Free Torment: Reckless Desires (Dark Wolves Book 1) by Elianne Adams

silencing him. “Khet’s leaving after the ceremony and the feast. I’ve asked him to sit with me for one final meal.”
    Her brother took a deep breath, then nodded. “Fine. Then let’s get this done quickly,” he said before going to where Argram stood, with his mate standing next to him.
    “Argram, as outgoing acting Alpha, in front of my entire pack, I submit to you. I trust that you will lead us well and fairly.” With that, he tilted his head to the side, inviting the other man to bite him.
    Not a sound rose from anyone around them as Argram performed the necessary task of biting Joss, removing him from his position. The rest of the pack would pledge, but no other bites were needed unless Argram felt the need to show dominance over anyone.
    Delana stepped forward next. Khet’s low growl rumbled between them, but she ignored it. If he had issues, then he could deal with them once he was gone. As the strongest female, the Komoro women looked to her for direction since they’d had no true alpha after the last had perished. Seeing her agreement with Joss’s decision would go a long way in establishing trust with Argram.
    “Argram, I accept your leadership and pledge my loyalty to you and our new pack.” Delana tilted her head to the side. She didn’t expect a bite, so when his hot breath brushed her neck, she stiffened. Sharp teeth pierced her skin just where Khet and given her his mating bite. Pain shot through her shoulder, and she couldn’t help but gasp.
    In an instant, a vicious growl came from behind her. Khet stood there, his hands clenched. The wicked sound came again, but another met it. Argram pulled her to the side and stepped forward.
    “You wish to challenge me?” Argram’s voice deepened as he came nose to nose with Khet.
    For an excruciating moment, she thought Khet would say yes. That he would fight his Alpha because he had done what? Dared to bite her as was his right? Her heart pounded. A challenge to the Alpha ended in death—always. Please, please don’t do this.
    Khet glanced over at Miga, who clung to Malec, then over at her, and his gaze fell to the ground. He was silent for several seconds. “I wish no such thing, Argram. I submit to you, as always,” he said even though his voice had turned gravelly, and he had his fists clenched at his sides. He then tilted his head, accepting the bite.
    When he came back, Khet wouldn’t look at her. He wouldn’t look at anyone. He just stared at the ground at his feet, his shoulders slumped.
    The spark of anger that had been festering inside since Khet had left her smoldered and grew. Whatever his issues were, he was letting them get between them. He kept silent as one person after another came forward, pledging their loyalty to Argram. His pack brothers all did the same, renewing their pledges in front of the entire pack.
    As Alpha, Argram and his family were served first. As soon as they were, Delana stepped forward. She heaped plenty of meat onto a plate along with some sweet biscuits one of the omegas had made and carried the plate to Khet.
    “Here. Eat. Since you can’t stand the sight of me, you might as well get this done and over with so you can go.” Anger laced every one of her words, but she couldn’t keep it bottled inside.
    When he finally looked at her, the pain in his eyes had her heart stuttering. She didn’t want him to go, but things couldn’t go on as they were. He took the plate from her. “Thank you.”
    She sat on the ground next to him, careful not to touch any part of him, though deep inside, she wanted to shake him and demand answers.
    He kept his gaze locked onto hers as he grabbed a piece of meat and brought it to her lips. She shook her head, and his jaw clenched, but she wouldn’t give in. If he wanted to run, then he had to do it on his own. She wasn’t helping him. Not this time.
    From the corner of her eye, she spotted Wesken with his plate of food coming to sit between his brother and Khet. Another