Alpha Baron's POV
I walked into my pack’s council chamber with the weight of a mountain on my shoulders. The doors shut behind me, and the sound echoed through the wide hall. My council was already seated, their eyes fixed on me, waiting. The air was thick with anticipation. They knew why I had summoned them—word about Rowland’s death had reached every corner, and speculation was already running rampant.
I took the high seat at the head of the table, my fingers tightening against the carved arms. “You all know why we are gathered,” I began, my voice firm, though inside my chest was a swirl of thoughts. “Alpha Rowland is gone. His death has left his pack vulnerable, fractured, and in need of leadership. The council has already approached me with their request—no, their demand—that stabili
