Ella

I’ve been replaying my conversation with Henry all day long, repeating the exchange over and over in my mind and trying to decipher if the old Alpha was trying to want me as a mere precaution, or because he really believes we have something to be worried about. After Henry left this evening I got online and started looking into the actual mechanics of the election – something I should have done from the very beginning.

It all looks fairly simple on paper. All eligible Alphas compete in the public arena and all the shifters in the realm vote on election day. This usually results in two or three frontrunners, and the Alpha council makes its selection based on the remaining competitors. If there’s a wide margin and a clear winner, they usually just reinforce the popular Vote, but when there are ties or controversies, they provide an important check on the system.

Once elected, the Alpha King will remain in power until they die, coronate one of their heirs, or are removed from power by council decree.

Historically elections are actually very rare, because most King’s belong to an existing dynasty and pass down the title through the generations of their children. As I’m reading, I discover that the current King is the only the third ruler in history to ever be removed from power, and his own election five years ago was the first in 200 years.

The fact that the wolves are already having another Vote is absolutely unprecedented. The knot in my stomach tightens as all this information comes together. I realize that Henry was right to warn me, after all.

“What are you frowning at so intently, trouble?”

Sinclair inquires, striding out of the bathroom and ruffling his wet hair with a towel. Another Swath of terry cloth is slung around his hips, and water drips down his bare torso. My mouth waters as I take in the sight of his rippling muscles and powerful physique, but the heavy weight in my stomach is preventing my inner wolf from getting too distracted.

“Dominic, what will happen if we lose the campaign?” I inquire hesitantly, still sitting in bed with the computer in my lap.

Sinclair’s face pulls into a grimace, and he crosses the distance between us, peeking at my screen.

Seeing a dozen tabs worth of dry political research open in my browser, he slides his hand around my nape, massaging my tense muscles. “Doing some research?”

“Yes.” I confirm gravely. “And I have to admit, I’m worried.”

cradling

everything is getting more confusing and

and when I stop and think about all the secrets, conspiracies and crises that keep popping up.. it’s hard not to feel like something seriously sketchy is going on. I’m beginning to feel like

pauses, his hands

making you

the laptop and sliding closer to Sinclair. “But I also don’t know who is pulling the strings here. I feel like

understanding, “I’m scared

He admits, shocking me.

I squeak, scooting even closer and practically climbing on top of him.

constant reminder about what’s really important. It helps me keep our family safe and pushes me to take precautions I might not otherwise. It’s the reason I can’t accept defeat in It’s strangely comforting to hear this huge Alpha confessing his own fears.

his thighs and take his face in my hands. I stare up into his fierce green eyes, brushing my thumbs over the layer of scruff covering his stony jaw. “But it is a possibility, and I need to prepare for that. I need to

and I quickly

to prepare for the worst case, even if you don’t plan

crook of my neck, breathing in my scent and rumbling deep in his chest. “If I lose the campaign..” He begins slowly, his voice like gravel in my ear. “It will all depend on how

more, and I nudge his head up, forcing him to look me

you must have some idea

I have dozens of contingency

being exiled together, for my imprisonment, my death, your capture. If you can think of it, I have a plan for it, sweetheart. But we don’t know how this is going to play out yet, and I can’t tell you which plan

help the fresh bloom of hurt that blossoms in my

were this worried? I thought we agreed that I can’t avoid

himself. “All Alphas have plans like this, Ella.” He explains. “Whether Or not there is a campaign, Alphas always have targets on their backs. I had these plans for Linda when we were married, and I have

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