My Future Sister-in-law Wants to Claim My Throne

The scent of pine and earth welcomed me before I even crossed into Crescent Peak Pack’s territory. It was the scent of home, and no matter how many packs I had visited or how much I had learned from their Alphas, nothing compared to it. The moment my paws hit the familiar dirt, I shifted back into my human form, stretching and rolling my shoulders as the cool air of the forest kissed my skin. My bones ached from the long run, but it was the good kind of ache—the kind that reminded me of who I was. I was a wolf, destined to lead, and Crescent Peak was mine.

I pulled on the clothes I had tied around my leg before I’d shifted and made my way toward the packhouse. The towering structure loomed ahead, lights glowing warmly from within, and the sound of voices—familiar, loved—grew louder as I approached. My heart swelled with anticipation. I had been away for nearly three years, learning everything I could about leading a pack from some of the most renowned Alphas around the world. But nothing had prepared me for the feeling of coming home.

As I stepped into the clearing, the packhouse doors burst open. My mother, Luna Brianna, stood in the doorway with a radiant smile on her face, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears.

“Brooke!” she called, and within moments, I was wrapped in her arms, her familiar scent of lavender and cedar filling my senses. “We’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too, Mom,” I murmured into her hair, squeezing her tight before pulling back to look at her. “You look great.”

“And you,” she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You look... different. Stronger.”

I smiled, knowing she meant it as more than just a compliment. There was a subtle shift in my presence, one that came from the confidence of experience and knowledge. I’d been trained by Alphas of packs larger than ours, some stronger, some more ruthless. But Crescent Peak was where my heart was. It’s where I’d lead.

Before I could say anything more, my father, Alpha Samuel, appeared beside us. His tall frame still exuded the authority that commanded respect, but his eyes softened as they met mine.

“Welcome home, Brooke,” he said, his voice rich and warm. “We’ve prepared quite the celebration for you.”

I glanced beyond him to see the rest of the pack gathering in the clearing. There were tables set up, fires burning, and music playing. It was a grand homecoming, and my heart stuttered with emotion. This was my family. These wolves, my people.

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, reaching out to clasp his hand. His grip was firm, grounding me in the moment. “It’s good to be back.”

“About time you came home,” a teasing voice chimed in from behind my father.

I turned to see Wyatt, my younger brother, smirking as he leaned against a tree. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he gave me a playful nod. He had grown too, in my absence—more muscle, more confidence—but his mischievous grin was the same.

“Wyatt,” I called out, my voice carrying a playful warning. “Still causing trouble?”

“Who, me? Never,” he laughed, pushing off the tree to come closer. He pulled me into a tight hug, lifting me slightly off the ground. “You’re going to have your hands full soon.”

“Still the same, huh?” I teased back, giving him a look.

“You bet. I’ve been keeping the pack in line while you were out playing student.”

“Someone had to make sure you weren’t slacking off,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “Looks like you didn’t burn the place down, so I guess you’ll do.”

He grinned but then glanced over his shoulder, and I followed his gaze to a girl standing quietly off to the side. She was young, maybe a year or two younger than me, with soft brown hair that framed her delicate features. Her eyes flickered toward us but quickly darted away when she realized I was watching her.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

Wyatt’s expression softened. “That’s Audree. She’s new to the pack—a recent addition. An omega.”