For Bear Or For Worse (Pure Blood 1) by Meredith Clarke Page A

was started by the Elders.  We need to evolve in order to survive.”  I felt Avery squeeze my hand next to me and I knew then that I was a much better leader with this woman beside me.  I let out a breath and I allowed my Alpha instincts to take over.  My eyes shifted colors and I felt the push of power rush out towards the members of my sleuth.
    “I am still your Alpha. You're either with me or against me. But from this moment forward things are about to change. Do you want to be part of that change or not?”
                  They just stood there and stared at me, but I could tell they were all lost in their own thoughts. Maybe they were remembering Evan and the price he paid for going against the sleuth. Or maybe they were thinking it was time for a change.  I was surprised when a few of the members stepped forward and then stood behind me without a word. I felt Michael clap his hand on my shoulder.  I was lucky to have him by my side.  He was sacrificing a lot to do so. Without me, Michael could become Alpha of his own clan.  He was loyal to the bone and I knew then he would have my back no matter what and I would have his.
                  Once those that wanted to be on my side moved over Zoey was left with only a few bears behind her.  She let out a low growl.
    “Go and tell the Elders, Zoey.  See how they react.  These bears behind me are my sleuth now.  Anyone not standing with me is now my enemy.”  I felt my bear take over and I pushed as much power as I could towards Zoey and the bears behind her.  The all swayed and fell to their knees. I could see Zoey fighting my power, so I pushed more out towards her.  She grunted in pain and sank down.   
    “Leave.  Now.  And don’t ever show your face around me again.”
                  She glared at me before she turned and left with the others. When they had all left I let out my breath and pulled Avery close to me.  I had to feel her body pressed up against mine. 
                  “What are we going to do now?” she asked.
    I looked around the room at the other bears realizing the weight of the decision that I was about to make.  I glanced over at Michael and he nodded in agreement.
                  “We are going to leave this area and start our own sleuth.  The Elders will have no say over us now and I will protect you with my life”.
                  “I am really worth all this trouble?” she asked sadly. 
    I pushed her long hair behind her ears and kissed her gently.  I felt a spark pass between us cementing in my mind that she was my one true mate.
    “Of course you are.”
     
     

EPILOGUE
     
                  “And you are sure that Cole has left Seattle?” and elder asked.
    I felt the gravel under my knees as I knelt in front of them.  After all the anger had left me earlier, I now only felt numb.  The Elder grunted waiting for my response and I could only slowly nod yes.
                  “Michael, Ryan and Trent went with him?” he asked.
                  “Yes” I said.
                  “Then it is time for our sleuth to choose a new Alpha.”  I watched him slowly stand up from the chair he was sitting in.  His dark robes looked heavy on his frail frame.  The air around me grew cold and I felt the distinct push of magic fall over my body. 
                  “Cole Maddox is dead to us.  He is no longer our Alpha, and is no longer able to control us with his will.  These gifts that I now instill on you will help you reign our sleuth.”  I felt his hands brush against my shoulders and I held my breath not believing this was truly happening. 
                  “Please rise” he bellowed to the bears behind us.  He pulled me up from my kneeling position and turned me to face the crowd.
                  “Kneel for your new Alpha….Zoey Richards.” 
    All