Claiming the Alpha Read online

  “She wouldn’t think of tanning our hides if we were in the wrong, but if anyone threatened us, she would rain hell on them.” He looked at her with those soulful blue eyes. “She fought hard and loved harder.”

  “Darius …” She didn’t know what to say, so she embraced him, wrapping her arms around his torso and pulling him close. “I’m sorry,” she managed to croak through the burning tears in her throat.

  “Do not cry, Adrianna,” he soothed. “It’s all right. I have made peace with their deaths. And now, I’m so proud to have you here to meet them. You have avenged them, my mate. Thank you.”

  “I never thought I would be able to take a life. I’m still not okay with what I did.” She took a deep breath, wiping the wetness on her cheeks on his shirt. “But I would do it over and over again to save you.”

  They stood there for a few more minutes, not saying anything, just allowing the serenity and peace to blanket them. Finally, Darius pulled away. “Let’s go, my mate. You do not want to be late to your own ascension ceremony.”

  “And we still have to stop by the compound,” she reminded him.

  “Of course,” he said. “We have business to take care of.”

  Upon Anatoli’s death, all his interests in Corvinus Construction and Corvinus Trucking automatically went to his closest living relative—Darius. He declared that he didn’t have a head for business and was considering selling everything when Adrianna told him to think about it. After all, both companies had grown so much, plus employed many of the Lycans they had brought over from Romania. When she told him that an unscrupulous buyer could strip everything and lay off people, he reconsidered. Plus, there was the matter of turning everything legitimate and undoing and unraveling all of Anatoli’s complicated business dealings. He hated the business part of, well, the business, but Adrianna offered her expertise and he accepted.

  The drive to the compound wasn’t too long, and soon they were pulling into the gates. The men who were standing guard at the main entrance immediately stood at attention, then bowed their heads as they passed. Surprisingly, none of Anatoli’s men left when Darius took over. It seemed everyone hated how the old man had kept everyone in line with terror and violence, and they were only too glad to be under someone who they at least respected.

  They made their way to the main office—Anatoli’s old office—and knocked on the door.

  “I swear to God, Alexandru, if you’re coming here to tell me how to do my job, I’m going to—” Mila’s eyes went wide when she saw Darius and Adrianna walk in. She cursed under her breath. “Sorry, I thought you were—” She stood up and smoothed her hair down. “Darius. Primul,” she said, with a respectful bow of her head.

  “Not yet,” Adrianna laughed. “I’m not Alpha yet.”

  “Tonight, she will be,” Darius said. “And how is everything coming along?”

  “Good,” she said, then frowned. “But I’d get more things done in a day if that … brute would stay out of my way.”

  Darius looked like he was suppressing a smile. “I’ll speak with Alexandru.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “Now, let me pull up that report for you.”

  Adrianna had thought for sure Mila would be the one of the first to leave, but to her surprise, the other Lycan not only stayed, but volunteered to help them legitimize The Family’s interests.

  It turns out, Anatoli had been asking her to do the books these past few years and not only was she organized, but also brilliant with numbers. Adrianna was ashamed that she underestimated the other woman, probably because of the way she acted and dressed, and how she flirted with any attractive young man in her vicinity. Darius also told her how Mila had helped warn him about the men in D.C. Anatoli sent after her. Though it was to save him and not her, Adrianna was nevertheless glad for the intervention.

  “This is good,” she said as she looked over the pages that Mila had printed. “Really good.”

  “It’s going to take work,” Mila said. “But we can untangle everything eventually. I’ve already started with the projects we have over in Petersville. I should be able to re-do the contract, though the sheriff won’t be happy he won’t be getting his take every month.”

  “Leave him to me,” Darius said with a deadly edge in his voice.

  “Darius!” Adrianna admonished.

  “What?” he said. “This is the side of the business I truly understand.”

  She knew it wouldn’t be easy to undo all of the illegal business The Family was into, but with time and work, she knew they could accomplish it. Frankie still agreed that it would be too risky to just shut everything down, as a vacuum of power would only mean that another organization would take The Family’s place. And, she vowed that when she was Alpha, she would never let that happen in her territory.

  However, she now truly understood why Frankie decided to move her life to New York. Adrianna loved Darius so much, she couldn’t bear to be away from him. In the past week, he had to keep running back and forth between Barnsville and the compound, and the nights he spent away from her were torture. They still hadn’t decided what their living arrangements would be in the future, especially when the baby came, but she figured they could work it out.

  “If that’s everything, then we will head back,” Darius said.

  “For now.” Mila turned back to her screen. “But I’ll let you know if I find anything else significant.”

  “Thanks, Mila,” she said. “Is there anything I can do for you? To say thank you?”

  The other Lycan grinned. “If you could please bring some of your delicious tiramisu when you come back, that would be payment enough.”

  “Will do.”

  They said their goodbyes and left the office. When they got outside, Alexandru was waiting for them, several cars lined up behind Darius’s Dodge Charger.

  “Is everyone ready?” Darius asked.

  The enforcer nodded. “Yes.”

  “Good.” Darius surveyed the other vehicles. “Have two vehicles in front of us at all times and the rest behind.”

  “Cristian has already driven ahead to scout for any danger.”

  “Is this all really necessary?” Adrianna asked. “We were fine on the way here. You already have two guys tailing us at all times.” She was still nervous about having bodyguards following her all the time, but they mostly kept their distance.

  “I will not take any chances.” Darius’s jaw set into a firm, determined line. “Nothing will stop your ascension ceremony tonight.”

  With Darius by her side, she was sure nothing would go wrong today. “All right, my mate,” she said. “I’m in your capable hands. Let’s go home.”

  Darius surveyed the outside as he stood on the front porch of the old Victorian house.

  “Everyone is in position,” Alexandru said as he climbed the steps. “No one will be able to enter or leave without us knowing it.”

  “Thank you,” he paused, then added, “for everything.” There was no need to say the exact words. A silent understanding had passed between them, one that conveyed his gratitude for the older man’s support from the beginning.

  Alexandru’s expression never changed. “I remained silent for so long because a good soldier only takes orders. I was grateful that your grandfather brought me here and gave me a better life, and that loyalty was transferred to your uncle. My only regret is that I didn’t speak up when I knew I should have.”

  “You and me both. But I promise you, my friend, things will be changing.” And that was another promise he vowed to keep.

  “I look forward to it. Now,” Alexandru said. “Is there anything else?”

  “No, we are good.” As the older man descended the steps, he did think of something. “Wait.”

  He turned back. “Yes?”

  “There is a tray of tiramisu in the fridge.”

  Alexandru cocked his head. “And?”

  “Please bring it back to the compound with you and give it to Mila,” he said. “I was to
ld it’s her favorite.”

  His expression changed for a split-second, so fast Darius thought he missed that slight tilting of the corners of his mouth. Alexandru simply gave him a nod and then continued walking down the steps and into the darkness to take his position. Darius felt confident knowing his most trusted enforcer would be guarding the front of the house. They had gone over the security plans many times and had taken many precautions.

  With the mages still a threat, Adrianna decided she would have a small ascension ceremony at home, surrounded by her entire family. It would not only be easier to secure, but she said she didn’t want a big celebration. So, the Lycan High Council agreed to hold it in New Jersey and to have a simpler ceremony without all the pomp and circumstance.

  Satisfied that the outside was secure, he walked back into the warm, inviting, and crowded home. Normally, his wolf would have protested at being surrounded by so many Lycans in such a small space, but as soon as he saw Adrianna standing in the middle of the dining room, his animal calmed. She must have felt his eyes on her, because she stopped talking and turned her head to meet his gaze. The smile she flashed at him made the entire room brighten, bringing a lightness inside him he’d never felt before meeting her.

  He made his way to his mate and slid an arm around her waist, his hand spanning her stomach. She leaned into him naturally, not even breaking her conversation with her sisters and cousins as he came up to her. It made his wolf incredibly proud and happy that she was carrying their pup. He would revel in the sight of her belly growing as she nourished their child with her body, and everyone would know she was his.

  “And so, what do you think about introducing some new items to the menu this summer?” Adrianna asked Gio.

  “Sounds like a good plan,” the Lycan chef replied. “We could do a theme around sustainability and order ingredients sourced within 100 miles from us.”

  Dominic nodded in agreement. “I know of a few farms you could source some cheese from, they’re only upstate.”

  Julianna sighed and rolled her eyes. “How you guys find all this exciting is beyond me. I’m bored to tears.” She turned to Darius. “How about we talk about perimeter defense and the best techniques to disable an enemy?”

  “Ugh,” Adrianna said with feigned exasperation. “I don’t know if I prefer the two of you”—she looked at her sister then at him—“fighting like cats and dogs or getting along and talking shop all the time.”

  After the whole mage episode, he and Julianna were finally able to put their differences aside and realize they actually worked well together. Now, he was actively helping her in training the new recruits for the New Jersey Lycan Security Team.

  “Ugh,” Isabelle groaned. “When does this thing end? I have places to be.”

  Darius had only met Isabelle Anderson tonight, so he wasn’t sure what to think of the youngest Anderson. She was pretty, closer to Adrianna and Frankie in looks, but she wore far too much cosmetics and fancy clothing in his opinion. Adrianna described her as spoiled and vapid, but that was due to their father’s indulgence of her every whim. Not that his mate sounded bitter; he knew she loved all her siblings, each in her own way.

  “I’m sorry to inconvenience you, Isabelle,” Adrianna said dryly. “I—” Her expression changed when her gaze drifted across the room and her eyes sparkled as they did when she was excited. “Lucas!”

  Darius didn’t mind that she left his side temporarily, knowing the bond she shared with her twin was different from theirs. Adrianna embraced her brother and spoke a few words to him before dragging him back to their circle.

  “You made it!” Gio exclaimed.

  “Of course,” Lucas said. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He gave his sister a smile, then looked at Darius. “Hello, Darius. I’m glad to see you.”

  He nodded in deference to Lucas. “I also would not miss this for the world.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t there when the mage came here. Thank you by the way,” Lucas added. “It seems I’m always thanking you for saving my sister’s life.”

  “There is no need for thanks,” he said. “She is my mate and thus I would do anything to keep her safe.”

  “You’re looking chipper, Lucas,” Julianna noted. “Glad to see you not brooding so much tonight.”

  “Maybe it has something to do with that gorgeous brunette he had dinner with at the restaurant the other night,” Gio quipped.

  “Brunette?” Adrianna, Julianna, and Isabelle exclaimed at the same time.

  Lucas shot his cousin a murderous look.

  “Don’t worry.” Gio put his hands up. “I told you, your secret’s safe with me.”

  “It’s not much of a secret if you tell everyone that there is one.” Lucas massaged his temples with his fingers.

  “Are you okay, Lucas?” Adrianna asked. “What are you thinking about?”

  “That I should have gone to Petite Louve instead,” he retorted, glaring at Gio and earning him a rare laugh from Dominic.

  “Tell us about this brunette!” Julianna exclaimed. “Who is she? Is she from New York or another clan?”

  “Excuse me.” Frankie walked over to them, interrupting them. “The Lycan High Council has arrived. We’re ready to start.”

  “Don’t think you’re getting away with not telling me all about her,” Adrianna whispered to her twin.

  Lucas sighed. “I know.”

  Darius sensed the other man’s exasperation, so he put a hand on her lower back. “Come, my mate. It’s time.”

  Adrianna narrowed her eyes at her brother, then at him. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” He steered her away from the group. “I’m eager to get this done.

  “What did you tell him?”

  “Tell him?”

  “Lucas.” She stopped and faced him, then put her hands on her hips. “That night. After the dinner with Alesso. You said something to Lucas before he left to go back and check on his date. What was it?”

  He was trying to be discreet about telling Lucas what happened that night he waited for Adrianna outside the restaurant. At that time, he had thought she hated him so much—or that she was infatuated with the Alpha of Rome—that she wasn’t paying attention to him at all. But it seems she had noticed the exchange. “Maybe I will tell you later,” he said.

  “Later, I’ll be your Alpha,” she pointed out. “And you will tell me.”

  Grabbing her by the waist, he pulled her to him and nuzzled at her neck. “We will see.” He gave the soft skin behind her ear a nip that made her shiver. “You have to promise to be a good girl—Alpha and do as I say when I’ve got you under me.”

  “That’s not how it works,” she said in a breathy voice.

  He laughed and sunk his teeth into the place where her shoulder met her neck. That had her moaning and the scent of her arousal tickled his nostrils. His cock surged, and he groaned when it brushed up against her hip.

  “Ahem.” Grant Anderson was standing in the doorway, his furious green eyes throwing daggers him. “If you lovebirds don’t mind, we’d like to get this started.”

  As his excitement deflated, he bowed his head to the Alpha of New York. “Of course, Alpha.” As they passed Adrianna’s father, he was muttering something under his breath about “my baby girl”, “out of wedlock”, and “I hope he has a daughter.” Secretly, he smiled. Hopefully, Grant Anderson’s worries would be put at ease later on when he planned to talk privately to him and show him the velvet box in his pocket.

  Adrianna wanted to have the ceremony in the main living room. This is where she had the happiest times of her life growing up, she had said. It was where her family celebrated every major holiday and most occasions. A few nights ago, she had told him about her great-great-aunt Gianna, and that this was where they had her last birthday before she passed.

  All her family was present for this momentous occasion. Aside from her parents and siblings, her uncle Dante and his family, her human half-uncles Enzo, Matt, Raf
e, and their families were there. Mika was also in attendance, along with her parents, brothers, and sister. Their paternal grandmother had flown in from Paris and her mother’s father, a quiet, older Lycan named Noah was observing in the back. And, since she wanted to feel like everyone was here, there were three portraits sitting on the mantle—two older women whom she explained was her great-grandmother Guilia, and grandmother Adrianna, whom she was named after, and of course, her beloved Nonna Gianna.

  “Are we ready?” Sergios Anastos, the head of the Lycan High Council asked. He was standing by the mantle and the four other members were standing behind him. One of them was holding a large, mother-of-pearl inlaid box.

  “Yes,” Frankie said as she gestured for Adrianna to come stand next to her.

  Adrianna took a deep breath and grabbed his hand, tugging him forward. He was surprised that she had asked him to stand to her right, as this was the place reserved for an Alpha’s significant other during official events. But he would have gladly stood anywhere—behind her, with everyone else, or even in the back of the room, as long as he was here to witness her ascension. He didn’t need a special place of honor, as he would still be her mate no matter what.

  “Francesca Anderson,” Anastos began. “Do you relinquish your position as Alpha of New Jersey freely and of your own will?”

  “I do,” Frankie said. “And I nominate my daughter, Adrianna Callista Anderson as my successor.”

  Anastos turned to Adrianna. “And you accept, Adrianna Callista Anderson?”

  “I accept,” she replied.

  He turned to the council members behind him and gestured toward the woman carrying the ornate box. She opened it, and he reached inside, withdrawing a long, sharp dagger. It was longer than any dagger he’d ever seen, but not quite as long as a sword. The pommel was flat and circular and had a large green gem in the center.

  “Adrianna Callista Anderson, the position of Alpha requires many things. Responsibility, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to protect your clan. Do you vow to protect your territory and those under your care?”