THE WOLFLESS ALPHA

THE ALPHA'S WOLFLESS SON

The twenty-seventh child awakened as a runt.

Frost Fang Pack still cheered until the mountains answered.

Then the Elder called Cole's name.

The cheering doubled.

"Cole! Cole! Cole!"

Three hundred wolves stamped their feet and howled.

Cole was Alpha Alton's younger son.

His older brother, Vance—the Alpha's firstborn and future heir—had cracked the Awakening Stone during his first shift two years ago.

Today, the entire Pack had come to see whether Cole would surpass him.

Cole stepped toward the Circle.

Someone shouted, "Give us another Alpha!"

Another wolf yelled, "Break the whole damn stone this time!"

Laughter rolled through the courtyard.

Cole lifted his chin and looked toward the platform.

Vance stood beside their father, wearing the silver shoulder clasp reserved for the Alpha's heir. At twelve, he was already taller than most boys of fifteen.

He smiled down at Cole.

"Try not to disappoint Father."

Cole smiled back.

"Try not to look scared when I beat you."

The wolves closest to them laughed.

Vance's smile disappeared.

Alpha Alton raised one hand.

Three hundred wolves fell silent.

That was his father's power.

No shouting.

No threats.

One movement, and the strongest Pack in the northern territories obeyed.

Alton looked down at his younger son.

"Enter the Circle."

Cole's blood surged.

There it was.

His moment.

He stepped onto the ancient stone.

Silver symbols ignited beneath his boots.

The crowd gasped.

They had not glowed for any of the other children.

The Elder stared at the light, then quickly lowered his head.

"A strong response," someone whispered.

"Of course it is. He's the Alpha's son."

"Look at Vance."

Cole did.

His brother's jaw had tightened.

Good.

For once, Vance was the one watching from the outside.

The Elder placed a hand over Cole's heart.

"Close your eyes."

Cole obeyed.

"Find the wolf beneath your skin."

Cole had dreamed about this moment for years.

He imagined black fur.