Chapter 83
Ethan's POV
The weight of leadership had never felt so heavy on my shoulders as I stepped into the meeting room at Storm Haven’s Pack house. A handful of Alphas, each carrying their own aura of authority and power, filled the space, their murmured conversations dying the moment I entered.
Their gazes turned to me, some expectant, others wary.
“Thank you all for coming,” I began, my voice steady as I moved to the head of the table. “I know your time is valuable, and your Packs need you, but what we’re about to discuss affects every single one of us.”
Alpha Kelvin, ever the steady presence, nodded from his seat near the center. “You’ve called us here for a reason, Ethan. Let’s hear it.”
I took a deep breath, the room’s tension palpable. “Chloe has been building alliances – Rogues and lone Alphas – aiming to disrupt the final Council meeting. Her goal is chaos, undermine Derek’s leadership, discredit me and Olivia. She wants to position herself as the savior in the storm she’s creating.”
A murmur rippled through the room, skepticism mixed with anger in their voices. Alpha Kade leaned forward. “Do you have proof of this, or is this speculation?”
I nodded to Marlus, who stepped forward and laid several documents and photographs on the table. “These,” Marlus said, his voice firm, “are intercepted communications and testimonies from captured Rogues. Chloe’s promising them positions of power in her new regime if they support her.”
Alpha Greta, a seasoned leader with sharp eyes, picked up one of the documents, scanning it quickly. “And what exactly does she hope to gain from this?”
“Control,” I answered bluntly. “Not just of Jasper Pack but a foothold over the Council itself. She wants to shift the balance of power in her favor.”
Kelvin’s gaze was steady, his expression unreadable. “If what you’re saying is true, this isn’t just about you or Aiden. This is about the integrity of the Council as a whole.”
“Exactly,” I said, meeting his eyes. “If Chloe succeeds, she won’t stop with Jasper Pack. She’ll use this as a steppingstone to erode the trust and stability we’ve all worked to maintain.”
A heavy silence filled the room as the Alphas processed the information. From the corner of my eye, I saw a couple of their Betas flinch at the raw power the surged in the room.
“So, what’s your plan?” Kade asked, his tone laced with skepticism but not outright dismissal. His playboy persona was just that, a persona. His sharp mind and controlled power were why he was Alpha.
I straightened, my wolf stirring within me. “The Council as a whole must see us as a united front, committed to stability and strength. I’m asking for your votes; not just for me, but for the Packs you represent and the future we all want to protect.”
Kelvin leaned forward, his tone firm but supportive. “Ethan, my Pack can send reinforcements to help secure the area. Chloe won’t expect an overwhelming show of strength.”
I nodded, appreciating his offer. “That would be a game-changer. At the Council meeting, I’ll provide concrete evidence against Chloe. It’s time she’s exposed for what she’s done.”
Kade’s gaze sharpened. “And Olivia? She’s becoming a symbol of stability. Use that.”
A hint of a smile touched my lips. “She already is.” I felt like a love-sick puppy and didn’t care if it showed.
Kelvin nodded slowly. “You have my vote, Ethan. Chloe’s ambitions have always been a pain the Council’s ass. But a show of alliance alone won’t be enough. What’s your plan to counter this attack?”
I motioned for Marlus to step forward again. “We’ve identified a key Rogue camp and are ready to strike. The attack will be during the Council meeting. Kerrick and I will ensure Luna Olivia and the others are protected while Alpha Ethan engage Chloe’s allies head-on.”
Greta frowned. “This sounds like a war brewing, not a Council meeting.”
“It’s both,” I said firmly. “But I’m not asking for bloodshed. I’m asking for strength. We show Chloe and her allies that they can’t fuck with us. We stand together, and we prove that the Council is stronger than her ambition.”
Greta nodded, her sharp gaze hardening slightly. “Can’t let you boys have all the fun. I’ll take my warriors and see about stirring the pot in this camp of theirs. But you’re asking for more than votes, Ethan. You’re asking for trust.”
“Yes,” I admitted. “And I’ll earn it. Not just today, but when I’m on the Alpha Council.”
Kade stood, his presence commanding. “You’ve made your case, and it’s a strong one. You have my vote, Ethan. And my warriors in the Council Chamber.”
As the meeting ended and the Alphas began to disperse, Kelvin lingered behind, his gaze thoughtful. “You’re a capable leader, Ethan. Your father might be a prick, but don’t let anyone, including yourself, forget you are your mother’s son.”
I nodded, his words sinking deep. As he left, Marlus clapped a hand on my shoulder. “One step closer, Alpha.”
I nodded, determination coursing through me. We were as ready as we could be.
Marlus and Kerrick gathered maps and notes, their murmured discussions about defensive positions filling the space. I stood at the edge of the table, my hands braced against the wood, staring at the intricate lines and markers that represented everything I was fighting to protect.
Marlus straightened, his eyes meeting mine. “We’ll keep fine-tuning the plans. The reinforcements Kelvin promised will strengthen the perimeter, but we’ll still need to be ready for surprises.”
Kerrick nodded. “I’ll have Thorne Ridge warriors prepared to respond quickly, wherever Chloe’s Rogues strike. Luna is working with the healers.”
I nodded, for once pleased at feeling a small semblance of control in this situation. “Good. This has to go smoothly. If Chloe succeeds in causing chaos, the Council won’t just doubt me, they’ll question the stability of every Pack under our alliances.”
As they continued strategizing, I drifted toward the window, staring out into the night. The stars were bright, but their calm felt like a cruel mockery of the storm I knew was coming.
My wolf stirred restlessly, pacing in the back of my mind. Protect. Defend. Keep her safe.
“I’ll take care of it,” I murmured aloud, though I wasn’t sure if I was reassuring myself or him.
Marlus approached, his expression softer than usual. “Ethan, you’ve done everything you can. The Pack is ready, and Olivia... she’s kind of badass.”
“She shouldn’t have to be,” I replied, my voice rough. “None of this should fall on her shoulders.”
Marlus’s hand landed on my shoulder. “That’s why she has you. And why you have us, Alpha. We’ll help keep her safe.”
As they left to finalize the plans, the silence of the room pressed against me. My wolf growled low, demanding action, not plans. His urgency was a drumbeat in my chest, a constant reminder of the bond we’d sealed.
Olivia was my Mate, my responsibility, and the thought of Chloe or her Rogues threatening her made my blood boil.
“I won’t let them near her,” I vowed, my voice low but firm.
Steeling myself, I turned back to the table. There was no room for hesitation. I’d protect Olivia, my Packs, and the Council.
No matter what it cost.
