Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

SAGE

The figure that emerged from the shadows was a young woman, her presence commanding despite her petite frame. Her sharp features were accentuated by a cascade of raven-black hair that fell over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes held a confidence that matched Titus's. She was flanked by a group of warriors, each one armed and watching us with sharp, assessing gazes.

"I'm Elise," she said, her voice steady and strong. "Daughter of Alpha Marcus. You're trespassing in Ironclaw territory."

Titus didn't flinch, his blade still at his side but his posture calm We're here to speak with your father," he said, his voice firm but not aggressive. "I'm Titus, Alpha of the Black Iron Moon Pack."

Her gaze flickered briefly to his domineering eyes, recognition sparking there, but she didn't lower her guard. "The Lycan king, am I right?" she asked.

"That's correct," Titus replied.

A couldn't miss the look in her eyes-admiration, curiosity, and, most unmistakably, desire. It didn't sit well with me, not one

bit. It's no secret that Titus's striking presence can leave anyone breathless. Women across his territory practically fall over themselves just to catch his attention. So, it didn't surprise me that the young woman standing before us was clearly captivated by him from the moment they met.

What did surprise me was how much her interest bothered me. It gnawed at me, an irritation I couldn't ignore. I already had Anna to contend with; her lingering feelings for Titus constantly come between us. And now, here was someone new-a fresh competitor vying for his attention. The worst part? I hated that I cared.

"My father doesn't meet with outsiders lightly, especially unannounced."

Scott took a cautious step forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We're not here to cause trouble," he said, his tone measured. "We've traveled a long way to seek an alliance with your pack. It's important."

Elise studied us for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Important enough to risk crossing into our lands without permission?"

Titus met her gaze evenly. "Yes," he said simply.

For a moment, the tension hung thick in the air. Then Elise nodded, a subtle motion that seemed to signal her men to lower their weapons.

"Follow me," she said, turning on her heel. "I'll take you to my father, but I warn you-he's not easily convinced."

Her men surrounded us as we moved through the forest, their presence a silent reminder that we were on their territory now. The Ironclaw warriors were disciplined and alert, their movements efficient as they guided us deeper into their land.

Elise led the way, her steps confident and sure. Despite the tension, I couldn't help but admire the way she carried herself- with the same unwavering determination I often saw in Titus. Along with that admiration is the painful thought of her being a match for Titus. If there's anyone here who's deserving of being Titus' luna, it will be her.

We eventually reached the Ironclaw Pack's territory, the dense forest giving way to a sprawling village nestled between towering cliffs. The packhouse was a massive stone structure, its walls fortified and its design practical yet imposing. It spoke of strength and resilience, a reflection of the pack itself.

Inside, Elise brought us to a grand hall where Alpha Marcus awaited. He stood at the head of a long table, his presence as commanding as the stories had suggested. His broad shoulders and grizzled features spoke of years of experience, and his 1/3

sharp eyes missed nothing as he took us in.

"You must be Titus," he said, "the lycan king who lost his throne.

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Titus stepped forward, his posture straight and unyielding. "It wasn't lost. I merely lend it to them for the time being," he said without hesitation. "And I'm here to ask for your help."

Marcus's lips curved into a faint, skeptical smile. "You don't waste time, do you?"

Titus met his gaze head-on. "Time isn't something I have much of. My uncle and his son are consolidating his power, and every moment we wait, he tightens his grip on the kingdom. I need allies, Alpha Marcus. I need strong packs like yours to stand with me." The room fell silent as Marcus studied Titus, his expression unreadable. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he spoke.

"You've come a long way, Titus," he said. "But convincing me to risk my pack's safety for your cause isn't going to be easy. You'll have to prove to me that you're worth the risk."

Titus nodded, his jaw tightening with determination. "I expected nothing less."

Marcus's sharp gaze shifted to Elise, who had taken a seat beside him. "Elise, you brought them here. What do you think?"

Elise's eyes darted between her father and Titus, her gaze sharp and thoughtful before finally resting on Titus. There was a flicker of curiosity in her expression, but it was quickly masked by a calm, measured tone.

"I think he's determined," she said, her words deliberate. "But determination alone doesn't explain what's in it for our pack, Father. Why should we risk everything for his cause?"

Titus' eyes met hers steadily, unwavering in their intensity. "You'll have the kingdom's unwavering support once I reclaim what's rightfully mine," he said, his voice firm and confident.

Elise's lips twitched into a faint smirk, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Support we've never needed," she countered smoothly. "Even before this whole mess began, the Ironclaw Pack stood strong. We don't rely on the throne, and we certainly don't make alliances lightly, Alpha." Her words were a challenge, one Titus clearly recognized. His jaw tightened, but he held her gaze without flinching.

Marcus, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. His deep voice carried the weight of his authority, and the room seemed to grow still in response. "My daughter makes a fair point, Alpha Titus," he said. "The Ironclaw Pack has thrived without interference from the crown. We've seen kings and queens rise and fall, and through it all, we've remained standing. What makes your reign any different?"

Titus straightened his shoulders. "Because I'm not here to take from you," he replied. "I'm here to ensure that packs like yours can continue to stand strong, free from the corruption that's poisoned the throne. My uncle doesn't care about balance or justice-he cares about power, and he'll destroy anyone who opposes him. I won't let that happen."

Elise tilted her head slightly, studying him as if trying to gauge the sincerity behind his words. "Big promises," she said, her tone carrying a hint of skepticism. "But promises won't protect our pack if things go south

Titus's gaze softened slightly, though his determination didn't waver. "No, they won't," he admitted. "But I can offer you more than promises. I can offer you the chance to fight for something bigger-for a future where no pack has to face tyranny alone. I'm not asking you to risk your lives for me. I'm asking you to stand with me, as equals."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, his eyes steady and calculating. Words and promises are all well and good, Alpha Titus," he said, his voice slow and deliberate, "but they don't mean much to me without something concrete to back them up."

Titus's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "Then what do you suggest, Alpha Marcus?" he asked, his tone calm but edged with determination. It was clear that words alone weren't going to win Marcus over, and Titus wasn't the kind to back

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down from a challenge.

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Marcus's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Simple," he said, leaning forward slightly as if to emphasize his point. "Make my daughter your new Luna."

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