Chapter 184
Tanh
Not long after, I summon the media to make an official announcement–Samantha is my Luna, and Ivar. Ivar is now my
Let them talk. Let them choke on their words. He’s not just some plaything I parade around. No, he’s far more than that now. He holds power in this pack, stands beside me where everyone can see. This should silence whatever gossip has been spreading,
It’s only been two weeks since he came here, but damn, it feels like I’ve known him forever. I swear, the way he looks at me, the way he treats me it’s like he actually loves me. And that! That’s new for me.
Funny thing is. I thought I’d be wrapped up in Samantha–thought she’d be the center of my attention, the one I’d be obsessed with exploring. But Ivar. he’s kept me occupied in ways I never expected. I haven’t even thought about Samantha the way I assumed I would. Not once.
I’ve never felt this kind of affection from any woman before–not this real, this raw, this consuming. I didn’t think I’d get this lucky, especially not in the middle of all this chaos.
Because of that. I’ve loosened the leash. I give Ivar full freedom to move around the territory as he pleases, even reach out to his old pack if he wants. He’s not a prisoner here. He’s become something more–a better man than when he arrived. Stronger. Respected.
And most of all, mine.
Ivar’s Beta paid him a visit at the castle today, and though I trust Ivar completely, there’s something about that man–George–that makes my instincts flare. He seems a bit too angry, too tightly wound. More than just a concerned Beta. Something about him feels off
Later that evening, Ivar is nestled comfortably in my arms, his body warm against mine as we lounge in our private quarters. He tells me about his day, about the things he did, the people he spoke to. His voice soothes me, but I can’t help the question that slips from my lips.
vour Beta that
“Ivar,” I begin gently, brushing my fingers through his hair, “I don’t want you to think I’m being nosey, but did you make it clear to your you’re here of your own free will? That you enjoy being here with me?”
He shifts slightly, looking up at me with confusion.
“What! 1 don’t understand what you’re saying.” he replies. “Isn’t it obvious? I’ve been upgraded from whatever position I held before everyone can see that. Of course George knows I’m here willingly. I even told him to take over as Alpha of the pack. That’s how much I’ve moved on.”
I nod slowly, holding his gaze. “Good that’s good,” I say, but I don’t voice what still lingers in my mind.
Something about George’s eyes when he left the fire behind them–it wasn’t just loyalty. It was personal.
And personal feelings often make people reckless.
“Hmm… well, I couldn’t help but notice his anger,” I mutter, my fingers pausing against Ivar’s skin. “It was a little more intense than it should’ve been. I caught him stealing glances at me like.. like he wanted to kill me if he had the chance”
Ivar chuckles sofily, that familiar teasing glint in his eyes. “I don’t know if I’m hearing this right, but it kind of sounds like you’re a little jealous
“Oh, please,” I scoff, but I can’t deny the unease brewing in my chest. “You know I’m right.”
He sighs and shifts so he can look at me properly, expression softening with something close to amusement. “Yes, you are right actually. George has always had feelings for me–since we were boys. But I never felt the same. Still, he’s been loyal Jealous, yes. Possessive sometimes. But loyal all the same. I’ve always been clear with him about where I stand.“.
“Hm. I see.” I say slowly, still not fully convinced. Jealousy is a dangerous thing in the hands of someone smart and bitter.
Then Ivar’s tone changes–more serious, his playful mask slipping.
“George told me something important. And I think you should hear it.”
I raise an eyebrow, heart already beating faster. “What is it”
“The Alphas,” he says quietly. “They’re coming for you. They’re forming an alliance, planning war against you. And they’re not just throwing idle threats–they’re serious, Scar. Dead serious.”
I sit up straighter, my jaw tightening
“So it begins,” I whisper.
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Chapter 184
“Oh wow,” I say with a smirk, reclining deeper into the cushions. “Well, I’d be surprised if they weren’t. For a moment, I thought all the Alphas around here had turned into scared little pussies.”
Ivar stures at me, dead serious, “Why are you smiling? You should be preparing for wartoo!“.
“Come on, Ivar,” I say with a dismissive wave, “do you really think those little Alphas‘ could conquer me! They can’t. They won’t.”
“Well, George sounds very certain that they will,” he shoots back, his voice laced with concern.
That catches my interest. “Wait is George going to be one of the warriors who stands against me!” I grin darkly, “Interesting: I would love to watch someone die for love. So poetic don’t you think?”
“No! That’s not what I’m trying to say,” Ivar snaps, suddenly sitting up. “Scar, listen to me- know you’re used to battles. I know you walk through blood like it’s a morning stroll. You’ve seen more death than most of us will in ten lifetimes, and somehow, you always survive.”
He pauses, his voice in
trembling slightly now
“But I’m not like you. I only just found my footing here only just got to feel what real power and freedom taste like. I’ve finally earned a place where I’m respected, where I matter. I don’t want to lose that. I can’t go back to being who I was. I can’t return to that version of myself.”
I stare at him in silence for a beat, before finally saying. “Then don’t. No one’s going to take this from you, Ivar. Not while I still breathe.
Joh please,” I scoff, the weight of my ego comfortably filling the room. “I killed the former Alpha of Alphas–my own brother. What can a pack of disgruntled mutts do to me?
Ivar doesn’t laugh. His face is tight with unease. “What if all the Alphas come in their numbers? You shouldn’t underestimate what a pack of angry. desperate Alphas can do when they band together.”
I shrug, casually sipping my wine. “I have Cleopatra. I have warriors. And soon, I’ll have even more. Let them come. Scar never loses a battle.”
Ivar looks unconvinced, but I don’t need his approval. I’ve already begun to act.
As soon as he leaves the room, I summon Cleopatra. When I tell her what Ivar revealed, her eyes flash with surprise–but only for a moment. As always, she composes herself quickly and places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“Let them try,” she says smoothly. “We’ll be ready. I’ll prepare the defense spells and set protective barriers around the inner sanctum.”
1 nod. “Good. Make sure our sentries are alem at every border. I want eyes in the skies and claws in the ground.”
The only part that annoys me? Ivar still doesn’t know when the attack will come. Apparently, George kept that little detail to himself. And that pisses me off. Why wouldn’t he tell Ivart Unless he doesn’t trust him anymore. Or maybe he suspects Ivar has gone soft.
Either way, I don’t care
Let them come whenever they want. My army will be ready. My castle will be fortified. And when they arrive, I’ll show them exactly why the name Scar is carved in blood across every territory
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