THE SUBJECT OF HIS POSSESION

Avolio’s pov

Chapter Three

Avolio's POV

The council chamber smelled like old stone, the air was thick with unnecessary tension. A sigh escaped my lips.

I stood at the center, hands in my pocket, while the Elders sat in a half-circle around the round table made from walnut wood, like judges who had already decided the sentence. Their gazes weighed on me, calculating and irritated. Another scent wafted up my nose.

Expectation.

I shook my head internally, they were in for greater disappointment but they didn't know it yet. I just have to play along and get my fun out of the chaos.

“Alpha Avolio,” Elder Morrek began, his voice smooth like the skin of the mamba I sighted the day before, “GoldenMoon Pack cannot remain without a Luna.”

There it was again.

I didn’t react. I had learned long ago that silence unsettled them more than a retort.

Morrek continued, gesturing lightly to his side. “My daughter, Femely, has come of age. She is strong, disciplined and respected. A fitting—”

“No,”

The word fell heavy, deepening the already tensed air in a strangulated grasp.

Why was she here? Among her pack’s Alpha and Elders? In a council meant for blood, law, and power? My jaw clenched, a muscle ticking beneath my skin as irritation washed over me.

Morrek kept testing my patience. The only reason I hadn’t gone full tyrant on him was because I had plans for my pack. An elevation no other pack could match, achieved without losing our sanity to blood and madness. I kept my darker instincts on a leash for that vision, buried the instinct to crush him and every other person who dared question my decisions, for that vision.

But Morrek kept pushing. One thing I'm sure he’s forgotten, is how terrible I can be. My restraint isn't mercy, it's a countdown to the ruthless destruction I'd rain on my prey. But for now, I'll wait.

Femely’s sharp intake of breath echoed louder than expected in the hushed room. Morrek’s smile didn’t falter, but something dangerous flickered behind his eyes.

“You refuse without consideration?” another Elder spoke, his tone sharp. I recognized him as one of Morrek's minion. Morrek kept gathering power for a battle he was going to lose, and the fool thought me blind enough not to see it. A dark smile curved my lips, my eyes narrowing to thin crescents that were warm at a glance but lethal beneath.

“I considered it,” I replied mildly. “The answer is still no.”

Murmurs spread through the chamber as Morrek’s fingers tightened on his staff.

“You cannot delay this matter any longer,” he drawled, his intention almost slipping through his tone. He was agitated too. That brought me joy.

“GoldenMoon needs stability. A Luna. A future.You would deny us one?”

Accusation dripped from his every word. He was trying to get people against me, I could see that.

I exhaled slowly, then lifted my head. “Then I’ll get one.”

The room stilled.

“I’ll go to RavageClaw Pack and get the Luna you desire,” I added calmly. But no sooner had I dropped the announcement, chaos followed.

Chairs scraped against the stoney ground. Voices rose all at once.

“Absolutely not!”

“Barbaric beasts!”

“That pack is depraved—”

“—full of s*x-starved females!”

I raised a brow. “Funny. I was under the impression RavageClaw had males too.”

That earned me a few glares sharp enough to draw blood. I chuckled lightly beneath my breath.

“They are not fit for GoldenMoon Pack!” another Elder barked. “You would bring an uncouth woman to rule us?! Their women are wild, unrefined—”

“If I cannot find a woman of my taste to become my mate,” I cut in lazily, “then perhaps, I’d be returning with a dashing man instead. Sorry...”

I paused, bringing my fingers to clench the bridge of my nose like I had forgotten something important.

“....I meant, a competent. non depraved. man.” with each word, my brows arched dramatically as I stared into their eyes unflinching, never breaking a smile. Their reactions were worth the effort.

Silence slammed down like a dropped encyclopedia. Unbelief evident in their gaze, from where I stood I could see the mouth of one, opened wide in disbelief that a fly had started to dance around in appreciation. Not so long after, the heads of every elder present turned.

Slowly.

Toward Gabriel.

My right hand beta met my gaze with a glare so murderous it almost warmed my heart.

“Avolio!” one Elder snapped, his mouth foaming with displeasure, rage burning beneath his face like it would explode anytime soon. “This is not the time for such…such foolishness!”

I shrugged. “Then do not question my decisions on such matters. That, I find, is far more foolish than you realize.” All light drained from my speech as my voice dipped into a baritone. Low, dangerous. My gaze was sharp as I ruthlessly stared them down.

That did it.

They balked, some shifting in their seats. The murmurs softened, retreating into uncomfortable silence. I felt no particular concern for their disapproval, what awaited me was more disturbing. Gabriel brought news of rogue wolves being seen at the edge of their territory and these wolves had horns in place of wolf ears. Things were getting dangerous and there wasn't anytime to waste, so it's better I resolve this issue and focus on more important matters.

Morrek rose to his feet, anger radiating off him in controlled waves. “Enough. If you insist on this madness, then hear us clearly. Any Luna you bring back must be your equal in power. GoldenMoon is built of dominant alphas and betas alike. Even our omegas bow to no weakness.”

He leaned forward, eyes gleaming in excitement at whatever mischief he plotted behind his gaze.

“A fragile woman will not survive here.”

I met his stare, unblinking. “Then I won’t bring back a fragile woman.”

He paused abruptly, his eyes slightly widening before returning to its initial size. He must have been expecting me to argue.

A smile crossed his lips in agreement. Thin. Tight.

“Very well,” his head bent in a nod. “We will see what you return with.”

I inclined my head, already turning toward the door. “You will. The council is dismissed.”

Behind me, Morrek’s quiet fury burned daggers into my back. Beside me, Gabriel muttered, “You’re enjoying this.”

I smiled to myself.

The next morning, I left to find my Luna.