Chapter 1 The Tyrant

Lucia's POV

Listen-and listen well.

We will continue as we have before, striking them at the heart-fierce and fast-in the deepest hour of the night.

I stood before my council of elders.

"But, Alpha," one of them said, "how do you intend to capture their Alpha? He is known for his strength and tight borders."

Like I said earlier. In case you are deaf.

We will follow the same system and strategy we have used for the past six months-hit them when they least expect it, capture their Alpha, and claim their territory.

I scanned their faces and saw the unease ripple through the ancient wolves. Their restlessness almost amused me. I wanted to kill them all and be done with it, but for now, I endured their foolishness.

Being the first female Alpha in nearly three decades was a war of its own. At every turn, someone tried to undermine or overlook my authority. I learned the hard way what it took to survive.

There was no going back.

The only way for a woman to hold power and respect was to become as cold as ice.

And that was exactly what I had become.

I stood before the traitors, blade in hand. I had beheaded so many men that death felt like routine now. I grabbed the first by his hair, yanked his head back, and gutted him like an animal.

In less than a minute, they were all dead.

I walked back slowly, hands drenched in blood, my eyes fixed on the elders-daring them to speak, daring them to give me a reason to carve through every single one of them.

They stood in silence.

"We march at dawn to the Red Sky Pack."

I didn't need their approval. Their opinions meant nothing.

We hid along the outer edges of the border, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Some might have wondered why I claimed every territory within my reach.

That answer was mine alone.

Midnight came.

And so did my victory.

My blade rested against Alpha Liam's throat. He would either surrender himself, withdraw his claim over his pack and land-or die.

His Beta and Gamma lay gutted at my feet. Only his Luna and son remained.

Just before I reached them, he broke.

"I, Alpha Liam of the Red Sky Pack, relinquish my rights, my territory, and my pack to Alpha Lucia of the Crimson Eagle Pack."

Triumph surged through me.

Six powerful territories now bowed to my command, each pack drinking my blood and swearing allegiance.

Finally, no one could oppose me.

We took everything-their gold, their strongest warriors, their resources. We searched every corner of the territory and found nothing of interest.

Then I heard voices.

From the kitchen oven.

"Open it."

The moment my eyes met his, I knew he would be a problem.

A hindrance.

My wolf chanted inside me.

Mate. Mate. Mate.

How could I be bound to a nobody?

His eyes were wide-soft, doe-like, and terrified. He stared at me like prey measuring its chances of escape.

I grabbed his shirt and dragged him out. The contact made my skin burn, and the sensation only fueled my irritation.

He was tall but thin.

He had wet himself in fear.

I wanted to reject him.

And at the same time, to keep him.

Before I could decide, pain exploded through my chest.

I looked down.

A knife.

I looked up and saw my mate's hands buried deep in my heart.

"I will do the world a favor and rid it of you," he said, "even if it means killing my own mate."

Sorrow and joy collided inside me.

He was a challenge.

And utterly unpredictable.

He drove the blade deeper.

I fell to my knees, my eyes never leaving his as I drew my final breath.