Chapter 13 Restless Alpha

Lazarus's pov

“You reassigned the east patrol without telling me,” Alec said, his tone too calm for the tension building in the room.

We stood over the map table, the edges of it scattered with reports, faintly smelling of ink and cedar. His eyes flicked to the small circle drawn around the eastern border — too close to Nova’s land.

“I already handled it,” I replied.

“To whose watch?”

“Mine.”

Alec’s brows lifted. “So that’s what we’re calling it now. Border duty.”

I looked up, jaw tight. “Watch your mouth.”

He smirked, leaning his weight on the edge of the table. “You’re the one pacing the borders like a restless ghost, not me.”

The air between us thickened, filled with the low hum of tension and unsaid things. Around us, the room was quiet except for the faint creak of the wood as I shifted my weight. Alec didn’t back down, but his gaze softened a little, the amusement fading into something close to concern.

“You’re walking a fine line, Lazarus. You said you’d keep your distance.”

“And I am,” I said.

He folded his arms. “By watching her from the treeline?”

I looked away. There was no point pretending. “I just make sure she’s safe.”

Alec let out a short, humorless laugh. “Safe. Right.”

He studied me like he was trying to read something behind my eyes. Maybe he was. I didn’t blame him — I hadn’t been myself lately.

“She doesn’t want anything from me,” I said quietly. “Not respect, not power, not submission. Just… space.”

Alec’s mouth curved into a knowing smile. “That’s why she’s under your skin.”

I didn’t answer. Because he was right.

The training yard was already alive when I stepped outside. Warriors sparred, the air thick with dust and the smell of sweat. I stripped off my shirt and joined the circle, ignoring the curious glances. My wolf was restless, clawing under my skin, begging for release.

Two of my men came at me, both skilled, both fast. I didn’t hold back. My fists met flesh, the rhythm sharp and precise. One swung wide; I ducked, turned, and caught him in the ribs. The thud of impact echoed through the yard.

“Careful, Alpha,” someone muttered.

But I wasn’t careful. Every blow was an outlet. Every movement a distraction. When I finally pinned the last warrior to the ground, his breath came in short, ragged bursts. Mine wasn’t much steadier.

I stepped back, chest heaving, sweat running down my spine. Alec was leaning against the fence, arms crossed.

“You’re going to break someone’s ribs one day,” he said dryly, “just because she crossed your mind.”

I wiped a hand across my jaw, ignoring the sting of sweat in my cuts. “I’m fine.”

“Sure you are.”

He walked closer, his eyes narrowing. “It’s getting worse, isn’t it?”

I didn’t answer right away. The truth sat heavy in my chest. “The bond,” I admitted finally. “The full moon isn’t even close, but my control feels thinner.”

Alec sighed. “Find a distraction, then. Something to take the edge off.”

I gave a short laugh. “You mean one of the eager she-wolves hanging around?”

“Wouldn’t hurt.”

“It would,” I said simply.

He didn’t argue. He knew me too well to push.

When training ended, I stayed behind, leaning on the railing as the others filed out. A few she-wolves lingered near the gate, whispering, casting glances in my direction. I met none of their eyes.

They looked at me like I was something to win — a title, a name, a body.

She looked at me like a problem.

And maybe that’s why I couldn’t stay away. Nova didn’t care that I was Alpha. She saw straight through the armor and found the man beneath. I wasn’t sure if that made her brave or foolish. Maybe both.

Later that evening, I sat across from Alec again in my office, the low firelight casting long shadows across the stone floor. He had a report in hand, but his mind was somewhere else.

“The Alpha meeting’s in two weeks,” he said finally. “You’ll have to attend.”

I leaned back, tired already. “Let them hold their meeting.”

“They’ll want answers about the council’s trade routes. And they’ll ask why you haven’t chosen a Luna.”

“Let them ask.”

Alec gave me a look. “You know they’ll send their daughters again.”

I smiled without humor. “Then I’ll tell them I’m already cursed.”

He laughed softly, but his gaze lingered. “You’re sure this is wise? Getting attached to someone who wants nothing to do with you?”

“I’m not attached,” I said, though the words rang hollow.

He didn’t call me on it. He just stood, tossed the report on the table, and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve got two weeks until the meeting and the full moon. Try not to lose your mind before then.”

When he left, silence filled the room like a weight.

The night air was cool when I stepped onto the balcony. The forest stretched endless and dark, the scent of pine carried on the wind. The moon hung low, not yet full but bright enough to silver the treetops.

I leaned against the railing, trying to steady my breathing. Every night felt the same — restless. Too still. Too empty.

I could feel her. Not close, not far, just there. Like a whisper under my skin. I remembered her eyes — sharp, guarded — the way she spoke like she was daring me to understand her.

“She’s softening,” I murmured to myself. “And I’m losing ground.”

My hands curled around the railing until the wood creaked. I could almost hear her voice in my head, stubborn and cold. The thought made something in me ache.

“Two weeks,” I said quietly. “I can handle two weeks.”

But my wolf stirred, unconvinced.

I was just turning to head back inside when Alec’s voice came through the Beta link, low and sharp.

“Alpha.”

I straightened immediately. “What is it?”

“There’s been movement near the east border again.”

My pulse quickened. “Her land?”

“Close enough.”

The restless calm in me snapped.

“Hold the patrols,” I said, already reaching for my jacket.

“Lazarus—”

“I’ll go myself.”

And before the link cut, I heard the quiet exhale of resignation in Alec’s voice.

He knew better than to stop me.