Sold To The Untouchable Alpha

[lvan's POV]

I watched as Igor and Hans led the traitors out of the dining room, leaving only the two remaining elders, 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 and Elder 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 find that tears were beginning to stream down her cheeks.

"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 to recognize happiness?

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

Nodding, Arissa used her free hand to wipe away the tears before turning her to the two elders that were 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 your family. 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. Though it still held the bloodlust that her vampire side crazed, it also now shone a bright white light that emanated 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, she couldn't mask her whimpers of pain. After all, a wolf's first ever shift is usually the most painful. After she 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 beginning to 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 remain in 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 find it in me to be anything but proud. I had known since the start that she was special and I was so fucking thankful that I attended that battle on that day.

Letting out a whimper, Arissa began to shift back to her human form. As a beginner to shifting, she wasn'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. It was 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 tomorrow morning 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 include him?"

Frowning, I remembered that I hadn't mentioned Isaac's death yet. Oh well, I guessed now was as good 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 his immediate subordinates went through the blood sharing ceremony. The rest still possess my father's mark."

"Meaning," I chimed in as she seemed to swoon from exhaustion. "If Arissa commands them, they have 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, seeming unsure.

"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 she didn't want the elders to know.

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

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