Chapter 11 - The Dinner of Plans
1238 Words
Alpha Leonard Littlewood sat at the head of the long dining table and quietly observed his family.
The Littlewood estate had been built generations ago, when their pack first gained dominance over the northern territories. The great dining hall reflected that long history. Tall stone walls rose toward the arched ceiling, where dark wooden beams crossed like the ribs of some ancient beast. Between them hung iron chandeliers filled with warm light that cast golden reflections across the polished table.
The long table itself was carved from a single slab of oak, a symbol of stability and endurance.
For Leonard, however, the hall represented something more important than tradition.
It represented power.
Servants moved silently around the room, bringing new dishes and refilling wine glasses. Their steps were quiet, practiced, almost invisible.
Leonard barely noticed them.
His attention was focused entirely on the people seated around the table.
His family.
His legacy.
For most wolves, family dinners were simply moments of rest.
For Leonard Littlewood, every moment was an opportunity to observe the future.
And tonight, as he looked around the table, he felt something close to satisfaction.
For years he had been carefully strengthening the influence of his pack. Alliances had been forged, rivalries softened, and enemies kept at a respectful distance.
But true power was never built in a single lifetime.
It required generations.
And Leonard had ensured that the next generation of the Littlewood bloodline would hold positions of influence in more than one pack.
His gaze first moved to the wolf seated at his right.
Daniel.
His eldest son.
Daniel was the kind of wolf other wolves instinctively followed. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with calm authority. Unlike many young heirs, Daniel rarely rushed to prove himself through aggression.
He listened.
He observed.
He chose his moments carefully.
Leonard had begun bringing him to council meetings almost a year ago, allowing him to witness how decisions between packs were truly made.
Daniel had impressed him.
The boy understood politics.
More importantly, he understood patience.
Leonard allowed himself a small nod of approval before turning his attention to the other side of the table.
Amber sat gracefully beside him.
His daughter possessed a different type of strength.
Where Daniel commanded respect through quiet presence, Amber used intelligence and charm.
Her beauty alone often caused other wolves to underestimate her.
Leonard found that amusing.
Because Amber was far more dangerous than most wolves realized.
And recently, she had gained something even more valuable than admiration.
Opportunity.
Amber had met with Alpha Anthony Clark.
Her name was now among the candidates being considered as his future Luna.
Leonard had not expected Anthony to make a decision quickly. The alpha was known for being cautious and calculating.
But that was precisely why Leonard respected him.
Anthony Clark was not a wolf who allowed emotion to control him.
That kind of leader was rare.
And valuable.
Across the table sat Leonard's sister Margaret and her daughter Felicity Johnson.
Margaret had married Leonard's beta many years ago, strengthening the internal loyalty of the pack.
But Felicity represented something far more significant.
Another alliance.
Another piece on the board.
If the future unfolded correctly, Felicity could eventually become Luna in the pack of Alpha Elliot.
And if that happened…
She would marry Elliot's son.
Kevin Tate.
Leonard leaned back slightly in his chair, lifting his wine glass.
Three packs.
Littlewood blood in all of them.
Such a network would make his influence nearly untouchable.
Yes.
The future was promising.
Dinner continued quietly for several minutes as servants brought the main course.
Roasted pheasant with herbs and honey glaze.
The aroma filled the hall.
Daniel broke the silence first.
“So,” he said casually while cutting his pheasant, “I heard the meeting with Anthony Clark didn't go exactly as expected.”
Amber looked up sharply.
Daniel's lips curved into a teasing smile.
“Did our dear sister fail to enchant the great Alpha Clark?”
Amber shot him an irritated look.
“If you spent less time making jokes and more time thinking,” she replied coolly, “you might understand that Anthony Clark is not easily enchanted.”
Daniel chuckled.
Leonard raised his hand slightly.
The gesture was small.
But it carried authority.
“Enough.”
The conversation stopped immediately.
Leonard looked at Amber.
“Anthony Clark is a rational man,” he said calmly.
“He does not make important decisions lightly.”
Amber relaxed slightly.
Leonard continued.
“And until he finds his true mate…”
He paused briefly.
“You remain the strongest candidate.”
Amber lifted her chin with quiet satisfaction.
Across the table Felicity watched the exchange silently.
Her fork stopped moving.
Jealousy burned slowly inside her chest.
Anthony Clark.
One of the most respected alphas in the region.
Powerful.
Strategic.
And admired by nearly every ambitious family.
And Amber might become his Luna.
Felicity forced herself to remain calm.
But inside her thoughts were far less polite.
Amber always wins.
Amber always gets the opportunities.
Her gaze moved slightly across the table.
If Leonard's plans unfolded the way she suspected…
her own future might involve Kevin Tate.
The thought alone made her stomach twist.
Kevin Tate.
Hot-tempered.
Arrogant.
Violent.
The kind of wolf who solved problems with fists instead of thought.
Felicity despised him.
She had despised him for years.
Leonard returned his attention to his plate.
The conversation slowly shifted toward matters of territory patrols and academy life.
After a few minutes Daniel glanced toward Felicity.
“So,” he said thoughtfully, “I heard something interesting today.”
Felicity looked up.
“Oh?”
Daniel leaned back slightly.
“Something happened in the academy library.”
Leonard raised an eyebrow.
“Library?”
Daniel nodded.
“There are rumors.”
Felicity placed her fork down carefully.
She could feel everyone's attention turning toward her.
For a brief moment she considered remaining silent.
Then she realized something.
Opportunity.
Felicity spoke calmly.
“Kevin Tate and two other wolves decided it would be entertaining to destroy half the library.”
Margaret gasped quietly.
Daniel raised his eyebrows.
Leonard's expression darkened.
“Explain.”
Felicity continued slowly.
“They threw books across the room. Broke shelves. Scattered rare volumes everywhere.”
Daniel frowned.
“All that… for fun?”
Felicity nodded.
“To mock the librarian.”
Leonard's gaze hardened.
“That is not the behavior of an alpha's heir.”
His voice was calm.
But there was clear disapproval behind it.
“A future leader must show discipline.”
Felicity lowered her gaze slightly.
But inside…
her thoughts were racing.
Because in that moment a plan was beginning to form.
If Kevin Tate's reputation collapsed…
If the other packs began to question him…
Then no one would ever force her to marry him.
Felicity slowly lifted another piece of pheasant.
Her movements were graceful and controlled.
But her mind moved rapidly.
Kevin had made a mistake.
A very large one.
And mistakes like that could grow.
Into scandals.
Into rumors.
Into questions whispered in councils and gatherings of wolves.
She chewed slowly.
Then allowed a small smile to appear.
Because for the first time that evening—
she saw a path forward.
Kevin Tate had humiliated himself.
And she would make sure the entire wolf world heard about it.
The game had begun.
And Felicity Johnson had every intention of winning.
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