Caleb’s POV
It had been nearly a week since Alpha Rolan left for his trip, and every day since, I felt the weight of leadership more acutely than ever.
Rolan had trusted me to keep things in order while he was away, a responsibility I didn’t take lightly. But Griffin, his so-called loyal assistant, had been making it impossible.
The moment Rolan was out of sight, Griffin started plotting, as if the throne was his to take.
At first, it was subtle. Griffin offered suggestions, and ideas on how to “improve” the running of the pack, which, in his eyes, translated to tightening his grip on power.
Today, he crossed a line.
The council meeting had started like any other. I sat at the head of the table, the pack leaders and elders around me. The air was thick with anticipation, everyone was waiting to see how I would handle things in Rolan’s absence.
The Alpha’s word was law, but without him here, some members of the council seemed eager to test how far they could bend the rules. And no one tested limits more than Griffin.
“We need to consider our food reserves,” Griffin said, his voice casual but with an underlying sharpness that couldn’t be ignored. “The lower towns have been receiving too much lately. If we reduce their rations by just 20%, it will ensure the palace remains well-stocked for the winter.”
I felt the eyes of the council shift to me. A silence fell over the room as I kept my expression neutral, though inside, I seethed.
Reducing the food supply to the lower towns? It wasn’t just a bad idea, it was cruel.
“I won’t allow it,” I protested firmly, my voice cutting through the quiet. “The lower towns rely on those supplies to survive the winter. We can’t prioritize comfort here at the palace over their well-being.”
Griffin’s lips twisted into a sneer. “You’re a fool, Caleb,” he spat, his voice rising. “You’re too soft to lead this pack, too soft to make the hard decisions that need to be made.”
My pulse quickened, but I kept my cool. Griffin was trying to bait me into a fight, hoping I’d lash out and prove him right. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“The Alpha left me in charge,” I said evenly, locking eyes with him. “And as long as I’m in this seat, there will be no cuts to the lower towns’ food supply. We will find other ways to ensure the palace is well-prepared for the winter.”
Griffin glared at me, fury barely contained behind his eyes. The council was silent, watching the exchange like hawks, no doubt wondering if Griffin would make a move. But he didn’t. Instead, he stormed out of the room without another word.
I watched him go, feeling a knot of unease tighten in my stomach. This wasn’t the end of it. Griffin had been undermining me from the start, and this was just his latest attempt. He wasn’t going to stop. Not unless I confronted him directly.
After the meeting, I caught up with him in the courtyard. He was pacing, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, still seething from the council’s decision.
“Griffin,” I called out, my tone firm but calm.
He stopped pacing and turned to face me, his expression dark. “What do you want, Caleb?”
I took a deep breath, determined to handle this without escalating things further. “Why are you acting like this?” I asked. “You’ve changed since Alpha Rolan left. We’re supposed to be working together, but instead, you’re undermining me at every turn. What’s really going on here?”
Griffin scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “What’s going on?” he repeated, his tone mocking. “What’s going on is that the Alpha left, and instead of leaving someone capable in charge, he left you. I’ve been by Rolan’s side for years. I should be the one leading the pack in his absence.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to keep my anger in check. “You’re not next in line to be Alpha, Griffin. Don’t forget that Rolan has a son.”
Griffin laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. “Rolan’s son is barely a pup,” he snapped. “You think I’m going to stand by and let a child inherit the pack while I rot on the sidelines?”
His words sent a chill down my spine. This wasn’t just about power any more, Griffin was openly challenging the Alpha’s bloodline.
“You’re walking a dangerous path,” I warned him. “If you do anything unlawful, anything to harm the pack or the Alpha’s family, you will be held accountable.”
Griffin’s eyes flickered with anger, but then he smiled, a cold, calculating smile that made my stomach churn. “You really think you can stop me?” he asked, his voice low. “You don’t know what’s coming, Caleb. Stay out of my way, or you’ll regret it.”
With that, he turned and walked off, leaving me standing alone in the courtyard, my mind racing.
Griffin wasn’t bluffing. He was planning something, something bigger than just a power grab. And if I didn’t act soon, it could tear the pack apart.
I made up my mind then and there. Security around the pack would need to be tightened, and I’d need to keep a close eye on Griffin.
More than that, I needed to warn Rolan. Whatever Griffin was planning, it was too dangerous to ignore. I couldn’t let him undo everything Alpha Rolan had built.
As I headed back to my quarters, I felt the weight of responsibility settle heavier on my shoulders. The pack needed me now more than ever, and I couldn’t afford to fail them.
Not with someone like Griffin waiting in the shadows, ready to strike.
I wouldn’t let him win. No matter what it took, I would protect this pack and Rolan’s legacy with everything I had. That man had saved more than just my life, he has proven to be a brother in arms and a friend.
I owed him my life.