Chapter 199: Caine: Mired

CAINE

My subordinates remain quiet as they follow me to the alpha lodge, which no longer reeks of blood and death. Instead, it smells pleasantly of citrus and less pleasantly of bleach.

The Blue Mountain shifters all still move with a sense of gloom and inefficiency, though, which leads me to wonder what the hell my Lycans were doing while I was gone.

A lack of proper leadership brings out weak habits in otherwise strong wolves, and it’s prevalent through this entire territory. We weren’t even approached on our way in, and it wasn’t as if we were hiding our presence.

I scan the lodge, taking in the shifters hunched over their tables. They sit in pockets of strained silence, barely acknowledging each other.

It’s the weight of uncertainty—a pack without direction.

And where the fuck is their so-called alpha? Grace’s ex should have been at the door the moment my scent hit his territory. This blatant disrespect only darkens my already foul mood.

I turn to Reggie with a scowl. "What the fuck have you all been doing here? This place is running like a wounded animal."

Reggie clears his throat, shifting his weight in the way he does when he knows I won’t like what he’s about to say. They all do it.

Most alphas would never allow their subordinates to have a voice, but I do.

To an extent.

"High Alpha, the neighboring packs have sent official complaints regarding Brax’s death. They’re also challenging the legitimacy of the new alpha’s claim to the pack."

A dead alpha always brings vultures, especially when the succession isn’t clean. But that’s not what

been gutted. Where’s the discipline? Where are the patrols? I walked

been a split, sir. A big one. Several members want Forest Springs to absorb Blue Mountain entirely. Believe they’d be better off under

jaw tightens.

have sided with the new Alpha, Raphael. They’re loyal to

As expected.

doesn’t explain

third faction, small but vocal. They reject both options. They want to establish their own Alpha through the old way—combat

stare at him coolly, my patience thinning with every second. "The Alpha has already been chosen and

the face. "With all due respect, High Alpha, a certain king wandered off to chase a human girl right after destroying the

send most wolves cowering. Reggie holds his ground,

allow my people

don’t

dominance leaks out, and he clears his throat. "My

bare my teeth at Reggie, letting a low growl rumble through my chest. "Don’t open your mouth if you

dominance. It isn’t worth punishing him further—I need my

steady one, more diplomat than brawler.

thread of irritation. He should be here, handling this mess while I deal with more important matters—like Grace and whatever the fuck is happening with her. Instead, he’s off chasing Lyre’s skirts and fighting

the part where I assigned him to

Of course you do.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255