Chapter 209

Julian’s POV

I knew that arguing with the enforcer wouldn’t do any good, and frankly the enforcer looked nervous as hell about it. He picked the wrong side to defend here, I could tell him that, but I didn’t think it would change anything. Even if I turned this one to my cause, another would soon take his place.

The people I needed to confront were the council themselves, the ones who authorized and ordered this.

As much as I wanted to see my mom, for now, I had to trust that at least the healers inside would have my mom’s best interest at heart. The head healer knew Tony was responsible, and would hopefully do his best, even with the change of rules here, to keep her safe.

This did add even more urgency to our need to take over the pack.

This wasn’t something I wanted to drag Amber and Alice into though. They were here for me, but taking them into the council’s meeting room felt like exposing them to a den of lions. I had promised to protect them, so for that purpose, I directed my driver to take us home first, so that Alice and Amber could barricade themselves inside.

“I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone to face this,” Amber said, holding my hand as we pulled into the driveway.

“You aren’t leaving me alone,” I promised her. “You are doing the right thing by staying here and keeping our daughter protected and safe. I won’t be able to face this if I know you and Alice are vulnerable. Please, for my sake if not your own, go into the house, but don’t answer the door for anyone but me, alright?”

I’d already called my staff on the way over. They knew the same rules. Most of the staff had been relieved for the day, leaving behind only those I trusted most.

Here, Amber and Alice should be protected.

“Call me the minute you can,” Amber said. “I will worry until I hear from you, and then probably even after.”

“I promise,” I said and kissed her.

Then, as the car came to a stop, I walked her and Alice to the door, just to make sure they were secure. Then, I turned around and walked back to the car.

“To the Alpha Headquarters building,” I told the driver.

I was antsy the entire way there, bouncing my knee as I tried to relax, to think about what I might say to them.

Tony had clearly made deals in my absence. I could only hope most of the council would still take my side.

It was looking more and more dire though.

When we arrived, I exited the car and walked into the building. My Beta was waiting for me just inside the door. “They are meeting right now, Alpha.”

I allowed him to lead the way, though I already knew it. He seemed even more anxious than me.

“They stopped listening to me,” he said. “They wouldn’t even accept my calls or missives anymore.”

“Has Tony been around here lately?” I asked.

“Too much,” my Beta said. “And I’ve seen him eyeing your office.”

This couldn’t be tolerated.

When we reached the door to the council meeting room, my beta stepped to the side, allowing me to do what I will.

I didn’t even bother to see if the door was locked. Instead, I kicked it open. The door swung wide, smacking onto the interior wall.

Whatever was being discussed within totally stopped. Every eye in the room turned to me.

Looking around, I was pleased to see that Tony wasn’t in the room right now. At least, I might have a chance to convince the council to do the right thing.

Unfortunately, I was so enraged seeing them, that the first thing out of my mouth was an accusation.

“You banned me from the hospital,” I said.

One of the braver council members spoke up. “Your cousin didn’t believe it was wise for you to speak with your mother anymore, as she is so confused. You seem to be filling her mind with lies.”

“Is that what Tony told you?” I demanded. “Did it occur to you that he is the liar? That he is the one who has been poisoning my mother with wolfsbane? That he attacked my mate and did the same to her?”

“Those are serious accusations,” said another council member. “I trust you have proof.”

“The word of my mother and my mate.”

“Your mother is not in a healthy state,” said a third. “And your mate is bound to you. She would say whatever you need her to say.”

“You could have spoken up for yourself,” said the first who had spoke. “We had a hearing, but you did not attend to defend yourself.”

“I wasn’t told of any hearing,” I said. “Which means you did not inform my Beta either.”

“It was only for the Alpha’s ears,” said another member. “If you had been here, you would have known about it.”

“You are siding with Tony,” I said. “Even though I had run this pack successfully for the past many years, you are going to side with my no-good cousin over me?”

“He has been here,” said another.

No. That couldn’t be all there was. There had to be some kind of corruption here. Tony wouldn’t just swoop in and be more popular. He was a smooth talking conman, but even the council wouldn’t move without the proper grease on their wheels, or money in their hands.

“What did he offer you?” I demanded.

“Crass,” said the leader of the council. “A question like that is unbecoming of an Alpha, and an insult to this council.”

Likely the leader had earned the biggest handout.

“Keep your secrets,” I said. “But I will find out about them. And the pack won’t look kindly on these transgressions.”

“You are grasping at straws,” said the leader. “You know you are losing so you are lashing out at all who are abandoning you. The matter is simple, Julian. If you wanted to lead the pack, you would have been here.”

“I’m here now,” I said.

The leader shrugged. “It’s simply too late.”

“I am Alpha.”

“Not for much longer.”

I burst out of the meeting. Before I was two feet down the hall, I had my phone to my ear, a line to Tony ringing.

Tony answered with a laugh. “Been too long, cousin. I’m guessing you aren’t a fan of the changes I’ve made here.”

“What have you done?” I growled.

“What does it matter? So your council can be bought – so can everyone. What’s the big deal? Get over it.”

“I could kill you for this,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.

“Yeah? You should try then. That would make me look great on the ratings. In fact, why not give me another good soundbite. Come on, say something like, I’ll rip your throat out.”

“Fuck you.”

“That’s not as creative. Here? Do you need help? Why don’t I set the scene? I’m going to take away your title, your house, and your reputation. Then, what else do you have that I could take? Oh, I know. Your mate. I bet Amber would look good screaming my name.”

My growl grew more dangerous. I knew, in my mind, I shouldn’t make threats. He already admitted that he was likely recording, and he would use it against me.

But I was just too angry. My wolf was ready to pounce through the phone.

I tried to stop myself, but I couldn’t in time, not before I threatened…

“Touch her and I’ll kill you.”