85 Grief turning into ambition…
Nathan
I watched helplessly as Lyla disappeared into the garden.
I knew she was hurting; I had walked in on her mother hurling hateful words at her again. I had seen the pain in her eyes when she told me not to pity her and every fibre of my being wanted to go after her. But before
I could move, my father gripped my shoulders, stopping me in my
tracks.
“You’re Alpha now, Nathan,” he said in a steely voice, giving me a hard glare. “Not just Alpha to
Blue Ridge but also head of the Alpha Council. You can’t just run off whenever it pleases you. You have responsibilities now lots of them.”
–
I turned to face my father, clenching my jaw. “This is Lyla, we’re talking about dad. You saw how she was humiliated. She’s hurting and I need to go to her.”
His gaze softened slightly but his grip on my shoulders remained stronger. “I understand, Nathan. But this is what it means to lead. You have other Alphas waiting to meet you as their new leader. You’ll see Lyla soon enough. So stay and talk to the other Alphas… I’ll go after her myself and bring her back to you.”
Before I could protest, my father was already moving towards the garden following the path Lyla had taken a moment ago. Alone now, I turned back toward the council hall, though my mind was
still on her.
As I entered the hall, I felt restless, unable to shake off the growing anxiety gnawing at me in my heart. I stood near the back of the room, my eyes alternating between the garden and taking in Alphas that came to greet me and introduce themselves and their Betas even though I knew almost everyone.
Minutes went by and most of the Alphas had left, leaving just a few of us. I was done with exchanging pleasantries and now I stood sentry in front of the building telling myself that I would go after them if I didn’t see my dad in the next five minutes.
“You’ll make a fine Alpha, a voice broke through my thoughts. When I turned, I saw Alpha Calder standing beside him, a quiet gleam in his eyes. From all of the Alphas in the region, he was shrewder.
on
When Alpha Logan was alive, whenever the pack wanted to collaborate with Alpha Calder’s pack
anything, he would check, double check and recheck for hidden clauses. He was no one’s friend and no one’s enemy, making him a scary man.
I nodded distractedly, my gaze drifting back to where my father had disappeared.
Alpha Calder seeing that I was barely giving him attention cleared his throat pointedly, demanding my attention.
“What is it, Alpha Calder? I turned to him with a cold expression.
“I wanted to offer my congratulations and of course a piece of advice if you don’t mind. Even
19
85 Grief turning into ambition…
though you sound pissed, I’m still going to tell you anyways.”
“Thank you for your congratulatory message, Alpha Calder,” I replied as my attention drifted toward the garden. “And I really don’t need your advice, especially tonight.”
“You should relax, Alpha Nathan,” Calder chuckled, noticing my distraction. “I’m sure your father has everything under control because what I’m about to tell you requires your attention.”
Gritting my teeth, I turned to him. “I’m listening.”
“It’s about Alpha Logan’s widow – Luna Vanessa. What do you plan to do about her?”
The question caught me off guard. I stared at the cunning man trying to understand why he was asking that question.
“Luna Vanessa?” I repeated just to be sure. “What do you mean?” I asked carefully.
His gaze was fixed on me as he continued speaking. “You’re Alpha now, Nathan. Your Pack members would expect you to handle pack affairs and ensure that they’re not confused.” He paused, narrowing his eyes. “You need to find a way to curb Luna Vanessa’s excesses. You see what she did, trying to sway the council, getting help from the White Moon Throne”
“She’s just an aggrieved widow, Alpha Calder,” I said quietly, watching him. “I’m sure those are just angry tantrums.”
“You know they’re not,” he gave me a pointed stare. “You saw the way she was with her daughter for choosing you. Her ambitions could pose a risk. If you don’t stop her, she might try to usurp your position banking on her late husband’s loyalty amongst pack members and all other smaller packs. She would challenge your position sooner or later and she has shown us she won’t back down easily.”
One of the reasons I hated politics.
“I understand your concerns Alpha Calder but Luna Vanessa is a smart woman. I cannot deny her defiance in the council hall earlier but still, I know what she’s capable of doing.”
“You can never know with women. Even the slightest tip, not necessarily money can sway them. Once she gives birth to her child and it turns out to be a boy, she would be trying to contest for your position again.”
“Fine!” I finally agreed “I’ll keep it in mind. But right now, I have no intention of doing anything. She’s still grieving.”
“Fair enough!” he nodded, holding his hands behind him. “But remember, Alpha Nathan, grief has a way of turning into ambition if left unchecked. You must protect your position as Alpha. If Vanessa senses weakness, she might try to exploit it.”
I let out a quiet sigh, understanding the advice but hating the suggestion to act against someone in mourning. I glanced back at Calder, offering a polite nod of appreciation. But before I could respond further, Calder continued.
“And there’s the matter of choosing a mate. Do you have a fated mate?”
I stiffened at the boldness of his question, surprised at the smooth way he was changing topics.
235
85 Griel turning into ambition….
“You’re Alpha now, having a Luna is the next step. Not only would it help fortify your position,
but it’ll also help to curb unwanted desires.”
“I don’t see how that is relevant now,” I replied.
“Oh, but it is,” Calder smiled. “In our next council meeting a fortnight from today when we come for your coronation, the council is going to ask you the same question. It is a compulsory requirement.”
“Well, I haven’t met my fated mate.”
“That’s okay. If you don’t have a fated mate, you might want to consider one of Alpha Logan’s daughters. It might mend the rift between your families and also strengthen the pack”
“Aren’t you being too much in my business already, Alpha Calder? I’ll choose a mate when I think it’s necessary and not because of some political move.”
“This is not a political move. It’s candid advice from a seasoned Alpha to you. If you don’t choose a wife soon, one of the other Alpha will push their daughters to you. It cannot be helped but you
must resist. Aligning yourself with Alpha Logan’s lineage would be beneficial.”
Then he paused his eyes twinkling with mischief and a wry smile. “Although that won’t be a problem, will it? It’s obvious that you already love, Lyla.”
My gaze snapped back to Calder, unable to hide my surprise. Was my devotion to Lyla so transparent that even the other Alphas had noticed? I had tried to keep my feelings hidden, but seems I wasn’t as discreet as I thought.”
“My personal feelings are not up for discussion,” I said firmly, drawing myself to my full height. Calder chuckled, amused by my words. “I don’t need a verbal confirmation, Alpha Nathan. Just think carefully about what’s best for both of you and Blue Ridge. Choosing a mate isn’t just about power, though it is a responsibility you’ll have to accept. And if that choice is Lyla Woodland, so
be it.”
“If you’ll excuse me,” I said, giving him a stony gaze. “I think I’m overflowing with your advice. I brushed past him, not waiting for his response.
I had spotted my father coming out from the garden.
