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?”

gravely. “And I have to admit, I’m

on the edge of the bed, still cradling my

is getting more confusing and

secrets, conspiracies and crises that keep popping up.. it’s

hands stilling on

you feel that

don’t know who is pulling the strings here. I feel like we’re being swept up in something much bigger than us, and

understanding, “I’m

He admits, shocking me.

closer and practically climbing on top

pulls me all the way into his

I have a lot to lose.” He proclaims soberly, squeezing me tightly so that I know he’s talking about Rafe and me. “But that’s not a bad thing. It’s a 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. On one hand it should terrify me to know that he doesn’t feel as indomitable as he always seems, but I like knowing that I’m not alone in this

tell him, moving to straddle his thighs and take his face in my hands. I stare up into his fierce

need to prepare for that. I need

and I quickly see that he doesn’t want to add to my fears by putting new possibilities in my head. “You must have one. You’re

breathing in my scent and rumbling deep in his chest. “If I lose the campaign..” He begins slowly, his

on how fast the Prince moves, and where

nudge his head up, forcing him to

you must have some

of

getting you out of the territory while I stay behind, I have plans for us being exiled together, for my imprisonment, my death, your capture. If you can

and I can’t help the fresh bloom of hurt that blossoms in my

you were this worried? I thought we agreed that I can’t avoid danger if I don’t

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