Chapter 3
1077 Words
CHAPTER THREE.
Pack Politics
I sat beside my father's bed, my mind still racing from the encounter with Stone last night. Lyrien had saved me, and I was forever grateful. But now, I had to convince my father to see sense. He should just give Lyrein the throne, and end this long charade of survival of the fittest.
"Father, you have to listen to me," I pressed, trying to keep my voice calm. "Lyrien is the only one who can defeat Stone. He's the strongest and most skilled of all the Lycan Kings. He even fought Stone in front of me, I saw it with my very own eyes. He was injured, but you had to see him…he is the most capable one among them.”
My father's eyes narrowed, his expression showed he was not buying it. "Ayla, you don't understand pack politics. It's not just about strength and skill. It's about, loyalty, and strategy."
"But Father, Lyrien has already proven himself. He saved me from Stone. If anyone can protect our pack, it's him. You want a man who can protect me right? Lyrein is that man.” I continued, using my puppy eyes to melt him.
My father sighed, his voice firm, but I could sense he was melting. “I know Lyrien is capable, but I can't just appoint him as the sole challenger of Stone. The other Lycan Kings would not take this with a smoke. They have their interests and plans for the lack. I have to consider the pack's stability and unity. And why are you so interested in making sure Lyrein gets the throne ?”
I felt frustration and panic rise within me. "But Father, this is about our survival, not politics! Stone will destroy us all if we don't act quickly. And this competition will only make things more slow-paced.”
My father's expression softened. "I know you're scared, Ayla, but I have to make the hard decisions. I'll consider Lyrien's qualifications, but I won't make any promises. The pack's future is at stake, and I won't risk it for personal preferences. You know I do not do my things like that.”
I knew I had hit the last stop. My father's mind was made up, and I couldn't change it. But I couldn't give up either. I had to find another way to ensure Lyrien's chance to defeat Stone and save our pack. It had to be Lyrein.
I took a deep breath and tried a different approach. "Father, think about it. If Lyrien defeats Stone, he'll earn the respect and loyalty of the entire pack. He'll be a hero, and his leadership will be uncontested. You'll be ensuring the pack's stability and unity by choosing him."
My father raised an eyebrow. "And what about the other Lycan Kings? They won't just stand by and let Lyrien take the lead. You know how Lycan’s are, you do not want to choose one at the expense of another.”
"Maybe not," I admitted, "but if Lyrien proves himself in combat, they'll be more likely to accept him as their leader. And even if they don't, we can work with them, form alliances and negotiate. We can't just sit back and wait for Stone to attack us again. He attacked me Dad…he attacked me.”
My father sighed, pinching his nose bridge. "Ayla, I understand your concerns, but I can't make a decision based on emotions alone. I have to think about the long-term consequences, the risks and gains.”
I leaned forward, my voice suddenly adopting urgency. "But Father, this isn't just about emotions. This is about our survival. Lyrien is our best chance at defeating Stone and keeping our pack safe. Please, just consider it. Keep the competition, please Dad.”
My father looked at me, his eyes smiling at me. “I'll consider it, Ayla. But I can't promise anything. I have to do what's best for the pack, even if it goes against my personal feelings."
I nodded, knowing I had pushed him as far as I could. For now, I had to be content with the small victory of having planted a seed of love for Lyrein in his mind. I would continue to work on him, to convince him that Lyrien was the right choice. Our pack's future depended on it. My future depended on it.
As I turned to leave, I came face to face with Thorne, the strongest Lycan King and the one I had grown to hate.
"Ayla," he said, his deep voice low and authoritative sending a shiver down my spine. "We need to talk."
I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. "What could you possibly want, Thorne?"
He took a step closer. "I want you, Ayla. I want to be the one to protect you, to lead our pack to victory against Stone."
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "You? You're the last person I'd want by my side. You're arrogant, only care about power and being an alpha, and only care about yourself."
Thorne frowned, but he quickly replaced it with a smile. "You're wrong, Ayla. I care about our pack, and I care about you. I've always loved you, even when you were too blind to see it."
I laughed, a dry sound. "Love? You call trying to dominate and control my love? You're delusional, Thorne. Delulu!”
He took another step closer, his masculine scent filling my nostrils. "I know I've made mistakes, Ayla. But I promise to do better. I'll prove myself to you, show you that I'm the only one who can truly protect and love you."
I shook my head, trying to hide the fear and tiny arousal in me. "You'll never change, Thorne. And even if you did, I'd never choose you. Lyrien is the one I want, the one I love."
Thorne's face twisted in rage, but he didn't hit me as I expected. Instead, he took a deep breath and nodded. "I see. Well, Ayla, know this, I'll always be here, waiting for you to come to your senses. And when you do, I'll be ready."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling guilty and scared. I knew I had to be careful around Thorne, but I also knew I wouldn't back down. Lyrien was my choice, and I'd fight to be with him, no matter what Thorne or anyone else threw my way.
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