The Alpha's Mage

by Claire Cullen

  The rest of the wolves from Drogon Pack spread out along the outer edge of the arena, shoving and jostling for better positions to watch the fight. The air was filled with anticipation. They knew blood would be shed, and they couldn’t wait.

  Lorcan pushed out a little with his druid power, trying to get a sense of the cage he was trapped in. His magic passed right through, as if it wasn’t there. But when he reached a hand out, an invisible wall pressed against his palm. He was trapped physically but not magically. What did that mean? Why trap him but let him have free rein with his magic? Unless it wasn’t so he could use his magic, but for Tyr’s benefit, so the alpha could draw on the bond during the fight. But Knox… Knox had no one.

  Pharon moved to the center of the arena and clapped his hands once, the sound reverberating around them. The pack fell silent, all eyes turning to the alpha.

  “Knox of Samhain Pack has challenged Tyr of Drogon Pack for his mage. By the light of the moon, they’ll fight. No weapons. Only fists, claws, and teeth. The fight ends with the kill. To the predator, the prey. To the victor, the mage.”

  He stepped back until he stood on the southern edge of the arena, facing Lorcan. Slowly, he raised his hands above his head. Tyr stepped forward, a swagger in his step, and Knox moved to meet him.

  Pharon banged his hands twice, and Tyr charged.

  Knox dived left, rolling into a crouch. Tyr turned, bared his teeth, and charged again. Knox sprang up to meet him this time, dodging a punch to the head and landing one to the front of Tyr’s chest. The alpha shook it off and lashed out again, catching Knox across the chin. Knox staggered back, turning his head to spit blood. The crowd roared, the sound frightening in its intensity.

  The two traded punches again, until both of them were bleeding. Lorcan winced at the crunch of bone when Tyr slammed a fist into Knox’s rib cage. Knox retreated, growling in pain and anger, and shifted. Lorcan almost took it as a good sign until he saw the way Tyr’s eyes flashed with satisfaction. Not a tactical move, then, but a capitulation, a sign of weakness.

  Knox.

  Tyr was in no hurry to follow Knox’s lead. He did a circuit of the arena, posturing but keeping one eye on Knox as the wolf kept his distance. Tyr flexed his muscles, lifted his head, and roared, shifting in a dramatic rush of energy. Before he’d even completed the change, Knox was on top of him, snarling. Claws and teeth clashed, blood spurting into the air.

  Lorcan rocked forward onto his knees, his heart in his mouth. The wolves rolled across the arena, snarling. He felt a tug against the bond mark on his neck, sharp and painful—Tyr drawing on the power of their bond. Lorcan dug his fingers into his knees and shut that down. Maybe he couldn’t help Knox, but he wouldn’t help Tyr. Not willingly.

  The wolves moved apart, circling each other, their fur bloodstained. The clouds above them parted and the moon shone down on the fighters. The patches of blood around Knox’s hip and neck glowed silver in the moonlight. Tyr stood tall and proud, unaffected by his injuries. Knox was limping, and his ear was torn. He was still fighting, but he wasn’t going to win.

  Lorcan again felt the yank at his bond mark. He pushed back, gritting his teeth against the pain, growing angry at Tyr’s audacity. That he’d dare take that which wasn’t his. Lorcan didn’t belong to him and his pack, bond bite or no bond bite. He was Knox’s mate; he was Samhain Pack’s druid. They were willing to fight for him; he needed to fight for them, too.

  He glanced at the moon again, then back at Knox. If they could still speak to each other, mind to mind, then… then they were still bound somehow. Maybe Lorcan couldn’t just withhold his magic from Tyr. Maybe he could give it to Knox.

  Tyr attacked again, and Lorcan bit back a cry as the wolf’s teeth tore into Knox’s flank, his claws raking down Knox’s face.

  Knox. Fight. I’m with you.

  He closed his eyes and pushed his magic outward, seeking his alpha. Unlike Tyr, whose presence made Lorcan’s skin crawl, his magic reached eagerly for Knox, encircling him, bolstering him.

  Lorcan?

  Forcing his eyes open, he found Knox pinned to the ground by Tyr. The other alpha was drawing it out, lording his certain victory over them.

  I’m here. Fight for me.

  Knox’s eyes sought his, the moon reflecting in them.

  Love you. Always.

  Tyr went for the heart, his claws digging deep. But Knox went for the throat, faster than Lorcan had ever seen him move. His jaws clamped down, and he tore with all his might, druid magic flowing through his veins.

  The light went out of Tyr’s eyes, and the wolf’s body slumped to the stone floor.

  Silence fell heavily across the arena, cut through a moment later by the howl of a wolf. Another joined it, then another and another, a chorus so loud that it shook the ground beneath them. Tyr was dead. And Knox… Knox lived.

  The alpha staggered away from Tyr’s body, letting his pack surround him. He shifted back, his clothes in tatters, his body torn and bloody. With one shaking hand, he wiped the blood from his mouth, staring around as if in shock. Claw marks cut down his face and across his chest, and blood spilled freely from his hip down his leg.

  Pharon’s voice rang loud amidst the mourning as he stepped out of the circle of wolves crowding Tyr’s body.

  “A glorious fight. Our brother fought viciously; we mourn him with pride. Knox of Samhain Pack is the victor. Claim your prize.” The alpha gestured toward Lorcan.

  Knox turned, almost falling in his haste to reach him. Lorcan vibrated with anticipation, still trapped behind a wall of silent magic. Knox crashed right through the circle, the magic splintering as he went to his knees before Lorcan.

  He held his hands out, and Lorcan came to him, wrapping his arms around him. The alpha drew on strength he shouldn’t have possessed, lifting Lorcan’s legs around his waist and pushing to his feet. Lorcan clung to him, hiding his face against Knox’s neck. He didn’t want to see the faces of the pack whose alpha he had just helped to kill. All he wanted was Knox.

  Knox’s arms tightened around him as he turned and limped away. The rest of Samhain Pack fell into step around them, forming an honor guard of sorts as they were escorted out of Drogon Pack. They were going home.

  26

  Knox was pretty sure he had a few broken ribs and a shattered hip bone, not to mention the myriad bite and claw marks that were still bleeding, including the deep gouge over his heart. But none of that mattered. He had Lorcan in his arms, and no one would ever take the mage from him.

  He hobbled toward the car, not relinquishing his grip on Lorcan, though both Barrett and Gage had offered to take him—Lorcan was his to carry. He eyed the car with unease as Barrett opened the back door. This was going to hurt.

  “Hold tight,” he murmured and climbed inside with a low groan of pain. He was breathing hard by the time they were settled in the back seat, a cold sweat breaking out across his skin.

  Lorcan stayed huddled against him, straddling his lap, his face hidden against Knox’s neck. He’d been silent since they’d left Drogon Pack, and his hands hadn’t loosened their tight grip on Knox.

  Barrett and Gage climbed into the front of the car, while Orion and Asher got in the back.

  “Ready to leave this place behind?” Barrett asked.

  “If I never see this place again, it’ll be too soon,” Knox ground out.

  They drove away, and Drogon Pack disappeared into the distance as the night swallowed them up. The quiet was nice at first, he and Lorcan just holding one other. But Knox grew uneasy in the face of the mage’s silence. He put his lips close to Lorcan’s ear, his voice a whisper.

  “Lorcan?”

  The mage’s nose nudged him, replying with a soft murmur. “Hmm?”

  “Hey. You hanging in there okay?”

  Lorcan peeked his eyes up, one hand letting go of its firm hold on Knox’s torn shirt to trace the claw marks marring his face.

  “You’re hurt.”

  Knox hissed and cove
red Lorcan’s hand with his, easing it away from his cheek.

  “So are you.”

  He let go of Lorcan’s hand and caught the mage’s chin, tipping it up so he could get a better look at the damage to Lorcan’s face.

  “Um…” Tears sprang up in Lorcan’s eyes as his gaze skittered away from Knox’s. His bare shoulders shook, and Knox cast his gaze around.

  “Orion, have we got a blanket or something?”

  Asher reached into the back and pulled out a woven blanket that was probably as old as he was. Knox took it gratefully, shaking it out and settling it around Lorcan’s shoulders. The mage swallowed a whimper as the cloth brushed against the whip marks on his back and huddled against him once more.

  Knox had the urge to kill Tyr all over again.

  “What happened? Why did they hurt you?” Mages were too valuable for most packs to take risks with. Drogon Pack clung to the old laws a little too tightly.

  “I ran.”

  Knox chuckled at that, pressing a soft kiss to Lorcan’s jaw.

  “That I believe. I’m not sure anyone could keep you where you don’t want to be.”

  “They caught me—I’m terrible at escaping.”

  Knox shifted in his seat and grimaced as pain lanced through his hip. “Yeah, you are.”

  “Lucky for me, you’re better at fighting than I am at running.”

  “Lucky for me, even when you’ve got another alpha’s bond bite on your neck, you still only have eyes for me.”

  “Always and forever.”

  Lorcan laid his head on Knox’s uninjured shoulder and closed his eyes. Knox cupped the back of his neck lightly and held him, letting his own eyes fall closed. The others would get them safely home.

  He jerked awake to the image of Tyr bearing down on him, the mirage of the alpha disappearing as he shook off his sleep.

  “We’re home,” Gage said through the open car door next to them. “I can take him.” He gestured to Lorcan, who was asleep in Knox’s arms.

  “I’ve got him.” Knox bit back a groan of pain as he climbed out of the car, doing his best not to jostle Lorcan. The mage woke anyway, his gaze darting around, his eyes filled with fear.

  “Shh, Lorcan. You’re home. You’re safe.”

  “Knox?”

  “I’m here, I’ve got you.”

  “Put me down. I can walk.”

  “I said, I’ve got you.”

  Lorcan struggled weakly in his grip. “You’re hurt worse than I am.”

  “I’ll heal.”

  “But…”

  “Just let me do this. Please.”

  Lorcan settled, leaning into Knox’s hold instead of pulling away. It made it easier for Knox to carry him.

  “Take him to the guest house,” Gage said quietly.

  “No, we’ll go home.”

  “You’d be more comfortable…”

  “We’ll be comfortable in our own bed, with my betas standing guard.”

  Gage gave a reluctant nod of agreement.

  “I need to get some supplies,” Orion said. “Healing was never my forte, but I’ll do what I can for you both.”

  Knox started walking. Each step sent a splinter of agonizing pain through his hip and down his leg. He gritted his teeth, tightened his grip on Lorcan, and kept moving.

  Some of his betas came to greet them, brushing against his legs as they walked.

  “Hey, guys. We’re okay. A little banged up, but nothing a good night’s sleep won’t help.” Even that sentence was hard to get out, his breath coming in pained pants as his ribs burned.

  Gage snorted. “Yes, sleep is well known for its magical ability to knit bone.”

  Knox ignored the sarcasm.

  “Lorcan, you still with us?”

  “Where else would I be?” the mage asked hoarsely.

  The hut finally came into view, to Knox’s relief. He staggered the last few steps, through the door, and over to the bed. Gage was by his side in an instant, helping to lower Lorcan onto the bed with careful gentleness.

  “Orion should be here soon. Ronan and I will handle the boundary until you’re back on your feet.”

  “I’m on my feet right now.”

  “Barely,” he said. “Rest. Alpha’s orders.”

  Gage put just a touch of alpha dominance behind his words. It was enough to make Knox capitulate.

  “No argument here.”

  He sank down onto the bed next to Lorcan, staring up at Gage. The alpha’s concern faded to an exasperated fondness.

  “You risked everything tonight.”

  “It was worth it.”

  Gage’s eyes slid to Lorcan, who was hovering just on the edge of sleep.

  “I hope one day I find a mage who I feel as strongly for as you do for Lorcan. You may just have saved our pack from destruction, but you took us right to the edge to do it.”

  “I guess that’s what you have to do. Be willing to risk it all. For love.”

  And it was love he felt surge through him—every time his thoughts turned to Lorcan, every time his eyes met the mage’s.

  Asher and Orion arrived, and Gage slipped away into the night. Orion set his bag on the table, laying out a cloth and a selection of ointments and tinctures.

  “How many broken bones?”

  He was looking at Knox when he asked, but Knox turned to Lorcan, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder to shake him awake.

  “Hey, Lorcan? Orion’s here. He needs to take a look at your injuries.”

  Orion shot him a look of exasperation but shook it off and approached the bed, sitting next to a sleep-confused Lorcan. He gently cupped Lorcan’s cheek, his thumb brushing against the bruised skin.

  “Anything broken?”

  “I—I don’t think so,” Lorcan murmured. “Everything’s throbbing, but it’s not so bad. Look after Knox. Tyr tried to gouge his heart out. His ribs are broken. His hip, too.”

  “Tell all my secrets, why don’t you?” Knox grumbled.

  But it was two against one. Three, if you counted Asher. He gave in and let Orion see to the worst of it. The bleeding had slowed to little more than a trickle, but the claw marks went deep. The mage’s hands were quick and efficient. Knox gritted his teeth once more and bore the pain. He felt Lorcan’s hand on his shoulder, warmth leeching into his skin.

  “Four broken ribs, if I’m not mistaken,” Orion said gravely. “Bad breaks by themselves, but the hip is worse.”

  Knox knew that already. The joint had shattered under the force of Tyr’s jaw.

  “I don’t know how you’re even walking,” Orion admitted.

  “Sheer stubbornness.” Lorcan’s quip did a lot to ease Knox’s worry about the mage.

  “You may be right,” Orion agreed. “Or perhaps the love of a certain druid has something to do with it? If I’m not mistaken, the two of you did the impossible during that fight. You shared power, even though Lorcan was bonded to Tyr.”

  “I wasn’t his,” Lorcan protested in agitation. “I could never be his.”

  “Because you were already mine.” Knox pressed a hand over Lorcan’s to settle him.

  “Your turn,” Orion said gently, nodding to Lorcan. “Let me see the damage.”

  Knox held Lorcan’s hands and let the mage hide his face against him as Orion checked his injuries over. The whip marks on his back seemed to be the worst of it—they’d cut deep.

  “Nothing that won’t heal, either of you,” Orion concluded finally. “There will be some scarring, Knox. Your face and your chest. But that’s to be expected in an alpha challenge.”

  “I’ll wear them with pride.” They’d show everyone how he’d fought another alpha and won. Few would challenge a wolf who’d already proven themselves in a fight to the death.

  “I’ll do what I can with the supplies I have. Your hip is the priority—we need to get you back on your feet.”

  “Lorcan is my priority,” Knox argued. “Heal him first.”

  Lorcan cupped the uninjured side of hi
s face, holding his gaze. “If you can’t walk; if you can’t run—how can you protect the pack? How can you protect me? Listen to Orion. Please.”

  He caught Lorcan’s hand and kissed the mage’s palm.

  “Fine. But I want you right here by my side, where I can see you.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Lorcan promised.

  They let Orion work his magic, and then fell asleep tucked close, the world held at bay. The future was uncertain, but for now they had each other, and they had the pack. That would have to be enough.

  27

  Lorcan felt a rush of fear when he woke, but Knox’s arm was around his waist, the alpha’s nose pressed against his neck. He was warm, and he was safe, and he was…

  “Fuck,” Knox muttered, shifting around on the bed.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “My hip’s killing me. Hurts to breathe,” the alpha grumbled, his breath tickling the nape of Lorcan’s neck. “How are you feeling?”

  “Sore, but safe.” The pain from his injuries was dull and distant.

  “Safe is good. We’ll work on the rest.”

  “Should I get Orion? Maybe he can help.”

  Knox’s arm tightened around his waist, holding him in place. “I’m okay. Better for having you here. Go back to sleep. It’s still early.”

  The next time he woke, bright light filtered in through the hut’s window. It was after midday, later than they usually rose. He had turned over in his sleep, his face nestled in the crook of Knox’s arm.

  The alpha was awake and watching him.

  “Hi.”

  “Hey.”

  He took in the lines of pain across Knox’s face.

  “That bad, huh? Let me get Orion.”

  Knox pressed a hand to his arm with a shake of his head. “I’m okay.”

  “You’re not.”

  “I’m healing.”

  Lorcan narrowed his eyes in suspicion at that, nudging Knox’s shoulder so that he could get a better look at his injuries. He peeled back the bandage covering the claw marks across the alpha’s chest and winced.