Chapter 25
Joe's POV
I stared at them in disbelief, my mouth slightly open but no words coming out. The royal council had just told me I was to be crowned Alpha. Me. Now.
"He's not dead," I finally blurted out, my voice thick. "He's not dead, and you're already talking like he won’t wake up."
Ivan placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "And we pray he does. But the throne cannot remain empty, Joe. You’re the next in line. This is not a choice. It’s a duty."
Lady Sienna, one of the elders leaned forward. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, an empty throne is an abomination for the Pack. The Council decreed it two centuries ago. Beyond that, your father’s condition is critical. He would want the Kingdom stable, under your effective command.”
I looked around at the elders seated in the thr
