Sold To The Untouchable Alpha
First Shift And Claim Of Power

[lvan's POV]

I watched as Igor and Hans led the traitors out of the dining room, leaving only the two remainingelders, Arissa, and myself.

Behind me I could feel the relief and joy radiating from Arissa as she continued to hug my neck."Are you pleased, my dear?" I asked, deciding to continue with the act in front of Elder Gregory andElder Oliver. "Did I do you justice?"

"Y-yeah." Arissa murmured just as something warm and wet hit my cheek.

Looking up in confusion, I was surprised to replace that tears were beginning to stream down hercheeks.

"What's wrong?" I asked, attempting to get up from my seat.

"I'm fine.” Arissa assured, giving a real smile. "I'm just..."

I felt my heart clench as she tried to figure out the emotion. Was it truly that difficult for her torecognize happiness?

"Don't worry." I sighed, grabbing one of her slender hands with my own. "As long as I'm here, youwill grow used to this feeling.”

Nodding, Arissa used her free hand to wipe away the tears before turning her to the two elders thatwere examining us cautiously.

"I do apologize for proving your opinion of me wrong." Arissa said, squaring her shoulders."However, I now do believe you have something to tell me."

Staying quiet, I watched the two elders who were growing more and more uncomfortable.

"You are still a wolfless abomination.” Elder Oliver tried. "Look at the bad luck you brought yourfamily. Your grandfather and stepbrother became traitors.”

"That has nothing to do with me." Arissa pointed out easily. "And, who says I don't have a wolf?""W-what?" Elder Gregory stammered. "What did you just say?"

"I said," Arissa began, loosening her hold on me. "Who said I don't have a wolf?"

I watched with pride as Arissa stood to her full height and let her aura explode from within. Thoughit still held the bloodlust that her vampire side crazed, it also now shone a bright white light thatemanated an alphas power that even equalled out to mine.

"You were saying?" I smirked, basking in the power my woman possessed.

"T-that's impossible..." Elder Oliver gasped, his eyes growing wide.

"You clearly didn't shift at the ceremony.” Elder Gregory added.

"Guess I was a late bloomer." Arissa shrugged. "If you'd like, I can shift to prove myself further.”Instead of waiting, Arissa began to shift right then and there. Despite her best attempts, shecouldn't mask her whimpers of pain. After all, a wolf's first ever shift is usually the most painful. Aftershe was finished, her large white wolf stood behind me, fixing its silver gaze on the elders."S-she..." Elder Gregory tried with wonder in his eyes. "She shifted.”

"Of course she shifted.” I huffed.

Turning, I took in her wolf form. She was absolutely magnificent and I could feel Bastian beginningto stir in hopes of being able to connect with her in this form.

“Later,’ I growled as he whined. 'Quit being impatient.’

Rolling his eyes, Bastian gave huff before slinking back to where he came from.

"Do you feel that power?" Elder Oliver asked, standing up and coming around the table.

I let a warning grow! escape me while he stepped closer to Arissa, causing him to stop and remainin place.

"Impressive." Elder Oliver murmured, beginning to smile. "I dare say she is stronger than you, Ivan."Even though I should have been offended by his comment, I couldn't replace it in me to be anythingbut proud. I had known since the start that she was special and I was so fucking thankful that Iattended that battle on that day.

Letting out a whimper, Arissa began to shift back to her human form. As a beginner to shifting, shewasn't fully in control yet. It would take time for her to hold her form longer and longer.

Quickly standing, I yanked my jacket off and wrapped at around her as she returned fully to human.I would be damned if these two old bastards would be allowed to get a look at my woman's body. Itwas mine and mine alone.

"Now that you've seen enough.” Arissa sighed, slumping against me. "I want to go to bed.”

"We will say goodbye for now then.” I said, wrapping an arm around her. "We will meet tomorrowmorning along with my subordinates to discuss our next move against my nephew.”

"What about your brother?" Elder Gregory asked, seeming confused. "Are you not going to includehim?"

Frowning, I remembered that I hadn't mentioned Isaac's death yet. Oh well, I guessed now was asgood of a time as ever.

"He is dead." I said slowly, weighing the elders reactions. "He was killed by his own son already.”"Does that mean he has full command of Isaac's pack?" Elder Gregory asked, his eyes growing wide."That pack is one of the strongest to exist.”

"Don't forget." Arissa giggled. "He doesn't possess the same blood as their alpha.”

All eyes shot to Arissa, who was looking smug.

"Isaac was simply a place holder until I came of age.” She continued. "As far as I know only hisimmediate subordinates went through the blood sharing ceremony. The rest still possess myfather's mark."

"Meaning," I chimed in as she seemed to swoon from exhaustion. "If Arissa commands them, theyhave to obey."

It looked like we had an ace up our sleeve when it came to this battle.

"And you're sure they haven't promised loyalty to Isaac or Gillian?" Elder Gregory asked, seemingunsure.

"They haven't.” She assured, earning herself questioning looks. "Just trust me." She huffed.

Looking up, I met her gaze and saw a look of mischief there. It seemed there was something shedidn't want the elders to know.

"Now, my future luna is tired." I said, scooping Arissa into my arms. "We will reconvene tomorrowmorning."

I didn't bother waiting for either of the elders to respond before making my way out of the dininghall. I wanted to know what she was hiding and if she didn't want to tell me, I would force it out ofher.