PRIME APEX

The crackling fire cast flickering shadows against the wooden walls, but all I could focus on was the man sitting at the head of the room.

Dylan.

My breath hitched as I took in the sight of him.

His posture was relaxed, but there was nothing casual about the way he watched me—assessing every move, every breath.

One arm rested lazily on the intricately carved wooden armrest of his chair—no, his throne.

I barely recognized him.

Was this really the same Dylan, the lifeguard I had been friends with?

That Dylan had been friendly, carefree. But this Dylan?

This Dylan carried an aura of power.

A slow, knowing smile curled his lips. "Welcome, Leighton."

I could only stare.

"You…" My voice wavered as I tried to make sense of what I was seeing.

"You're the Alpha?"

Dylan chuckled—low and rumbling, filled with something I couldn't quite place.

"You must be surprised," he said.

I wasn't sure how to react.

I tore my gaze from him, scanning the room, half-expecting someone else to step forward and claim the title. But the way the other werewolves stood—silent, watchful, waiting—it was clear.

Dylan wasn't just an Alpha.

He was their Alpha.

"Yes, I'm surprised," I admitted, still struggling to process it.

"You should be," he replied smoothly.

I narrowed my eyes, searching his face for something—anything—that would make this feel less surreal.

"I didn't think you were leading an entire pack."

"Well," he mused, leaning back into his chair, "now you know."

My mind reeled. This changed everything. I had come here expecting to negotiate with a hardened, battle-worn leader—someone I would have to convince to help me.

Instead, I had walked straight into his domain.

And now, I needed his help.

Dylan studied me, his gaze sharp and considering.

"Why are you here, Leighton?"

I forced myself to straighten, pushing aside the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

"I need your help."

Dylan's expression darkened slightly.

"With what?"

I hesitated. There was no easy way to say this.

"I need your mark."

Dylan's brows lifted, his curiosity unmistakable.

"What?" His voice was edged with disbelief. "And why is that?"

"First, you have to trust me."

I met his gaze.

"I carry the blood of the Prime Apex."

He stilled.

"You what?" His voice dropped, unreadable.

I didn't need to repeat myself.

"And I must be marked by five different immortals," I continued.

The air in the room grew heavy.

"A human immortal of the earth," I paused. "A thousand-year-old vampire. An Alpha werewolf. The longest undead soul. And one of the nature spirits."

A tense silence settled over the room.

The other werewolves stiffened, their golden eyes flashing with something close to hostility. A murmur rippled through them, their unease palpable.

Dylan's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his gaze—understanding, caution… something more.

He exhaled through his nose, rubbing a hand over his jaw.

"Damn it, Leighton."

My stomach twisted. "What?"

"I almost don't believe it. But I should've known the moment I smelled your blood."

His amber eyes darkened, his voice quieter now.

"Your pull was so strong. No wonder you're the Prime Apex. But…"

He stopped, jaw tightening.

"You have no idea what you're asking."

"Then explain it to me," I said.

His fingers drummed against the armrest, tension rolling off him in waves.

"The mark of an Alpha isn't just a ritual. It's a bond. A connection that goes beyond words."

I listened intently.

"Do you get it?"

His eyes flashed—a warning laced in his tone.

"Because if I do this, it means you're tied to me. My pack. My people. You don't just walk away from that."

My breath came shallow, but I held his gaze.

"Dylan… if I don't get these marks, I won't survive."

For a second, something unreadable flickered across his face. Concern? Regret? But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by the steel of a leader.

He leaned forward, his voice quieter now. "And you're sure you want my mark?"

I hesitated.

I owed Xander and Vlad an explanation later.

But right now, I needed Dylan's consent.

Not because I doubted him.

But because I understood what he was saying.

This wasn't just an exchange of power. It wasn't just another step in becoming the Prime Apex.

This was permanent.

And yet… maybe I was the exception.

Even though the mark of an Alpha wasn't just a favor or a blessing.

It was a claim.

And he was offering me a choice.

Even knowing the weight of it, I had no other option.

"Yes," I whispered, though my voice carried a slight tremor.

Dylan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Fine. But on one condition."

My pulse quickened. "What condition?"

His lips twitched into a smirk, but there was no humor in his gaze. Only resolve.

"You stay here, with us, until the full moon."

My stomach dropped. "What?"

"You heard me." His voice was calm, firm. "If you want my mark, you have to earn it."

A ripple of murmurs passed through the gathered werewolves. Some looked at me with curiosity, others with skepticism.

My fists clenched at my sides.

"I don't want to waste time, Dylan."

"Then I guess you don't have time for my mark."

I swallowed hard.

"Fine. I'll wait. But I'm bringing the vampires to stay here."

"You what?" His expression darkened.

"Xander and Vlad. They're my protectors. And Vlad… is the first one who marked me. Our blood has already been intertwined."

Dylan studied me, his expression unreadable.

He didn't respond immediately, as if choosing his next words carefully.

"I still don't understand how it works. How can you be marked by many, if they'll all be connected to you? How can you be my mate if you've been marked by others?"

Dylan shook his head, still deep in thought.

I didn't know what to say. I didn't have the answer myself.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind us.

"For the Prime Apex, it's an exception."

An older woman stepped forward—hunched, frail, with one unseeing eye.

"Edee," Dylan said, bowing his head.

The woman walked closer, her gaze sweeping over me from head to toe.