The pack house was buzzing with whispers as I made my way through the corridors. Tension hung in the air, thick and oppressive. I caught snippets of conversations, hushed voices debating Declan's leadership.
"...too rash..."
"...doesn't listen..."
"...his father would never..."
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to defend Declan to every doubter. But I knew that wouldn't help. Instead, I focused on my mission: building alliances.
I found Sarah, one of the older pack members, in the kitchen. She was stirring a pot of something that smelled divine.
"Need a hand?" I asked, rolling up my sleeves.
Sarah eyed me warily but nodded. As we worked side by side, I carefully steered the conversation towards pack matters.
"Things seem tense lately," I commented casually.
Sarah sighed. "Cha
