Orphan Alpha

Eighteen Years Earlier

“Craig, Jordan, it’s good to see you. I wish it were under better circumstances though.” Alpha Bruce said.

“You too Bruce. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your help.” I replied.

“Nonsense. You’re family Craig. I thought I made that clear when I mated with your sister. Now why don’t you fill me in on what’s been happening since you joined Jordan at the Castle?”

I took a deep breath to steady myself. It had been two years since the royals made it clear that I would have to leave my position as Alpha of my own pack to join my mate at the castle. She was second in line for the throne, until her brother assumed the role, she wasn’t free to live her life as Luna to my pack. Bruce had been kind enough to offer my pack shelter, many of them opting to join rather than remain in limbo waiting for our return, which could take decades.

she learn the ins and outs of running the entire Lycan kingdom. I spent most of my time training with the royal

that I realized every death was of someone in line to the throne.

species was generally healthier than humans, untouched by things that would take them out easily, but it did happen on occasion. I decided to investigate deeper into the deaths. I wanted to know if my mind was creating

around, gathering information. I had tried to go directly to the royal physicians, but they had refused to give me any information. My status as an Alpha held no bearing in the royal court. Here I was simply Jordan’s mate. I tried to use her own Alpha

gaining access to the deceased royal’s medical records and autopsy reports, I had been delegated to sneaking into offices after hours. In order to avoid my activities being detected, I had stolen the files one at a time, making note of anything that seemed important. By the time I had sorted through all of the records, there was one thing that stood out to me in my notes. All of the dead royals had been the picture of health prior

deadly amount of wolfsbane. The royals were known to consume small amounts of wolfsbane in an attempt to inoculate themselves against being poisoned with the stuff, some of them taking it in small doses with their evening meal. Even so, the amounts detected by their toxicology reports was well over what they would have consumed. They had been intentionally poisoned. I would need to talk to their

a training accident, a run in with a vamp, a heart attack. All fairly mundane and not so unusual in the general wolf population. These were, however, royal wolves, all in line for the throne should anything happen to Jordan or her brother. They should have been heavily guarded and undergoing regular physicals to detect and treat any ailments. I knew I wouldn’t get

“What’s wrong love?” I asked, rushing to her side.

“Ezekiel is dead. He was found in the