Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

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."

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

functioning like it’s been gutted. Where’s the discipline? Where are the patrols? I walked straight into this territory without so much

the back of his neck. "There’s been a split, sir. A big one. Several members want Forest Springs to absorb Blue Mountain entirely. Believe

jaw tightens.

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

As expected.

doesn’t

to the side before meeting mine again. "There’s a third faction, small but vocal. They reject both options. They want

Alpha has already been chosen

day, his drawl would earn him a fist to the face. "With all due respect, High Alpha, a certain king wandered off to chase a human girl right after destroying the stability of

his ground, but his

I allow my people to have a

don’t stand for

my dominance leaks out, and he

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

immediately, the proper response when I flex even a fraction of my dominance. It isn’t worth punishing him further—I need my men cohesive, especially in this shitshow of a territory. The bitter tang of discord

steps forward, his weathered face impassive. He’s always been the steady one, more diplomat

pulls at a loose thread of irritation. He should be here, handling this mess while I deal with more important matters—like Grace and whatever the fuck

I assigned him to do

Of course you do.