequel that started it all…
Lucian’s Revenge (Novella #1) – Coming July 13th, 2021
Alpha’s Desire (Book 2 in the Rise Series) – Coming Early 2022
Lucian’s Revenge - Blurb
At the age of 25, I had everything.
A beautiful wife, my one and only true love, who gave me the world. A dotting daughter who shared her mother’s beauty who carried my heart everywhere with her.
One day away from the house and my world as I knew it changed irrevocably.
Now, all I feel is anger and hatred, consuming my very being. Every thought is one of destruction.
It’s time to sate this rage I feel and take out the trash.
Alpha’s Desire – Blurb
Meeting the person she last expected was the least of Dahlia Miller’s worries. Failing to protect the one person she thought she’d never lose broke her.
With Alaric’s love and support, Dahlia struggles to piece herself back together; just when they’re thrust into unexpected and dangerous situations, the lives of everyone they love is on the line.
Can they save everyone?
Who can they depend on when everything falls apart?
Alpha’s Desires – Chapter 1
“I CAN’T BELIEVE it’s been two months since the trial with the High Were Council,” Rylan comments, as we walk through the brightly lit hall of the pack house, heading for the backyard.
I laugh, keeping a careful eye on the floor in case I overstep and trip, which happened too often. Alaric hated being away from me, but I insisted they went and helped set up. It helped having Rylan practically glued to my side.
We had changed into comfy clothing; Rylan wore a fitted baby blue sundress with three-inch black heels. Her wedding ring glis- tened against the light of the hallway. She wore her dread-locked hair into a high ponytail and her eyeshadow matched her dress. I chose sweatpants and one of Alaric’s t-shirts; I had maternity clothing but they were ugly, so I opted for my mate’s shirt instead. My shoes were black flip-flops, simple yet comfortable.
Rylan smiled, suddenly stopping in front of the back door, before turning to me. “Dahlia, thank you.”
I furrowed my eyebrows, confusion more than likely written on my face at her remark. “Thank you? For what?”
Rylan pulled me into a hug, stating, “For meeting my brother, and taking a chance on me. I know I was not friendly toward you in the beginning, and I know I apologized already but I love you, Dahlia. You are the best Alpha I could’ve asked for; you treat my brother well. And let’s not forget my niece or nephew you’ll be bringing into the world soon.”
I was silent as I hugged her, fat tears rolled down my cheeks.
When we pulled apart, she gave me a worried look. Before she could say anything, I shook my head. “Damn pregnancy hormones. And, the pleasure is mine. Alaric has been the best thing for me, I should be thanking both of you. I wouldn’t be the same person if I had not met him.”
We stared at each other for a moment before I suddenly burst into laughter. It didn’t take long for her to join me in my laughter as she opened the backdoor.
As soon as my feet hit the wooden porch, Rylan made a beeline for her husband as if knowing Alaric was coming. He stood in front of me, inspecting my body for any injuries. As his eyes searched my face, he frowned deeply, his hands cupping my face before wiping my tears away. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
I rolled my eyes, placing my hands on his wrists. “I’m okay, Alaric. Rylan was thanking me and these damn hormones always send the tears. Don’t worry; I’m fine.”
He didn’t seem convinced but he nodded before leaning down to place a kiss on my forehead, removing his hands from my face. He placed one on my lower back while with the other he took my left hand in his. He squeezed gently as he helped me walk toward the stairs. Alaric wore faded jeans that hugged his ass while his gray t-shirt was perfectly fitted. I could drool for days.
At the bottom of the stairs, he led me toward the table where Rylan and Eric were seated in the center. Rylan looked toward us, where she chuckled but shook her head before waving us over.
As we made our way over, other pack members stopped us to congratulate us on the pup. It had only been a few weeks since we announced it to the pack but everyone was overjoyed. We would bring the first pup of the ranked members into the world; to my pack, it was a big deal.
Smiling and hugging as we went, we finally made it to the table where Eric and Rylan immediately stood. Rylan hugged me as Eric shook Alaric’s hand.
To the left of Eric, sat Lily and Robert. Lily wore a soft pink dress while Robert wore jeans and a t-shirt.
Noticing us, Robert and Lily got up to hug each of us before taking their seats again.
Once everyone was seated, the reception began.
As everyone laughed and enjoyed the evening, I could escape the feeling as if I was being watched. I didn’t bring it up to Alaric; knowing he’d completely tear this reception apart to find whoever it was.
Shrugging it off, I enjoyed the three-course meal, speeches and congratulations that were given to the couple before the evening turned cold; forcing everyone to move into the house when it began pouring rain.
Alaric carefully picked me up and carried me to the pack house where he instructed an Omega to help me to my room to get changed and then to the living room. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help my smile, he was rubbing off on me.
After changing into a dry pair of sweatpants and one of Alaric’s t-shirts, I thanked the Omega before I asked her to grab my book from my room, that I had forgotten, before I sat myself into the recliner beside the fireplace, where a fire burned brightly.
A few moments later, the Omega returned with the book as the doorbell dinged; signaling the arrival of the other Alphas.
I mind-linked Alaric. My love, the other Alphas have arrived. Come in and get changed; the meeting will start soon.
Thank you, love. Be right there, his response echoed in my mind as I sat back, sighing in content.
“Alphas,” the Omega bowed as she instructed them to take a seat before retreating to the kitchen to grab drinks for everyone.
Ryker and his son, Justin took the loveseat while Rowan and Liam sat across from them, on an identical couch. “Alpha Dahlia,” they bowed their heads in respect, as I did the same.
Liam looked around, searching for Alaric no doubt. “Where’s Alaric?”
Just as I was about to respond, Alaric spoke, as he descended the stairs, running a towel through his wet hair. “Right here; sorry for the wait, had to finish cleaning up the reception area thanks to the rain.”
The Omega brought in the drinks, giving one to everyone, before turning to leave. Alaric handed her his towel, thanking her and turning back to the group.
His eyes found mine, as he smiled, before addressing the other Alphas. “As much as I would love to have this meeting out in the living room, let’s move to somewhere more private.”
He came to me, holding out his hands as everyone around us got up.
Taking them, I stand where he suddenly swoops me off my feet causing me to screech and instantly wrap my arms around his neck for something to hold onto. “Damn it, Alaric! You’re going to give me a heart attack.”
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my cheek before moving toward the kitc
hen where we cut through the hidden hallway and made our way to the dining room.
Once everyone was seated, Alaric took his seat behind the table with me in his lap.
“Unfortunately, my Beta couple will not be present for the meet- ing.” My mate started, as he held me closer. “Are your mates joining us?”
Ryker and Liam nodded just as Ellen and Amy came into the dining room. Ellen closed the door behind her before moving to the table to take a seat beside Ryker. Amy sat in Liam’s lap before a knock on the door startled me.
“Come in,” Alaric said as the door opens and walks in one Elder from each pack. They bowed before closing the door and joining us at the table. They were each dressing in similar clothing, jeans and t-shirts.
The room filled with chatter, before Alaric cleared his throat, causing everyone to turn their attention to us. “Please be silent; it might be our territory but this meeting is for Alpha Ryker and his son.” He turned his gaze to Ryker, before nodding. “Go ahead.”
Ryker cleared his throat before beginning, eying everyone as he spoke. “Thank you for allowing this to take place on your pack grounds. I know Alpha Dahlia is in no condition to travel so we made the accommodations with her in mind. I wanted to thank each and everyone of you Alphas for standing by my decision, and I can only hope you’ll treat my son with the same respect you do for me.”
He laughs suddenly, I could tell his nerves were getting the best of him. “It’s a little weird to be retiring; I always thought I’d do this until I died to be honest,” he got up and placed a hand on Justin’s shoulder, making the younger man look up at him. “I know Justin will lead our people to greatness; he’s just shy about the things he wants to get done as an Alpha. Let’s begin the initiation ceremony.”
Ryker moves to the other end of the table where the chalice and initiation knife were placed and waits. Ellen and Justin got up to go stand beside him as Ryker held out his left hand.
“The Alphas and our Elders are gathered here today to welcome and initiate my son, Justin Harlow, as the new Harlow pack Alpha.” His voice rang through the room as the Elders quietly listened.
Justin stood directly in front of his father, who was barely taller than him, as he held out his left hand.
“Now, Justin, repeat after me,” the older Alpha began as he recited the initiation ritual. “I, Justin Harlow, do swear to pledge my loyalty to the Gods, to honor our ancestors, and to protect my pack with my life.”
Justin had sweat dripping down his face but he wiped it away and spoke, his voice no more than a whisper. “I, Justin Harlow, do swear to pledge my loyalty to the Gods, to honor our ancestors, and to protect my pack with my life.”
Ryker continued, his face void of emotion. “To hold dear and trust each one with my life. To judge fairly and to gain the knowledge to lead my pack down the right path. May we be given blessings upon blessings from the Gods in light of our gratefulness.”
Justin cleared the lump in his throat, his eyes never leaving his father’s. “To hold dear and trust each one with my life. To judge fairly and to gain the knowledge to lead my pack down the right path. May we be given blessing upon blessings from the Gods in light of our gratefulness.”
I watched as Ellen moved between them, taking the chalice in one hand and the knife in another. She carefully sliced her mate’s palm before doing the same to his son, the connection never broke.
Justin didn’t flinch, as I stared at the red liquid that dripped into the chalice before the bleeding stopped.
Two of the Elder’s stood, moving to the two men. One of them held the ceremony wine while the other had a warm washcloth to clean their hands before the wine was poured.
Using his left hand, Justin downed the liquid. He made a face, his nose scrunched and his lips curled at the taste of the contents in the glass.
His reaction made me chuckle but Alaric growled lightly to shut me up before we watched Ryker, Ellen and the Elders stand back. What happened in front of my eyes astounded me.
Justin was glowing, but unlike when I had my ceremony, he shifted. It was a fast shift, I could barely follow along. My mouth hung open, as a beautiful red wolf stood in Justin’s place. He stood to Ryker’s chest, his fur was long and shaggy. His eyes glowed orange as he suddenly howled in the room.
The howl was loud and it hurt my ears but it was brilliant to see what actually happens at an Alpha ceremony that I missed out on.
A knock came from the door, Ellen grabbed it. An Omega brought a rob for Justin to wear after he shifted back. Dismissing the Omega, Justin did just that.
Justin wrapped the robe around himself as the Elders’ took their seats, leaving Ellen and Ryker standing.
Ryker cleared his throat, grabbing our attention once more. “I apologize, Alphas, but my mate and I have a plane to catch. We’re flying to Italy for the continuation of our honeymoon.” He turned to Alaric and I, stating, “We should be back before the next full moon, a week and a half from now.”
He turned to Justin. “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything; but only if you can’t have the other Alpha’s help you first.” He clapped his son on the shoulder, as he laughed. “I’ll see you soon, son.”
With that, they bowed and excused themselves.
As the door was closed behind them, I turned my gaze to Justin, who strangely stared at his hands that were entwined in his lap. “Justin, are you okay?”
His eyes snapped in my direction, causing Alaric to growl loudly and protectively wrap his arms around me as Justin’s eyes burned bright orange. I couldn’t read the expression on his face but something told me he was terrified. “I don’t know what my father saw in an alliance with all of you, but that ends now. If any of you step foot on Harlow pack land, it means war.”
We all stared at him as he stood from his seat, motioning for his Elder to join him before excusing the Elder and himself before he left the room without another word.
Rowan, Liam, Alaric and I exchanged a glance.
When no one spoke, I took the initiative. “I don’t know what that was about, but maybe it’s for the best. He’s a new Alpha, so let’s give him space to sort out any issues he may have. In the meantime, if you have any suspicious activity, do update us.”
Everyone nodded before we dismissed the meeting.
Alaric and I stayed behind, wrapped in each other’s embrace, just soaking in what happened at the meeting. This was an interesting twist but I only hoped whatever Justin did, he knew what he was doing.
Acknowledgments
FIRST, I’D LIKE to thank my husband, Sunny. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and helping me take this step forward. It means the world to me.
To my friends, the draft reads and the advice and sticking with me to the end, I wouldn’t be able to do it without you.
To Kat, my editor, a big thank you! She’s helped me take one step closer to making my dream a reality.
Special thanks to my amazing formatter, Kassie, she’s one in a million. Thank you!
And thank you to my readers, I hope you fall in love with these characters just as much as I have.
About the Author
Helen Dhanoya is a 24 year old aspiring author from Texas, Rise of the Alpha is her debut novel. When she’s not writing or thinking up other ideas for novels, you can find her buried nose deep in her romance novels. She’s always thinking of what happens next in her current work-in-progress. She loves animals, especially cats, but she has dogs as well.
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