My glass of wine had a sharp flavor, but not enough to prevent me from becoming bored. The entire event seemed meaningless. Why did his son feel that now was the right moment to meet everyone after the last Alpha King had been dead for three years? He was 25 years old. Did he expect a round of applause just for showing up?
I looked at the young king and Alpha Markus Keller was talking. Normal. He had a knack for kissing the right boots. I looked at my watch. It won't be much longer. In the north, Victor and Scott ought to be wrapping up that brief lesson. Something subdued yet impactful enough to be heard.
"It's been a while, Alpha Dietrich."
"Luka." I gave him a firm handshake. We weren't enemies, at least. We attempted to kill each other for five years before we finally stopped, but the conflict continued.
"The pack is doing very well. Here, Claude has assumed the majority of the responsibilities. I'm going to step down shortly."
The child appeared youthful. Maybe sixteen. Also shy. He stepped behind his father, barely holding my hand.
"Good to meet you, Claude. Let's maintain that tranquility, shall we?
He gave a quick nod and didn't speak.
"How about your boy?" Liam, correct?"
Oh no. Let's get started.
"He is fifteen years old. Training continues. He's still not quite ready.
"You took over at fifteen, didn't you?"
I suppressed a sigh as I took a sip. "Yes, I did. and carried out my first raid. wiped out an entire pack. However, not all children are prepared for that.
Luka shifted around. "Well, I hope I get to meet him soon."
I smiled tightly at him before leaning back against a column and looking around the room. frowns. More scowls. These Alphas either detested me or were afraid of me. or both.
"You still know how to draw a crowd, huh?"
"Chris? You are a jerk.
We laughed and took each other by the arms.
"Really, dude, how do you still appear to be able to lift a truck?"
"Perhaps it's because I continue to train, unlike you."
"Hey! Once a year, I work out. My son dragged me here." claimed that I required sunlight.
"Well, I'm pleased you came. You chose the ideal moment to witness everyone's hatred toward me.
"Yes, what are you planning right now? That face is familiar to me.
I looked at my watch and smiled. "Not much. I just wanted to provide a quick reminder.
"Des, don't start a war here. You're in the home of the Alpha King.
I held my glass up to the king, who appeared to be a frat boy sitting on a throne. "That? That isn't a king.
"You are aware that not everyone has demon wolves on our side."
Chris had a grave expression.
"Calm down. You'll be alright if you stay out of the blast zone.
"Is that a threat?"
"Only if you make it one."
"You are the only one who poses a threat, Alpha Weiss."
A young Alpha took the initiative. He had a shaky hold on his glass and his cheeks were pink.
"And you are?"
"Alpha Nico."
"Oh, I see. Apologies. I must be losing my memory.
Chris gave me a stern look, but I chose to ignore him.
"Just remember not to forget again."
"Pup, go find your dad. He might be able to advise you when to stop drinking wine.
He snarled. courageous. Brave, but stupid.
"Respect is what I demand! I'm also an Alpha.
I started laughing.
Falk Neumann, his father, came running over.
"Leash your boy, Falk."
"Alpha Weiss, thank you. I'll take care of him."
Nico pushed him away. "No! Why should we be afraid of this man? For years, he has treated us disrespectfully. Why do we tolerate him? He views vampires and witches as allies. It's repulsive.
Markus walked over and said, "He's got a point."
People's eyes shifted. The king himself looked up. Excellent.
"You always had a knack for drama, Marcus."
He scowled. hated being called out.
"Maybe instead of picking fights, concentrate on your pack."
He took hold of my shirt.
"Is that a threat?"
"Alpha Markus, are you feeling guilty?"
His phone buzzed before he released his grip. His face lost all color after he took a single look.
"What the hell did you do?!"
"You'll need to be more detailed."
"You invaded my territory!"
I drank more. "That isn't feasible. Here I am.
"Near your land, one of my scouts vanished!"
"Unless he was spying, why would he be close to my land?"
"You believe I should spy on you?"
I arched an eyebrow. "Yes, if you had something planned close to the fey sanctuary. You would require as much information as possible. But attacking women who are dying and children who are sleeping? You're not that low either."
Markus winced. The younger Alphas began to swarm in. The king even shifted.
Okay, Moritz. It's your turn.
I slightly lost control, allowing Moritz to charge ahead. The air grew heavier. The room felt oppressive due to the heavy atmosphere. Heads fell, one by one. They bared their necks. Old Alphas couldn't help themselves.
Markus fell to the ground. Falk's gaze dropped. Like a battered puppy, Nico whimpered.
"Avoid my territory. Final caution.
I knelt down, took Markus by the chin, and made him look up.
"I'll take your place if you test me once more. Easy."
The Alpha King clutched his throne as if it would save him and yelled, "Enough!"
I also tasted the pressure on him. saw him writhe. I then withdrew everything.
Everyone's breath caught in their mouths. I put down my glass of wine after finishing it.
"This meeting was a waste of time, as usual. I'll take care of myself. Enjoy the remainder of your evening.