Skye’s POV
The emergency council meeting had been called with such urgency that several members arrived looking disheveled, clearly interrupted from various tasks.
Ryder’s hair was still wet from what must have been a hasty shower, and Venus carried a ledger she’d presumably been working on when the summons came. I slipped into an empty chair beside Lydia, my heart beating quickly with apprehension.
Adrian stood at the head of the oval table, a thick cream–colored envelope held carefully in his hands. His expression was unreadable, but something in his posture–a tension in his shoulders, perhaps–suggested the contents were significant.
“Thank you all for coming so quickly,” he began, his deep voice commanding immediate attention. “This afternoon, I received a special delivery from the North American Werewolf Council.” He held up the envelope, its gold seal glinting under the lights. “It’s an official invitation to next year’s Alpha King
election.”
2
A charged silence fell over the room. I glanced around at the council members, noting their varied reactions–Nadia’s eyes widened with barely contained excitement, while Marcus’s face darkened into a concerned frown.
“The Council has opened registration for next year’s Alpha King election,” Adrian continued. “They’re sending invitations earlier than usual to give candidates more time to prepare. The election itself will still take place next November as scheduled.”
2
The implications hung heavy in the air. Alpha King–the highest position in werewolf society, responsible for establishing laws that governed all packs across the continent. The power to reshape territories, allocate resources, mediate disputes between packs. It was the pinnacle of werewolf authority, a position that carried immense prestige and responsibility.
And Adrian had been invited to compete for it.
Nadia was the first to break the silence, leaning forward with barely contained enthusiasm.
“This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for,” she declared, her dark eyes shining. “Your bloodline, your leadership abilities–I believe you have what it takes to succeed on a larger stage, Adrian.”
Her fervent support didn’t surprise me. As Adrian’s Beta, her loyalty to him was absolute. But not everyone shared her enthusiasm.
“If you’re elected, you’ll have to leave us,” Marcus pointed out, his sightless eyes somehow still managing to convey deep concern. “Oasisborn Pack needs you here. No one could fill your position as Alpha.”
Adrian’s expression remained neutral as he listened, but I noticed his fingers tighten slightly around the envelope.
Venus shifted in her chair, her single arm gesturing subtly for attention. “There’s also the matter of resources,” she said, ever the prac want to support your candidacy, our pack may not have the strength to back an Alpha King campaign.” She tapped her ledger meani. about personal ability. The competition requires significant investment in your public image and promotion. It’s an expensive endeavor.
- st. “Even if we
This isn’t just
“But think of the benefits if Adrian wins,” Garrett countered, his intelligent eyes bright with strategic calculation. As Alpha King, he could establish new policies for governing the western territories. We’d finally have protection against packs like Gravestone.” He leaned forward, warming to his argument. “Our current demographics leave us vulnerable. We have too high a proportion of elderly wolves, women, and children compared to warriors. In a direct conflict with Gravestone, we’d be at a severe disadvantage.”
I hadn’t considered our pack’s composition in those terms before, but Garrett’s assessment made sense. Oasisborn had been founded as a haven for outcasts -many of whom were not combat–trained wolves but rather those who had been rejected or injured. Our strength lay in our diversity and innovation, not our military might.
“The current Alpha King barely acknowledges conflicts between western packs, Garrett continued. “We’re essentially on our own out here.”
Venus nodded acknowledgment but maintained her cautious stance. “I understand the potential benefits, but I still believe the timing is wrong. Our pack is still establishing itself. The odds of success in this election cycle are minimal. She looked around the table, seeking support. “Perhaps we should focus on building our strength and consider entering the next election in four years.
Adrian had remained silent throughout the exchange, listening intently to each perspective. Now he placed the envelope on the table, folding his hands atop it with deliberate care.
1/2
Chapter 39
“I appreciate all of your insights,” he said, his gaze moving from one council member to the next. “I’ve given this considerable thought since receiving the invitation, and I’ve made my decision.”
The room fell silent again, all eyes fixed on him with expectant tension.
“I will not be entering this Alpha King election.”
Nadia’s disappointment was immediate and visible, her shoulders slumping slightly. Others seemed relieved, particularly Marcus, whose tense posture relaxed noticeably.
Our pack must be my priority,” Adrian continued, his voice steady and resolute. “We’re still growing, still building something unique here in the desert. I believe my place is with you, focusing on strengthening Oasisborn from within.”
He rose from his chair, his tall frame commanding as he addressed the council. “Regarding our vulnerability, Garrett makes an excellent point. We need to address our defensive capabilities. I propose intensifying combat training for our adolescents, while also teaching women and children basic self–defense strategies–how to protect themselves in an attack, how to evade danger, how to survive until help arrives.”
The council members nodded in agreement, the wisdom of prioritizing pack security over political ambition apparent to all.
“Is there anything else to discuss?” Adrian asked, looking around the table.
When no other concerns were raised, he nodded decisively. “Then this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for your candid opinions.”
As council members began gathering their belongings and rising from their seats, Adrian’s voice cut through the shuffling. “Skye, would you stay behind for a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
I froze halfway out of my chair, surprise mingling with inexplicable nervousness. What could Adrian possibly want to discuss privately?
Nadia stopped at the door, glanced between us, clearly hesitant. Adrian looked at her. She stiffened, gave a final glance, then left.
As the door closed behind the last council member, I found myself alone with Adrian for the first time in weeks. The sudden privacy felt both intimate and intimidating.
He moved to the window, staring out at the desert landscape for a long moment before turning back to face me. His expression had shifted, a gravity entering his features that hadn’t been present during the council meeting.
‘I received additional information with the election invitation,” he said, “Alpha Leon of Frostshadow Pack has already registered as a candidate for the Alpha King election.”
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Chapter Comments
Jamie DeWitt
I’m confused.. shouldn’t you be registering to run for alpha king before voting for it?
Jamie DeWitt
in an earlier chapter it was stated to be in November, not next year.
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