The wife he gave away

Untitled EpisodeChapter35

It's time to plan!

There was something amusing about sitting across from a man while secretly planning for the day his throne would belong to someone else. The irony almost made me laugh whenever I thought about it.

Alpha Alaric was many things. He was intelligent, disciplined, feared by neighboring Alphas, and respected by nearly every member of our pack. He had led countless battles, expanded territories, and preserved traditions older than most wolves could remember. Yet, for all his intelligence, he remained blind in the one place where it mattered most. He still believed loyalty was something that could be earned through kindness, fairness, and duty. He still believed people stayed because they respected their Alpha. I knew better. Wolves stayed where power was strongest, and once they sensed weakness, they began searching for another leader.

Dinner that evening was quieter than usual. Servants moved around the dining hall placing dishes on the table before quickly excusing themselves, leaving only the two of us seated beneath the soft glow of chandeliers.

The approaching full moon had kept everyone busy for days, and even the atmosphere inside the manor felt heavier than normal. Preparations were underway throughout the pack. Warriors trained longer hours, healers gathered medicinal herbs in larger quantities, and patrols had doubled along the borders. News of Alpha Darius reconsidering his stance had eased tensions slightly, but Alaric was not the type of Alpha who relied entirely on promises. He prepared for peace while expecting war.

He cut a piece of meat from his plate before finally speaking, his voice calm and measured as always.

"The full moon gathering is only six days away."

I lifted my gaze toward him. "I know."

He nodded. "This year's ceremony needs to remind the pack who they belong to. The elders will be present. Representatives from neighboring packs will attend. The warriors need encouragement, and the younger wolves need reassurance."

I folded my hands neatly in my lap. "What would you like me to do?"

He took a sip from his wine. "You'll oversee the preparations for the feast."

I smiled politely. "Of course."

"I want the ceremonial grounds decorated before sunset."

"They will be."

"I want gifts distributed to the children."

"They'll receive them."

"I want every widow and orphan provided with extra supplies."

I nodded. "That can be arranged."

He placed his cup down. "And I want you standing beside me during the ceremony."

I tilted my head slightly. "As your Luna?"

"As my Luna."

A small smile appeared on my lips. "That sounds easy enough."

"It shouldn't be."

I looked at him curiously.

He leaned back in his chair.

"The full moon ceremonies have always been political. Every smile is observed. Every word is analyzed. Every movement is discussed. One mistake can create rumors that last for years."

"I'll try not to embarrass you."

His expression remained unchanged. "I doubt anyone could embarrass me."

I chuckled softly. Confidence. That was another one of Alaric's traits.

Then his expression darkened slightly. "We also need to prepare for war."

I remained silent.

He continued. "Even if Darius truly wants peace, there are warriors within his pack who may not agree with him. A desperate enemy is often more dangerous than an angry one."

"You think they'll attack?"

"I think wolves become unpredictable when they believe they have nothing left to lose."

He paused. "And if they attack, I want this pack ready."

I nodded thoughtfully. "I understand."

For several moments, only the sounds of utensils touching plates filled the room.

Then Alaric suddenly looked at me. "What do you think of Dominic?"

I almost laughed… not because the question was amusing… but because I had spent years studying Dominic, loving, learning and controlling. Yet now his Alpha was asking me to judge him.

"Dominic?," I asked, pretending not to have heard the first time.

"Yes."

"What about him?"

Alaric folded his arms. "Do you believe he's competent enough to remain my Beta?"

I leaned back. That was an interesting question… very interesting. Because Dominic was useful, but he was also weak.

Weak men became liabilities.

"I think Dominic possesses qualities that make him suitable for the position," I said carefully. "He's patient. He understands the warriors. He rarely acts impulsively. Most members of the pack trust him, and he genuinely wants stability."

Alaric listened quietly. "But?"

I smiled. "But he also lacks certain qualities."

"Such as?"

"Conviction."

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Explain."

I picked up my cup.

"Dominic spends too much time worrying about whether people like him. He hesitates when difficult decisions need to be made. Sometimes he allows emotions to influence his judgment, and an Alpha's Beta cannot afford to be emotional."

"You think he's emotional?"

"I think he's human."

Alaric almost smiled. "And if you were me?"

I met his gaze. "I would probably keep him."

"Why?"

"Because loyalty matters."

"And if you removed him?"

"I would understand why."

He nodded slowly. "So you're saying he deserves the position and doesn't deserve it at the same time."

I laughed. "Perhaps." Then I shrugged. "But ultimately, the choice is yours to make."

He studied me for several seconds. Then he changed the subject. "Were you treated well at Alpha Darius' territory?"

I smiled. "Very well."

"No insults?"

"None."

"No threats?"

"Not a single one."

His expression remained unreadable. "How exactly did you convince a man like Darius to desire peace?"

I smiled wider. Some women used beauty. Some used fear. Others used promises. But I preferred using curiosity.

"A woman should never reveal all her secrets," I said lightly.

Alaric shook his head. "I expected that answer."

"And yet you still asked."

"Hope occasionally makes fools of us."

"I wouldn't call you a fool."

"What would you call me?"

I smiled. "Cautious."

He nodded. "I'll accept that."

Dinner ended shortly afterward, and Alaric excused himself to review reports from the patrol commanders. I watched him disappear down the corridor before rising from my seat. The conversation had gone better than expected. He still trusted me. He still valued my opinions. More importantly, he had unknowingly revealed something useful.

He was uncertain about Dominic, and that uncertainty could become an opportunity. An Alpha without complete trust in his Beta eventually becomes isolated. And isolated leaders were easier to overthrow.

Less than an hour later, I arrived at the residence of Elder Magnus, one of the oldest and most respected councilmen within the pack. He welcomed me politely, although surprise was evident in his expression.

"Luna," he said respectfully.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all." He gestured toward a chair. "What brings you here?"

I sat down. "I've been thinking."

"About what?"

"About our pack."

Magnus sighed. "We all think about our pack."

"I've noticed our defenses have weakened."

"They have."

"Our warriors lack proper equipment."

"Some do," be said, looking concerned.

"Our borders remain vulnerable," I continued.

"Yes."

"And despite all this, no Alpha has mobilized the elders."

Magnus frowned. "We only act when summoned."

"Exactly."

I leaned forward. "But shouldn't leaders anticipate problems before they arrive?"

"What are you suggesting?"

I smiled softly. "If I were Alpha..."

He blinked. "If you were Alpha?"

"Yes."

"If I were Alpha, I would strengthen border patrols immediately." I continued speaking. "I would establish alliances with smaller packs and increase warrior training. I would create emergency reserves and reward loyal families. I would ensure every elder possessed enough authority to make decisions independently."

Magnus listened carefully.

Then I sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately, a woman can never become Alpha."

He nodded. "That's true."

"And that," I said quietly, "is why I've come to make you an offer."

He looked genuinely stunned. "What offer?"

I smiled, then leaned forward slightly.

"What do you think about becoming the Alpha of our great pack?"