THE CHASED MATE

Chapter Sixteen

The breaking point came during a pack council meeting. Ethan openly questioned Kael’s decisions, his tone dripping with derision.

“Maybe if you spent less time with Lyra and more time focusing on the pack, we wouldn’t have these problems,” Ethan said, his words calculated to provoke.

Kael’s golden eyes narrowed, his voice cold. “If you have something to say, Ethan, say it outright.”

Ethan smirked, leaning back in his chair. “I’m just saying, leadership requires focus. And distractions—personal distractions—can weaken the entire pack.”

The room fell silent, tension crackling like a storm about to break. Lyra felt every eye turn toward her, the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on her shoulders.

Kael stood slowly, his towering presence commanding the room. “I’ve given everything to this pack,” he said, his voice steady but laced with steel. “If you think you can do better, then challenge me. Otherwise, keep your baseless accusations to yourself.”

Ethan rose, his smirk faltering as Kael’s dominance rolled over him like a physical force. “Maybe I will,” he said, though his voice lacked the conviction it had moments ago.

Kael’s gaze didn’t waver. “Then we settle this the old way. Tomorrow at dawn.”