Page 42 of Alpha Charmed

Somewhere behind us, the Elder Council Chamber sits empty, still echoing with the shock of what just happened.

Somewhere ahead, Cordelia is probably already planning her response.

But right now, in this moment, none of that matters.

The wolf has finally claimed his witch.

And against all odds, she’s claimed him back.

ELEVEN

ANOUK

Iwake to sunlight and the strangest sensation I’ve ever experienced.

The claiming mark on my shoulder hums with a warmth that is entirely new.

The ache behind my sternum—the hollow left by Corwin’s perch, by his warmth, by fifteen years of golden eyes looking back at me—is still there. But it’s smaller now. Not gone. Just… manageable.

A knock at my door shatters the moment.

“Coven Leader.” My apprentice’s voice carries through the wood, pitched with barely contained excitement. “There’s an emergency council meeting. Elder Cordelia called it. She’s demanding your attendance immediately.”

Of course, she is.

I close my eyes, take a breath, and begin assembling my armor.

The enchanted windows still show their habitual peaceful sunrise, as if nothing has changed overnight. The faces watching me as I enter tell a different story.

Cordelia is already seated, her expression a masterwork of wounded concern. She’s gathered her allies—Elder Jasper looking uncomfortable as always, a handful of traditionalist council members I’ve never particularly liked—and positioned them strategically around the table.

Elder Vera catches my eye as I take my seat. Her expression is carefully neutral, but I catch the slight nod of acknowledgment. Whatever happens next, I have at least one ally in this room.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Coven Leader.” Cordelia’s voice drips with false solicitude. “I know you must be… exhausted after last night’s events.”

“Not particularly.” I fold my hands on the table, the picture of professional calm. “What is the purpose of this meeting, Elder Cordelia?”

“Surely that’s obvious.” She gestures at the gathered council members with theatrical concern. “Last night’s… incident has raised serious questions about your ability to lead this coven.”

“Incident.” I let the word hang. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

“What would you call it? A public claiming—witnessed by the entire coven—with a shifter? A wolf alpha, no less.” Cordelia shakes her head, the gesture perfectly calibrated to convey disappointment. “Some of us are concerned about the message this sends.”

“And what message would that be?”

“That our coven leader has compromised her judgment. That she’s allowed herself to become entangled with outside influences. That she can no longer be trusted to put the coven’s interests first.”

My hands go still on the table.

“The coven’s interests.” I keep my voice level. “Interesting that you mention those. Given that I’ve spent days investigating a murder that threatens this entire community.”

“An investigation that has brought you into increasingly close contact with shifters.” Cordelia pounces on the opening. “An investigation that some might argue has influenced your decisions in ways that⁠—”

“An investigation that has uncovered evidence of a centuries-old conspiracy.” I cut her off without raising my voice. “A conspiracy to suppress the truth about witch-shifter relations. A conspiracy that has cost lives—including Elder Mathilda’s.”

Silence falls over the table. Elder Jasper shifts in his seat, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. A few of the neutral council members exchange uncertain glances.

“If you have accusations to make—” Cordelia begins.