Chapter 0347

The moment Alistair declared he would claim Isolde as his mate, Magnus and I saw red. This bastard wasn't walking out of here alive. No one touches what's mine. No one.

He moved faster than anticipated, dodging my initial strikes. A few punches landed, but rage numbed the pain. As we circled each other, I realized his game too late.

When he grabbed Isolde, threatening to mark her immediately, my blood turned to ice. I didn't know if remarking a Guardian with a living mate was possible. Didn't care either. She belonged to me. Magnus roared in my mind, demanding we tear this threat to pieces.

"You've forfeited the Alpha challenge by involving my mate," I growled. "The duel is void."

"Meaningless," he sneered. "Once bonded to a Guardian, no one can defeat me."

Just as I prepared to lunge, Isolde winked at me - her eyes shifting to solid gold. Aurora had taken control.

What happened next froze everyone in place. She twisted in his grasp, her hand plunging through his chest. I swear she gripped his still-beating heart. The shock on Alistair's face was almost comical. The pack's collective gasp echoed around us.

"No one brands me against my will," Aurora declared, yanking his heart free. His corpse collapsed with that same stunned expression. She turned to the crowd, crushing the organ in her fist before tossing it aside.

"Anyone else fancy trying to use me against my mate?"

Silence. Then a sea of frantic head-shaking.

I pulled her close. "Are you hurt, love?"

Aurora hadn't relinquished control yet. "Only you and Magnus get to sink teeth into me," she purred.

I kissed her fiercely. Whether intentional or not, she'd just publicly claimed me again. Goddess, this woman.

"And only you and Isolde get that privilege with me," I murmured against her lips. "Now give her back so we can finish this."

When her eyes returned to warm brown, I faced Leopold. "Let's proceed."

Leopold hesitated, then gestured to Alistair's lackeys. "Remove this." They obeyed, giving Isolde terrified glances.

"Next challenger - Donovan," Leopold announced.

Not the fight I wanted after that spectacle. My focus was fractured, but finishing this meant restoring order.

Donovan stepped forward. "I won't risk weakening our pack by challenging Alpha Victor to the death. His death could kill our Guardian, Luna Isolde." He addressed the pack. "You've all witnessed what these two achieved in forty-eight hours. Imagine their impact over years." Turning back, he continued, "Therefore, I withdraw my challenge, believing you're worthy of leading us."

He grinned. "Though I'd welcome a friendly spar later."

"Agreed," I nodded before facing Leopold.

The remaining challengers rescinded their petitions. Just like that, I stood as undisputed Alpha again.

With Isolde at my side, I addressed the pack.

"Rebuilding begins now. I'll meet with Alphas Adrian and Sebastian to discuss pack finances and official recognition. Once settled, we'll hold proper ceremonies for Alpha, Luna, and Beta roles - establishing our mind link."

Cheers erupted.

"Your Luna's already transforming the packhouse, as yesterday's meals proved." More applause.

"Those needing assignments, see me, Luna Isolde, or Beta Leopold. Finally, for those seeking mates, I'll arrange gatherings with neighboring packs."

The response was deafening.

"Our doors are always open. This pack is a sanctuary. Voice concerns freely to any ranked member." I gestured to Leopold and Isolde. "Now - back to work!"

I sent Isolde to clean up while accepting congratulations. Many wanted to discuss patrol schedules. Leopold handled other duties as I scheduled a meeting in fifteen minutes.

Spotting Donovan, I approached.

"Alpha," he said, baring his neck.

I clasped his shoulder. "Ever considered becoming Gamma?"

His eyes widened. "Never crossed my mind."

"Well, I need one. You're my choice. Think it over." I left him gaping as I headed to shower.