Carnage Island (Reject Island)(47)

A few of the wolves bristle at the mention of the Nantahala Pack, but I ignore them. If I can forgive Clove for her origin, so can they.

It’s not her fault she was born into a misogynistic pack with a penchant for framing innocents for their own murders.

I clear my throat again, calling order among the wolves who are still reacting to my statement. “She has a Carnage Wolf father whose identity remains a mystery to us at the moment. Her mother was raped, or that’s what she said when Clove finally met her wolf the other night.”

A few growls meet that statement.

They don’t appreciate the insinuation that a Carnage Wolf would rape someone.

My father didn’t like hearing that part either, but promised he would look into it. He’ll need to properly meet Clove to do a scent test. I don’t recognize any pack aromas on her, suggesting the culprit may not be someone I know.

However, my father feels it’s likely a Black Mountain Alpha considering the close proximity to the Nantahala Pack. Clove’s mother would never have been permitted to wander far, so on that basis, I agree.

That said, it still could have been a rogue.

Regardless, it’s primarily my challenge. My father may help a little, but he made it clear that this is my Alpha task. “It may even be the one that will finally bring you home,” he said earlier tonight. “Good luck, son.”

This is the Carnage Wolf way—to earn our positions, even when born into them by blood.

And I fully intend to earn my Pack Alpha status.

Which includes winning over the wolves before me.

I continue by telling them what I know about Clove, how she was promised to Alpha Crane’s son. How he rejected her. And how her sorry excuse for an Alpha claimed her to be feral, blamed her for killing her mother, and sent her to Carnage Island.

My wolves are growling now, furious at her treatment.

Omegas are precious, even half-breeds. However, I suspect they would have welcomed her even if she were a Beta or an Alpha. My pack values tolerance and respect, something they’re proving now by giving me their undivided attention.

Even the Alphas I beat earlier are doing their best to show their support.

“I want to host a welcome party for our newest addition,” I tell them all. “I know originally we designed a traditional game to play, but Clove is new to our customs and the ways of our pack. As such, I think this would be the best way to introduce her to our pack, unless one of you has a better suggestion.”

I pause, waiting to see if anyone has any better ideas.

“I think a welcome party would be adequate,” Alpha Duncan says.

“Me too,” Beta Clive adds, his voice soft yet holding a note of confidence in it. He’s one of the few Betas on the island, a warrior I’ve come to respect these last few years.

“Have you claimed her?” Alpha Dirk asks, driving straight to the point. She’s an Omega and he wants to know if she’s eligible.

“Not yet,” I admit, allowing his interruption and providing a truthful answer. This pack is all about trust. I won’t start lying to them now. “Her estrus cycle wasn’t complete. I will wait until her next heat to properly claim her.”

A statement meant to say—she’s mine, hands off.

But there’s an undercurrent to my words that many of them understand. I’m waiting until I know she can properly procreate, something I have to do as Pack Alpha.

Which means they may have a chance with her if her heat cycle doesn’t live up to expectations.

My wolf huffs in annoyance, disagreeing entirely with my decision. It’s not often that we’re at odds with one another, so it makes me decidedly uncomfortable. But I ignore the irritation under my skin and focus on my pack.

“I want her,” I tell them honestly. “My clan does as well. We will claim her during her estrus.” I allow them to hear my confidence in that coming to fruition because I do believe she’s meant to be ours. I just need that final fertility piece to make it a reality.

Which makes me feel like a right arse.

However, I’ve devoted my life to leadership.

I can’t turn my back on it now.

“If anyone wishes to voice a challenge, I’ll entertain it,” I add, aware of how pack hierarchy works when claiming an Omega. “But I do believe I proved myself worthy this morning.”

I look pointedly at Alpha Dirk before meeting the gaze of all those who challenged my clan earlier today. Most of them are fully healed, their wolf genetics having allowed them to regenerate quickly. But a few are in worse shape than others, such as Alpha Kin who is decorated in a myriad of bruises.

Given I broke his neck just over twelve hours ago, I’m honestly surprised he’s awake. It’ll take him another twelve hours or so to fully heal, something his eyes tell me he’s not pleased about.

But he brought it on himself.

And I won’t be apologizing for it.

I will, however, allow him to rest.

Not all Alphas rule through brawn and dominance alone. Some prefer compassion, a trait my father has taught me goes a long way in terms of leadership. However, there are also times when a demonstration of power is required to remind the pack who is in charge.

Which is something I do now.

Every single Alpha averts his eyes as I stare them down, deferring to me as their leader.

After several minutes of this show of authority, I nod. “Good. If that changes, you know how to reach me. Until then, take the next few days to rest and recuperate. I’ll schedule the welcome event for three days from now.”