Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 600: New Alpha Of The West

"Careful," Nancy said firmly as Asher was guided into his quarters —formly Henry’s— his arms thrown around Roman’s shoulder while Jeremiah cleared the way.

Though Asher’s jaw was set, his breathing was shallow, and he was weak as hell. As the new Alpha of the West pack, it had been pride alone that kept him standing before his people. The West valued strength above all else, and even after a brutal battle, he could not afford to show weakness.

Only when they crossed the threshold of his home — where no outsider could witness his fall — did he finally allow himself to let go.

"On the bed," Nancy instructed.

Roman adjusted his grip, lowering him slowly. As soon as Asher’s body hit the mattress, a deep groan tore from his throat. He could only lie on his side; his shoulder was ruined, half his flesh bitten clean through where Dominic’s fangs had sunk deep.

The wound on his ribs was no better. Three claw marks slashed across his side, healing painfully slowly. Unlike a clean break or even a knife wound, wolf-inflicted injuries resisted their natural regeneration. Some said it was the venom laced in a wolf’s saliva, others blamed the disruption of pack magic, but everyone knew that claw and bite wounds lingered longer than they should.

At least the bleeding had stopped. That was something. The raw, angry flesh gleamed but no fresh blood seeped. Asher exhaled through clenched teeth and tried to shift his position on the bed, but that move made the pain flare up and he groaned.

Roman leaned over him. "Don’t worry. It’ll be fine. Irene’s already called for a healer. They should be here soon."

Asher gave a small nod, though his thoughts weren’t on healers. Pain was nothing new; he could endure it. What he wanted and longed for was Violet. If she were here, it would be different. Her touch would soothe him and her voice would turn this pain into nothing more than background noise.

The door creaked, and Nancy reappeared with a basin of water and cloth. She set them down and knelt beside the bed, her sleeves already rolled up. Roman instinctively reached for the towel. "Let me."

a glare so sharp

held up his hands in surrender and

and began to wipe the dirt

she noticed Roman’s stare,

with emotion"If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t have met Ezra. I wouldn’t have this life. This is the least

eyes cracked open, his voice hoarse. "You don’t

cloth. "I’m sure my daughter would have agreed, too. You’re my son now,

no point in arguing. Stubbornness was clearly a trait

meant little among wolves — nudity was as natural as shifting — but Nancy was still adjusting. She cleaned him carefully, her face pinching with every hiss he made, and when she reached his shoulder she

an animal," she muttered

objective of the match, anyway?" Then

your pack of hyenas," Nancy said, her tone dripping

from the pain. "Lucky them. Your husband is kind. Unlike me." His voice was edged

everyone has a violent side, Asher. Your sub-alphas would do

a huff from Asher. Silence fell for a while, until he couldn’t hold it in anymore,

chaos. But I’ll call her when I’m finished here. I’ll tell her

admitted

"She misses you too. You’ll see. Soon you’ll be together, and