Shadow Of The Cursed Alpha

Chapter 10: The Conspiracy

'Yes, I think they are.'

Kendrick lost count of how many times those words had played in his head in the past two weeks.

Every time he goes to training and meets with other people, he subconsciously looks out for who the perpetrator might be. And sometimes, he finds himself suspecting people that shouldn't be suspected.

The words were messing with his head, pushing him deeper into the abyss of the whole conspiracy.

At this point, that was all he could think of it as—a conspiracy.

Luckily for them or the killer, there have been no deaths after Helen's mother's, and that had been two weeks ago. And now, it was time for the scheduled duel with the Brown fur pack

As stated in the letter, the location for the duel was picked by the SilverLining Pack after Alpha Elton had a discussion with the elders. Alongside the location, they also deliberated the prize they would ask for when they won the duel.

As for losing, it never crossed their mind.

Afterall, their Pack has been hailed as one of the strongest in their region. Not only has it stood the test of time against several rogue invasions, but the Pack has never lost any fight against other Packs.

At some point, Alpha Elton had been praised as the strongest Alpha of his generation.

Well, that's because the Alpha king and his subordinate Packs are headed by Alphas with over a hundred years of lifespan.

And the Pack they were facing off against is merely a few decades old. Although the age of the Pack doesn't matter when it comes to wars or duels, it is obvious that the Silver Lining Pack has more advantages in the fight. That is also considering all the tricks their opponent might have pulled.

"So what are we getting if we win the fight against the Brown Fur pack?" Kendrick asked as he walked into the Alpha's office to see his father and Collon discussing while going over some documents.

Because he had been patrolling at night and doubling the training sessions of the Pack warriors, he hadn't been able to join in with the meetings.

"We'll take their hunting ground, the one close to the west mountain, and then take over some part of their lands that's close to our pacyk. Or we demand that they give us some of their warriors. War spoils, you know?" Collon replied with a smirk, making Kendrick frown.

"Well, the first one is still manageable?" He muttered. "But the second option is a bit dangerous. We can force them into our Pack, we can't force them to be loyal to us. What if they serve as spies and give away Pack information?"

"Spies?" Collon laughed. "By the time we are done with them, they won't have the energy to do such."

"They are spoils of war, not the merchandise we bought... They would have been more valuable if they were bought you know? Anyway, we'll decide which one it is when we get there. It just so happens that we are about to set off."

Seeing Collon's confidence, Kendrick's frown deepened. Somehow, he had a nagging feeling at the back of his mind about the whole thing.

Both demands were pretty useful to them, given how winter was around the corner. Having more grounds to hunt in preparation for winter is good and more land for Pack expansion. But the hunting ground close to the west has been a sore spot for the neighbouring Packs.

It has the most prey and is also a good spot to train the young warriors, which is why it is a hot spot and many Packs have been eyeing it.

Speaking of the second, it is just as valuable as the first. No Pack would reject having more warriors to defend its borders, but even without needing to explain, everyone can tell it's dangerous to bring hostile people into the Pack... Especially at a time like this when the killer in their Pack is still on a rampage.

"Did the elders agree to this?"

"Yes, it was voted on, and those two made the cut. But since we couldn't decide on which of the two, we will present the two as our demand and see which one would score." Collon replied, and Alpha Elton hummed.

"You have nothing to worry about," Alpha Elton joined in. "Even if they send in spies into the Pack, we are strong enough to nip them in the bud. Plus, there are measures put in place. At the very least, they will have to go through initiation."

Kendrick let out a sigh at his father's words, still feeling hesitant about the whole situation but knowing his father, it wouldn't be easy to convince him otherwise.

"Well, since the decision has been made, we should get going."

"You'll be staying in the Pack while I and Collon attend the duel with some elders and Pack warriors," Alpha Elton ordered.

"But father!" Kendrick argued and got a cold glare in return.

"It's an order from your Alpha, not a suggestion from your father," Alpha Elton replied. "Besides, all of us can't leave the Pack unguarded. What if they plan an ambush for when we leave?"

"We can't afford to be compliant; isn't that what you always say?"

"But I'm the Beta; it's my duty to see to the affairs of the Pack!"

"It is because you are the Beta; that's why you have to stay back and watch over the Pack members. They are your primary responsibilities. We need you here, not spectating a fight you won't be a part of," Alpha Elton argued.

Kendrick clenched his fists but bit back the retort that rose to his tongue. It was clear his father had made up his mind. Still, it didn’t stop the ache of frustration that burned in his chest.

"Yes, Alpha," he muttered, forcing the words through gritted teeth.

Alpha Elton nodded once, satisfied, and got up before walking out without another word. Collon shot Kendrick a smug smirk as he followed their father out of the office.

As he passed by Kendrick, he brushed his shoulders and whispered.

"Just stay still and wait. You are better off waiting around anyway.”