85 Grief turning into ambition…

Nathan

I watched helplessly as Lyla disappeared into the garden.

I knew she was hurting; I had walked in on her mother hurling hateful words at her again. I had seen the pain in her eyes when she told me not to pity her and every fibre of my being wanted to go after her. But before

I could move, my father gripped my shoulders, stopping me in my

tracks.

“You’re Alpha now, Nathan,” he said in a steely voice, giving me a hard glare. “Not just Alpha to

Blue Ridge but also head of the Alpha Council. You can’t just run off whenever it pleases you. You have responsibilities now lots of them.”

I turned to face my father, clenching my jaw. “This is Lyla, we’re talking about dad. You saw how she was humiliated. She’s hurting and I need to go to her.”

His gaze softened slightly but his grip on my shoulders remained stronger. “I understand, Nathan. But this is what it means to lead. You have other Alphas waiting to meet you as their new leader. You’ll see Lyla soon enough. So stay and talk to the other Alphas… I’ll go after her myself and bring her back to you.”

Before I could protest, my father was already moving towards the garden following the path Lyla had taken a moment ago. Alone now, I turned back toward the council hall, though my mind was

still on her.

As I entered the hall, I felt restless, unable to shake off the growing anxiety gnawing at me in my heart. I stood near the back of the room, my eyes alternating between the garden and taking in Alphas that came to greet me and introduce themselves and their Betas even though I knew almost everyone.

Minutes went by and most of the Alphas had left, leaving just a few of us. I was done with exchanging pleasantries and now I stood sentry in front of the building telling myself that I would go after them if I didn’t see my dad in the next five minutes.

“You’ll make a fine Alpha, a voice broke through my thoughts. When I turned, I saw Alpha Calder standing beside him, a quiet gleam in his eyes. From all of the Alphas in the region, he was shrewder.

on

the pack

was no one’s friend and no one’s enemy, making him a scary

drifting back to where my

I was barely giving him attention cleared his throat pointedly, demanding my attention.

turned to him with a

offer my congratulations and of course a piece of advice if you

19

Grief turning into ambition…

still going

as my attention drifted toward the garden. “And I

sure your father has everything

I turned to him. “I’m

Vanessa. What do you plan to do about her?”

caught me off guard. I stared at the cunning man trying to understand why he was asking

repeated just to be sure.

ensure that they’re not confused.” He paused, narrowing his eyes. “You need to find a way to curb Luna Vanessa’s excesses. You see what she did, trying to sway the council, getting help from the White Moon Throne”

Alpha Calder,” I said quietly, watching him. “I’m sure

she was with her daughter for choosing you. Her ambitions could pose a risk. If you don’t stop her, she might try to usurp your position banking on her late husband’s loyalty amongst pack members

the reasons I

concerns Alpha Calder but Luna Vanessa is a smart woman. I cannot deny her defiance in the council hall earlier but still, I know what she’s capable

know with women. Even the slightest tip, not necessarily money can sway them. Once she gives birth to her child and it

But right now, I have no intention of doing anything. She’s still

a way of turning into ambition if left unchecked. You must protect your position as Alpha. If Vanessa senses weakness,

the advice but hating the suggestion to act against someone in mourning. I glanced back at Calder, offering a polite nod

choosing a mate.

stiffened at the boldness of his question, surprised at the

235

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