Griffin’s POV
There was no going back now and I knew. Even though I knew that Rolan didn’t know about my position in the rise of the councilmen against him, I had a feeling he was beginning to suspect my intentions.
My fingers tapped impatiently on the surface of the long, polished table, each echoing a reminder of the mounting tension that clung to the air.
The councilmen were discussing Alpha Rolan’s recent shift from a steely, unyielding leader to what they perceive as a softer, more lenient figure. The buzz of their discontent is palpable, but the meeting drags on, each minute stretching into what feels like an eternity.
I had not been entirely surprised by the councilman’s dissatisfaction. Weakness, as they saw it, was a threat to their power and influence.
They needed someone unyielding at the helm, someone like Rolan was before. The irony doesn’t escape me; they were the ones who sought to unseat him, after all.
The door creaked open, and Pandora hurried in with the urgency of someone who believed she held the key to a crucial piece of information.
Her eyes, typically warm, were now steely with concern. I braced myself, knowing she wouldn’t intrude unless it was important, and masked my new growing dislike for her.
“Griffin,” she began, her voice strained, “I need you to speak to Caleb about Ashley. She’s withering away. She’s been trying to get through to him, but he refuses to listen. If something doesn’t change, she’s going to lose herself completely.”
I glanced at Pandora, my irritation barely concealed. “Why should I interfere? Let Caleb handle his mess. If Ashley is really intent on falling apart, there’s nothing I can do to fix it. Sometimes people need to face the consequences. She tried to kill him.”
Pandora’s eyes flash with anger. “Watch your tone, Griffin. I’m asking you for help because you’re the only one who might be able to sway Caleb’s stubbornness.”
I let out a harsh laugh, as my patience wore thin. “And if I refuse? What then? You think you can force me into this or Caleb into doing what you want?”
Pandora’s jaw tightened, her face filled with shock at how I had snapped at her and her hands clenched into fists.
“You’re being unreasonable. Ashley’s suffering and Caleb is so wrapped up in his need to punish her that he does not see that she is just a child who lost her way. Someone needs to intervene.”
Before I could respond, the chill of Rolan’s voice cut through the room like a newly made blade. “I’ll take care of him.”
The suddenness of Rolan’s presence made me freeze, my heart pounded in my chest. I had not heard him approach, and now his words hung in the air, heavy with a threat I could not ignore. I turned slowly, my stomach twisting with apprehension.
Rolan stood in the doorway, his expression cold and unreadable. The power in his gaze was palpable, and I knew that I was not just dealing with an annoyed Alpha but a man who was capable of drastic measures.
“Alpha,” I began, my voice faltering as I try to regain my composure. “I didn’t…”
“Save it,” he interrupted me, his voice icy. “How dare you speak to the Luna that way, Griffin? If you can’t see the bigger picture, then perhaps it’s time you learn a lesson in humility.”
I swallowed hard, as a shiver ran down my spine. I’ve crossed a line, and Rolan’s anger was not something I was eager to face. The cold, calculating look in his eyes told me that he was not in the mood for half-measures or empty threats.
Pandora, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, stepped back, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and curiosity. “Rolan, I was just…”
“Enough,” Rolan said, cutting her off with a sharp gesture. “I’m dealing with this.”
With that, he walked into the room, right past me, his presence dominating the room. I couldn’t help but feel a chill settle in the pit of my stomach as I watched him glance around my room before he took his leave.
Rolan’s cold demeanor and the threat in his voice make it clear that he has a plan up his sleeves. His displeasure was something I definitely wanted to avoid.
I turned back to Pandora, trying to steady my breathing. “I’m sorry that I spoke to you that way, I’ve just been on edge for quite a while” I apologized.
Her gaze softened, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. “I didn’t mean for things to get out of hand. I was only trying to help Ashley. I will speak to Rolan too. He doesn’t seem like his usual self”
I nodded, though my mind was still racing. That had been Rolan’s usual self and the fact that she had no idea about it was what filled me with more dread.
Pandora left immediately, mumbling some words about catching up with Rolan but I could only acknowledge what she said with a nod even though I had barely heard anything she said.
My phone beeped and a message popped up on my screen.
“I’m here. Come get me”
She had arrived and I heaved a sigh of relief. All I had to do now was take a step back in everything that I had already set in motion.
Rolan seemed different, even from the man that he used to be. I picked up my car key and rushed outside, hoping that I didn’t run into him till I got back.
Outside, the cool air greeted me, but it did little to chase away the unease that had settled in my chest after that brief confrontation.
The game of power was unforgiving, and today’s events had underscored just how precarious my position was.
I needed to tread carefully, to recalibrate my strategy and ensure that I don’t find myself on the receiving end of Rolan’s wrath for any reason.