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

is functioning like it’s been gutted. Where’s the discipline? Where are the patrols? I

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

jaw tightens.

the new Alpha, Raphael. They’re loyal to the bloodline,

As expected.

doesn’t

meeting mine again. "There’s a third faction, small but vocal. They reject both options. They want to establish their own Alpha through the old way—combat trials. Strongest

coolly, my patience thinning with every second. "The Alpha has

earn him a fist to the face. "With all due respect, High Alpha, a certain king wandered off to

holds his ground, but his

people to

I don’t

and he

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

It isn’t worth punishing him further—I need my men cohesive, especially in this shitshow of a territory. The bitter tang

the steady one, more diplomat than brawler. "High Alpha, where is our Beta? I expected him to return with

be here, handling this mess while I deal with more important matters—like Grace and whatever the fuck

I

Of course you do.