The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited in silence, their eyes flickering with a mix of concern, anticipation, and a tinge of fear. The recent attack by the rogues on the humans, who were under the protection of the Trowbridge pack, had cast a shadow of doubt and uncertainty over the pack's ability to fulfill its duty as stipulated in the agreement.
The agreement, a sacred bond between the pack and the humans, had been forged years ago to ensure mutual protection and harmony. The pack, with its strength and supernatural abilities, vowed to safeguard the humans from external threats and provide them with a secure environment to thrive. In return, the humans respected the pack's existence and maintained a harmonious coexistence.
"Everyone, make yourself comfortable," Sam began, his voice projecting clearly across the room. The urgency in his tone hinted that the matters at hand were of great importance, demanding their undivided attention.
Draken's call for the attention of the pack's leaders signaled the seriousness of the situation that unfolded in the city. As the pack's beta, it was Sam's responsibility to disseminate the information to the relevant recipients. Despite feeling exhausted from the demands of his role, Sam understood the importance of carrying out his duties promptly and efficiently.
The attack, unforeseen and devastating, had disrupted the delicate balance between the pack and the human community. The pack had enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the humans, reaping benefits that contributed to their growth and ascendancy as the most powerful and influential pack in the country. The agreement forged between the two factions had brought prosperity and security to both sides, allowing the pack to flourish and the humans to coexist peacefully.
However, with this recent breach of peace, questions, and concerns would undoubtedly arise. The pack's reputation and the credibility of their pact with the humans were at stake. Sam knew that maintaining trust and transparency with the human allies was crucial, as any doubt or uncertainty about the pack's ability to uphold their end of the agreement could have far-reaching consequences
"Is the Alpha present?" Alejandro's voice cut through the air, his tone carrying a sense of authority and curiosity. Sam, however, was not particularly fond of Alejandro's presence within the pack. There had always been an underlying tension between them, fueled by a clash of personalities and conflicting ideologies. Yet, despite his personal reservations, Sam recognized the value Alejandro brought to the pack due to his extensive connections in the trading world
"He is," Sam responded firmly, his voice conveying a hint of caution. It was clear that he maintained a professional demeanor in the face of Alejandro's inquiries. While Sam didn't necessarily trust the man, he understood that Alejandro's connections were instrumental in ensuring the pack's economic stability and access to valuable resources.
"We have been waiting here...is the Alpha coming or not?"
"Impatience won't do you good, Alejandro." Sam retorted. Sam leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he observed Alejandro's growing impatience. The tension in the room was palpable, fueled by the anticipation of the Alpha's arrival. Alejandro was known for his short temper, and the wait seemed to be testing his limits.
"The Alpha will come when he's ready," Sam replied calmly, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. He enjoyed watching Alejandro squirm, knowing that his impatience was a weakness that could be exploited if necessary.
Alejandro clenched his fists, his frustration is evident in his furrowed brow. "We've been waiting here for hours. This meeting should have started long ago. What's taking him so long?"
Sam raised an eyebrow, his expression unflappable. "The Alpha has his reasons. He's a busy man, handling the affairs of the pack. He'll be here when he deems it appropriate."
"Well, he better has a good reason for keeping us waiting like this," Alejandro grumbled, unable to hide his annoyance. He paced back and forth, his restless energy filling the room.
Sam's lips curled into a small smile. "Patience is a virtue, my friend. The Alpha's decisions are not to be questioned. We're all here to serve and follow his lead."
Alejandro stopped in his tracks, turning to face Sam with a scowl. "I don't need you preaching to me about loyalty, Sam. I've been a loyal member of this pack long before you arrived."
Sam's smile widened slightly. "Of course, Alejandro. I would never doubt your loyalty. But let us not forget our place and the hierarchy that governs us. The Alpha's authority is absolute."
Alejandro gritted his teeth, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He knew Sam was right, but his impatience and frustration clouded his judgment. The desire to assert himself and make his voice heard grew stronger with each passing moment.
He noticed that the old man was observing the place. It was the first time that the Alpha had called for a meeting to be conducted in his own study. Sam knew that this study was for the public to see, and Draken had a separate study inside, but he didn’t know the entrance to it.
During the Wolfsbane attack on the pack eight years ago, Draken, who was still young and inexperienced, found himself thrust into a position of leadership that he wasn't fully prepared for. His parents, who had previously been responsible for leading the pack, were killed during the attack, leaving Draken to shoulder the responsibility of defending the pack and its power and connections.
Sam, who had grown up alongside Draken, witnessed his friend's struggles as he tried to navigate the chaos and protect their pack from the invading Wolfsbane. It was a challenging time for both of them, as they faced the threat of losing everything they held dear.
Despite their limited resources and experience, Draken and Sam, along with other loyal pack members, managed to rally and successfully defend their territory against the Wolfsbane. The attack served as a turning point for Draken, propelling him into a role of leadership and forcing him to grow and adapt quickly to protect the pack.
The only thing that they want is to kill. Back then, Draken was a teenager who had no direction or awareness that he was the heir to the throne, and when his parents were killed in the battle, he changed in an instant. He became ruthless and merciless in killing someone who defied his own rules. Sam could no longer read him as he had been secretive in everything that he did.
"I've heard that the slaves have arrived," Alejandro began, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of mockery. The mention of slaves piqued the interest of those around him, causing their attention to shift toward the conversation unfolding between Alejandro and Sam.
“Yes.” Sam, aware of the impatience building within him, made a conscious effort to maintain his composure. The presence of Kirsty, the rogue, added a layer of complexity to the situation, and he knew he had to tread carefully.
"And you brought a rogue!" Alejandro's voice rose, a mix of surprise and disapproval evident in his tone. The sudden escalation caught the attention of those within earshot, drawing their curious gazes toward Sam and the subject of their discussion.
“A rogue?” One of the men clarified and asked that directly from Sam.
Sam took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, carefully choosing his words.
"She's as weak as a human, and she is harmless," he asserted, emphasizing his perception of Kirsty as a non-threatening individual. It was true that Kirsty had healed herself and gained strength, but Sam chose not to disclose this information, keeping it to himself for reasons known only to him.
"Don't you remember that the rogues were the ones who let the Wolfsbane enter the pack?! How come you say she is harmless?!" Alejandro, his voice filled with frustration and anger, vehemently opposed Sam's assertion. The tension in the room was palpable as the two men engaged in a heated exchange. Sam took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Alejandro and made a conscious effort to steady himself before responding.
"The rogue is in my hands," Sam stated firmly, his voice laced with cold determination. "If she caused any casualties or posed a threat to our pack, I wouldn't think twice about ending her life." His words were calculated and carried an air of authority, emphasizing his role as a protector of the pack's well-being.
Alejandro scoffed, his frustration evident as he sarcastically clapped his hands together. "Oh, well then, men! Let's all remember what the beta has declared," he retorted, his voice dripping with cynicism. The sarcastic tone highlighted Alejandro's skepticism towards Sam's judgment and his disbelief in the perceived harmlessness of the rogue.
"Can we see the rogue?" one of the men asked Sam, his voice laced with curiosity. The request caught Sam off guard, but he quickly composed himself, realizing that their interest might stem from a desire to witness the capture and subjugation of a rogue. It was a good thing that the five men who met him at the entrance door were the ones who directed the slaves to their cells underground. And once Kirsty started to work on her duty, no one would notice that she was, indeed, a rogue. The people would only consider her as a lowly member of the pack who worked the same work as slaves.
"It's up to the decision of the Alpha," Sam calmly responded to Alejandro's question, his voice laced with a sense of authority. The room fell into a tense silence as the weight of his words settled upon the group. It was clear that the Alpha held a position of power and had knowledge that surpassed the understanding of the others.
“And the Alpha knew the presence of the rogue?!” Alejandro's frustration and disbelief were palpable as he abruptly stood from his seat, his actions causing a collective stir among those gathered. The force of his hand colliding with the table reverberated through the room, demanding attention and seeking answers. All eyes turned to Sam, awaiting his response to address the mounting tension in the air.
“The Alpha knew everything. Even each one of your deepest secrets.” A subtle smirk curled upon Sam's lips, a glimpse of confidence shining in his eyes as he locked his gaze with Alejandro's. The intensity of the moment seemed to amplify as Sam's words hung in the air, hinting at a deeper understanding that he possessed.
Sam knew that the old man had been hiding the fact that he had s****l intercourse with his own daughter and impregnated her. But they keep it a silent matter since Alejandro is an asset to the pack. Even the Alpha wanted to eradicate the man, but the circumstances wouldn’t allow him for the moment.
“We…we better wait for the Alpha then.” Alejandro lowered his gaze and leaned back on his chair.
“We definitely should.” Sam looked into his eyes, provoking him.
“Then why does it take so long for him to arrive?"
“No one who is ranked below me dared to question the time of my arrival.”
The voice came from the entrance door and the buzzing sounds of the whispers went down immediately. Sam drank his glass of alcoholic drink and smirked before he sat on his chair. Everyone looked in the direction of the Alpha, who had just entered the room and stood in front of all the people present in his own study. Alejandro lowered his head and avoided the cold gaze of the leader of the pack.
“Gentlemen, you can sit on the chairs provided. And I demand silence, speak when you are called to.” Draken said, and he sat in front and uttered the words while he looked in the old man's direction. He crossed his arms on his chest and roamed the place before he started the agenda. As Draken took charge of the meeting, the room fell into silence. The air was filled with a mixture of tension and anticipation, as everyone awaited the alpha's words. The pack members took their seats, their eyes fixed on Draken, ready to listen and follow his instructions.