Shadow Pride

Chapter 2 - Gabriel

Once again, my eyes flit over to Felicity, hope shining in hers. But I wish they didn’t. She sees this declaration as a possible way out of here. But I know better. Aiden would never willingly part with a member of his pride, not unless he got something much better in return. He enjoys lording over us too much. Especially Felicity and I, as the former Alpha’s children, the two of us hold the best chance at over throwing him.

“I think that’s a great idea. Alpha’s of the past would throw grand balls once a year for that very reason.” Jasper's voice is deep and commanding, but with a hint of desperation. He speaks with confidence, but I know that like me, he longs for the day where Aiden is no longer in charge.

Aiden scoffs at him, “There will be no balls. I’ve brokered an even better deal.”

Murmurs break out amongst the council members and I glance at Felicity seeing a small tremor in her hand as she refills their glasses of water.

“What kind of deal?” A voice rings out, I want to say it’s Henry’s but without having seen his lips move, I can’t be sure.

“The kind that benefits us all. We will provide them with one woman of our choosing for them to pass around each month trying to find her true mate and in exchange we get a portion of their territory. With each girl we surrender, more territory is granted.” I clench my fists at Aiden’s words, looking around at the council members waiting, hoping for one of them to catch onto his meaning and disagree. But other than Jasper’s sullen face, the rest are smirking, some of their eyes alight with excitement.

“When you say pass around? Surly you mean that she will visit each pride?” Jasper asks.

Jasper's question echoes in the room, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Aiden's cruel laughter fills the chamber, sending shivers down my spine as I witness the sinister glint in his eyes.

"I mean exactly what I said, Jasper," Aiden sneers, his voice dripping with malice. "Our pride will provide them with a woman to be passed around until one of them claims her as their supposed 'true mate.' And all we have to do is watch as our territory expands."

I feel my blood boil at the thought of Felicity, or any woman from our pride, being subjected to such degrading treatment. I steal a glance at her, her eyes wide with fear and disbelief, mirroring my own feelings of outrage.

"I will not stand for this," Jasper's voice is firm, unwavering in its defiance. His words spark a glimmer of hope within me, a flicker of rebellion against Aiden and his rule of tyranny.

“No one is asking you to. You’re free to leave at any time Jasper.” Aiden sneers, a glint of hope in his eyes that after years of trying to push Jasper out of the council, that he will finally get his wish.

I lock eyes with Jasper, pleading with him not to do this. He’s the only one on the council with the best interests of the pride. The only one who cares enough to intervene when it goes too far. Not that it does much. He’s fought at every turn.

Jasper's gaze flickers between Aiden and me, a silent conversation passing between us. With a heavy sigh, he stands up, his weathered form looking fragile yet resolute. "I may be old, but I won't stand by and watch as you degrade our pride in such a manner," he declares, his voice carrying the weight of years of wisdom and experience.

Aiden's eyes narrow, a dangerous glint shining in them. "And what do you plan to do about it, old man?" he sneers, his tone laced with contempt.

Jasper straightens his back, his gaze unwavering. "I will not support this abhorrent proposal. If necessary, I will take this matter to the other prides alphas and seek their counsel."

Aiden's jaw clenches, his hands curling into fists. The tension in the room is palpable, each council member holding their breath, waiting to see how their alpha will react to this unexpected defiance before Aiden barks out a laugh.

“Go ahead. Who do you think I’ve brokered this deal with?” Aiden asks, a sadistic smirk on his face.

Jasper's face pales at Aiden's words, a mixture of realization and horror crossing his features. I can see the pieces clicking into place in his mind as he comprehends the depth of Aiden's treachery. The other council members exchange nervous glances, understanding the gravity of the situation unfolding before them.