Chapter Nine
Kale's POV
I finish my breakfast and walk to my room, grab my briefcase and head out the door.
Where a guard is waiting standing at attention outside.
"Ready, Alpha?" he asks as he reaches for my briefcase.
I nod handing my briefcase to him.
He takes it from me and falls into step beside me.
We walk to the waiting car, where Jensen, my driver, opens the door.
"Morning, Alpha," Jensen says to me.
"Good morning Jensen."
I get in and bring out my phone to check my schedule for today, I read through it and send my notes on it to my secretary.
I need to see Rue and ask her if she has sent the letter to her father and meet with the elders and some pack members to see if any of them has come up with anything, but first I have to meet with one of the neighbouring packs my pack has taken over.
"Take me to the shadow pack," I instruct.
Jensen nods, and we pull away from the house.
The city unfolds before us. As I try to clear my mind and turn my thoughts to the day's agenda.
But it seems my mind has other plans and continues playing a scene from my dream.
I close my eyes and scenes from my dream come flooding back.
A faint whisper echoes in my mind.
"Promise me."
I see a figure, pale and weak, lying in a dimly lit room.
"Protect them," the voice pleads. "Lead them, keep them safe."
Memories long buried resurface.
I feel the weight of responsibility, the crushing burden.
"You have to go back and take over for me," the voice urges.
My grip on the briefcase beside me tightens.
The city noise blurs outside, replaced by the haunting image.
"Promise me."
My voice, barely audible, responds.
"I promise."
The scene fades, leaving me with a lingering sense of unease.
My eyes refocus on the present.
Jensen's concerned gaze meets mine in the rearview mirror.
"Alpha, everything alright?"
I nod, my expression neutral.
"Just lost in thought."
He looks at me a concerned look still on his face but he knows better than to ask me again he simply nods.
I feel Jensen's gaze lingers for a moment before returning to the road.
"Arriving at the shadow pack office, Alpha," he announces, his tone professional.
I nod, gathering my thoughts.
Jensen pulls up to the private entrance.
The guard gets out of the car and opens the door for me.
I step out, briefcase in hand.
And we both walk into the building where the alpha of the Shadow pack and the leaders of the pack are seated waiting for me.
The Alpha of the Shadow Pack, Marcus, rises from his seat, a calculated smile on his face.
"Alpha Kael, welcome."
I nod, acknowledging him.
"Marcus. Gentlemen."
The room falls silent as I take my seat.
"Let's proceed," I say, opening my briefcase. "Our terms remain unchanged. Your pack will continue to operate under our guidance."
Marcus's expression tightens.
"We understand," he says, his voice measured. "But we require clarification on the arrangements."
I lean back, steepling my fingers.
"Your pack's military strength will be utilized in our upcoming endeavors," I explain. "Details will be disclosed when necessary."
The Shadow Pack leaders exchange uneasy glances.
"And the servants?" Marcus asks, his tone laced with resentment.
"I expect the designated individuals to arrive at our pack soon," I reply.
"Ensure they're prepared."
Marcus nods curtly.
"We'll comply."
I survey the room, meeting the gaze of each leader.
"I trust you're aware of the consequences of non-cooperation?"
The air thickens with tension.
"We understand," Marcus repeats, his tone laced with a mix of resignation and caution.
I nod, my expression stern.
"Good. Now, let's move on to the briefing. I want to know how things have been progressing here."
Marcus gestures to one of his advisors, a tall, lean man with a calculating gaze.
"Rachel, please update Alpha Kael on our current status," Marcus instructs.
Rachel stands, her eyes locked on me.
"As requested, we've increased our patrols and surveillance. Our trade agreements with neighboring packs are on track, and our military is prepared to mobilize at a moment's notice."
I listen intently, my mind processing the information.
"And the morale?" I ask, my gaze piercing.
Rachel hesitates before responding.
"There's growing unease among some pack members, Alpha. They're concerned about our arrangement with your pack."
I lean forward, my voice taking on a warning tone.
"Remind them of the benefits our alliance provides. And the consequences of disobedience."
Marcus's eyes flash with anger, but he reins it in.
"We'll address their concerns, Alpha," he assures me.
I nod, my expression unyielding.
"See that you do, now I assume that will be all."
I rise, signaling the end of the meeting.
"Remember, Marcus, our alliance benefits both packs. For now believe me when I say you don't want to cross me."
With that, I turn to leave.
Jensen falls into step beside me, briefcase in hand.
"Back to the office, Alpha?" he asks.
I nod.
"Yes," I say and we walk back to the car.
We get in and the drive back begins.
The city unfolds before us once more.
We arrive at the office building, and the guards gets down and opens the door for me.
I step out, smoothing my suit.
"Thank you," I say.
"My pleasure, Alpha Kael."
I walk into the building, the guard beside me.
Emily, my secretary, greets me with a warm smile.
"Welcome back, Alpha."
"Emily," I acknowledge. "We've concluded the meeting with the Shadow Pack."
"Yes, Alpha?" she prompts.
"We'll be receiving a group of servants from the Shadow Pack soon," I instruct. "Prepare the necessary accommodations and assignments."
Emily nods, her expression professional.
"Right away, Alpha. Shall I notify the Elder's Council?"
"Not yet," I reply. "I'll address them personally."
The guard hands Emily the briefcase and leaves.
"Files from the meeting, Emily."
She takes the briefcase, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Anything else, Alpha?"
"No, that's all for now."
I turn and walk into my office, the door closing behind me.
The familiar scent of leather and wood envelops me.
Reaching my desk, I scan the papers and files neatly arranged, awaiting my attention.
I take my seat, the leather chair creaking softly beneath me.
With a focused gaze, I begin reviewing the documents, my fingers scanning the pages.
The words blur together initially, but my mind quickly sharpens, absorbing the information.
I sift through reports on pack finances, territorial disputes, and potential alliances.
Each document requires careful consideration, strategic thinking, I need to make sure I'm on top of things here.
A knock at the door breaks my concentration.
"Enter," I call out.
Emily steps in, hovering at the doorstep a bit.
"Alpha, Elder Pierce has confirmed your 3 PM meeting with the elders."
I nod, making a mental note.
"Thank you, Emily. Hold all calls until then I don't want any distractions."
"Yes, Alpha."
She withdraws, closing the door behind her.
I refocus on the documents, my attention unwavering.
As I finish reviewing the last document, I set it aside, satisfied.
My mind now clear, I pick up my phone and dial Rue's number.
It rings twice before she answers.
"Hello Kael," Her voice is smooth, confident.
"Rue. Confirming you've sent the letter to your father," I say.
"Yes, it was sent this morning."
"Okay good I called to inform you that we will be meeting with the pack elders to discuss a way forward by 3 but I'll like for you to drop by my office now so we can discuss certain things before we go and meet the elders I will send a car to come pick you up now."
"Alright but I was about to have lunch," she replies.
"We'll eat at my office. I'll have the staff prepare something."
"Okay, thank you."
"I'll see you soon."
The call ends.
I press the intercom.
"Emily, send a car for Rue. She'll be joining me for lunch and a pre-meeting discussion."
"Yes, Alpha."
I lean back, mentally preparing for our discussion.
My phone buzzes.
"Alpha, the car is en route to collect Rue," Emily reports.
"Good. Have lunch prepared for us."
"Yes, Alpha."
I end the call, my thoughts turn to the meeting's potential outcomes.
A knock sounds on the door.
"Come in," I call out.
The door opens, and two maids enter, carrying trays laden with steaming dishes.
They move to the dining area on the other side of my office, where a beautifully set table awaits.
They arrange the food, the aroma of roasted meats and fresh herbs filling the air.
One maid approaches me.
"Alpha, lunch is served. Rue will be arriving shortly."
I nod.
"Thank you. That will be all."
The maids curtsy and exit, leaving me to await Rue's arrival.
Moments later, another knock sounds.
"Come in," I repeat.
The door opens, and Emily escorts Rue in.
Rue's eyes sparkle as she greets me, "Alpha."
My gaze meets hers, and for a fleeting moment, I'm struck by her radiant beauty. Her hair cascades down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her piercing emerald eyes shine with intelligence.
I quickly refocus, pushing aside the distraction.
"Rue, please join me."
Rue's smile hints at awareness of my momentary lapse, but she says nothing.
She approaches the dining area, her gaze falling on the spread.
"Thank you, Kael. This looks wonderful."
I gesture for her to take a seat.
"Let's eat and discuss our strategy for the Elder's Council meeting."
Rue nods, and we begin our meal.