Kael’s POV.
I sat at the head of the Council table, my eyes scanning the faces of the council members. The tension in the air was palpable, and I knew I was in for a long session.
“So, Kael,” Councilor Aurora began, her voice. “It seems your pack is in shambles. Food is going missing, property is being vandalized, and your members are at each other’s throats. What do you have to say for yourself?”
I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “I understand the concerns, Councilor. But I assure you, I am doing everything in my power to rectify the situation.”
Councilor Orion snorted. “Rectify the situation? Do you mean like you rectified the situation with your last breeder? The one who mysteriously disappeared?”
I gritted my teeth, my temper rising, this old man knows just how to get on my nerves. “That was a different situation, Councilor. And I assure you, I had nothing to do with her disappearance.”
Councilor Lila raised an eyebrow. “Save it, Kael. We’re not buying it. You’re incapable of leading your pack. Maybe it’s time for a new alpha.”
I felt a growl rising in my throat, but I forced it back. I knew I had to keep my cool if I wanted to get out of this meeting with blood-free hands.
“I understand your concerns, Councilors,” I said, my voice even. “But I implore you, do not make any rash decisions. I will get to the bottom of this, I promise.”
The Councilors exchanged glances, and I knew I was fighting against these doubting Thomas’.
“We’ll give you one more chance, Kael,” Councilor Aurora said finally. “But if things don’t improve, we’ll have no choice but to take action.”
I nodded.
“In that case, this meeting is adjourned,” I said and rose to my feet.
But as I watched the council members leave the meeting, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was fighting against invincible sources. Who was behind the sabotage, and how could I stop them before it was too late? Keiran?
I stormed out of the Council chambers, my rage boiling over. How dare they question my leadership? I was the strongest alpha this pack had ever seen. I had brought prosperity and peace to our lands, and this was how they plan to repay me? With doubt and suspicion?
Aurora! That name was stuck in my head.
My rejected mate who suddenly slept her way to high places thinks she now talk to me anyhow she wants.
I slammed into my office, my beta, zephyr , looking up from his seat. He was a wise wolf, with a calm and cool head. But even his calm and nice look could not quench the rage in me.
“zephyr , those fools!” I snarled. “They think I’m incapable of leading my pack? They think I’m weak?”
zephyr ‘s expression remained calm, but his eyes had an understanding look in them. “They’re just trying to provoke you, Kael. Don’t let them get in your head.” .”
But I was beyond reason. I paced the room, my rage burning my chest with each step. How could they do this to me? I had given everything to this pack. Everything!
zephyr stood, his voice calm and quiet. “Kael, you need to calm down. We’ll figure out who’s behind the sabotage and put a stop to it. You can’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.”
But I was beyond reasoning. I slammed my fist on the desk, making zephyr flinch. “I’ll show them all. I’ll show them what it means to cross me. I’ll show them the true meaning of strength and power.”
zephyr ‘s eyes narrowed, his voice loud and clear. “Kael, that’s enough. You’re not thinking clearly. You need to calm down and focus on the problem at hand.”
But I was too pissed off to be calm. I turned on zephyr , my eyes blazing with rage. “You’re just like the rest of them, zephyr . You don’t believe in me either. You think I’m weak, that I can’t handle this pack on my own.”
zephyr ‘s face turned place, but he stood his ground. “Kael, that’s not true. I’m trying to help you. We all are.”
But I wasn’t listening. I was consumed by my rage, my anger, my hurt. I turned away from zephyr , my mind racing with thoughts that even I could not decipher right now.
I would show them all. I would show them what it meant to cross me. I would make them pay for their doubt and their suspicion. I would make them pay for not believing in me.
Just then, a thought hit me.
Akira and I had some things to talk about.
I stormed into Akira’s quarters, and luckily I met her inside, alone. “Akira, what’s going on with you?” I demanded, my voice cold and hard. “You’re always missing lately, and when you are here, you look like you’re worried about something. What’s wrong?”
Akira looked up from her seat, her eyes wide and her face drained of its color. “N-nothing, Kael. I’m just… just a little stressed, that’s all.”
I scoffed. “Stressed? Are you stressed? Do you think you’re stressed? I’m the one who’s stressed, Akira. I’m the one who’s dealing with a pack that’s falling apart. And you’re just… missing. Always missing. If you know shit, spit it!”
Akira stood, her voice a loud shout. “I’m not always missing, Kael. And even if I was, it’s none of your business. We made a deal, remember? You stay out of my business, and I’ll stay out of yours.”
I laughed and watched as Akira bowed her head. “Oh, I remember the deal, Akira. And I’m holding you to it. You’re my mate, after all. My property. And I won’t let you just disappear without a proper explanation.”
Akira’s eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a low whisper. “I’m not your property, Kael. And I won’t be treated like it. I’m your mate, yes. But I’m also a person, with my thoughts and feelings. And I won’t be ignored.”
I sneered, my anger threatening to consume me. “You’re just a person? You’re just a person? You’re my mate, Akira. And you’ll do what I say. Or else.”
Akira took a step back, but she stood her ground. “Or else what, Kael? What will you do to me?”
I took a deep breath and my calm demeanor returned: “Oh, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you in line, Akira. Whatever it takes.”
“Well then, let me tell you what I found out.”