Chapter 49

The pain was something he’d never forget. Nathan’s bones shattered into thousands of pieces, burning hot iron coursing around his body as the fire built to a fever pitch. Slowly, the pain started to ebb away as if it hadn’t even been there. Collapsing to the ground, Nathan turned toward the warmth of his mother, Carla, who was pressing a towel to his forehead.

“He’s in pain, Luke,” she said.

Opening his eyes, he saw his father smiling. “He’ll be alpha one day, Carla. The pain is necessary.”

“None of the others have had this kind of pain.”

“They’re not alpha like our son. This will teach him respect, understanding, and it will make him a better alpha. This is what is necessary for all of us who lead.” His father spoke like the alpha he was. Soon, one day, Nathan would take over. He was the eldest son. “I’m proud of you, son.”

Nathan smiled up at his father, wishing there was something he could say. The pain was too great. The fire was already building within his veins for another bone