Alpha Rolan’s POV
The night had unfolded in a whirlwind of adrenaline and triumph. We had caught a total of ten deer, the spoils of our successful hunt.
I felt a surge of pride as I surveyed the gathered pack, the flickering firelight reflecting off their faces, illuminating the joy that filled the air. I had claimed six of those kills, while Caleb had snagged two, Griffin managed one, and even Pandora had taken down one.
It was a solid showing, a testament to our strength as a pack. The feast that followed was a cacophony of laughter and camaraderie.
As the Alpha, it was my duty to keep the spirits high, and I took to my feet, raising my cup to address my people. “Happy full moon celebration!” I boomed, my voice echoing in the clearing.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only our successful hunt but also the strength and unity of our pack. As your Alpha, I promise to discharge my duties with compassion and understanding. Together, we will thrive, face challenges, and protect each other.”
The cheers that erupted warmed my heart. They clapped and howled in delight, their spirits lifted as they celebrated the full moon’s glow.
I felt the weight of their expectations, their hopes resting on my shoulders, but tonight, I was determined to bask in our victory.
Once the party began to wind down, I spotted Griffin lingering on the outskirts, a slight tension in his posture. I knew I needed to have a word with him. “Griffin,” I called, motioning for him to join me. “Can we talk privately?”
He nodded, following me into my study, where the flickering candlelight created an intimate atmosphere. The door shut behind us, sealing off the revelry outside. I took a seat behind my desk, leaning forward to meet his gaze.
“Do you know about the customary law that states only the Alpha should make the first kill?” I asked, my tone serious.
Griffin’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “I’m sorry, Rolan. I didn’t mean it that way. I was caught up in the excitement of the celebrations. It completely slipped my mind.”
His honesty was refreshing, yet I couldn’t ignore the nagging doubt in the back of my mind. “Do you still have any intentions to overthrow me?” I pressed, watching him carefully.
His reaction was instantaneous; a flash of indignation crossed his features before he masked it. “No, absolutely not. I’m not a fool or an ungrateful person. I respect your position.”
I studied him closely, my instincts on high alert. “You should be. I can’t afford any dissent within the ranks. Not now, not when tensions are already high.”
Griffin’s expression softened, and he nodded. “I understand. I’ll make sure to respect the customs from now on.”
“Good,” I replied, my voice steady. “What preparations are you making for security for the full moon celebrations tomorrow night?”
He cleared his throat, straightening up as he spoke. “I’ve arranged for extra guards. I’ll personally supervise the perimeter and make sure everything is secure.”
“Let me know if you need anything else,” I said, my tone relaxing slightly. “And Griffin?”
He met my gaze, anticipation in his eyes.
“Apologize once more for what you did,” I instructed, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. “Just for the sake of formality.”
“Of course, Rolan. I’m truly sorry,” he said, a genuine note of sincerity in his voice.
I waved him off, letting the conversation come to a close. “Go on then. Don’t worry too much about it.”
Griffin nodded, thanking me before leaving the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, I leaned back in my chair, the silence of the study settling over me like a heavy cloak.
The moment I was alone, I reached for the phone, dialing the number of one of my most trusted guards. “Griffin just left my office,” I said when the line connected. “Follow him, and make sure to gather details. I want to know if he’s plotting anything. I can’t take any chances.”
“Yes, Alpha,” came the quick reply.
I hung up, feeling a mix of satisfaction and unease. The hunt had gone well, but the lingering tension with Griffin weighed on my mind. I needed to be vigilant.
Tomorrow’s full moon celebration was meant to be a joyous occasion, but the stakes felt higher than ever. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing beneath the surface.
The way Griffin had reacted when I questioned him still echoed in my mind, and I knew I had to keep my guard up.
Stepping out of my study, the sounds of laughter and celebration washed over me once more. I made my way back to the gathering, the energy of the pack buoying my spirits, yet my thoughts remained clouded with doubt.
“Rolan!” Caleb’s voice cut through the noise as he spotted me. “Come join us! We’re about to start telling stories.”
I forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. “Sure, let’s do it.”
The circle of pack members settled around the fire, eager for tales of valor and adventure. I joined them, slipping back into the role of Alpha, the storyteller, as we shared our experiences.
Laughter rang out, and the warmth of the fire filled the air, pushing away the shadows of doubt, if only for a moment. Listening to the stories, I couldn’t shake the feeling that tomorrow would be crucial.
The full moon would bring not just a celebration but also a chance for failure. I had to be ready for whatever might come my way. The moon hung high above us, a beacon of light amidst the darkness, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would illuminate in the coming night.
With every heartbeat, I felt the weight of responsibility, the constant push and pull between leadership and vulnerability. The festivities continued late into the night, laughter mingling with the crackling of the fire, but my mind remained a whirlwind of thoughts.
I couldn’t ignore the notion that the greatest threat to my leadership could arise from within. As much as I wanted to enjoy the moment, the reality of my position loomed large.