Chapter Fifty Eight
CHRIS
I sat amidst a circle of other alphas, their voices blending into an indistinct murmur. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, twirling like an unrelenting hurricane. My focus had wandered far from the tactful negotiations and strategic pacts as the summit’s discussion echoed around me. My pack and Lucy were the only images etched in my mind.
I was surrounded by older and distinguished alphas and was meant to participate actively, engage in conversations, and assert my presence as the newly crowned alpha of the Hallowed Manes pack. Nevertheless, my mind was lingering with responsibilities and the recent turmoil that had occurred within my territory.
The other alphas noticed the distance in my demeanor and furrowed their brows in displeasure. They attempted to draw my attention to their conversations, steering the discourse toward my pack and the recent challenges we’ve faced.
“Chris, our new alpha from the Hallowed Manes, we were discussing the rising issues within your territory,” said one of the older alphas, a stern but understanding gaze fixed upon him.
Clearing the fog in my mind, I straightened up. “Yes, we’ve encountered crises in the past and more are still arising since my coronation,” I admitted, the weight of my responsibilities very evident in my voice. “I’m deeply concerned about the safety of my people and the recent events troubling our land.”
They all nodded in understanding, their expressions, a mix of compassion and a firm resolve that came with years of leadership. They offered to give me advice and shared their own experiences on how they had managed similar challenges and handled their pack crises.
The meeting progressed for hours but I couldn’t shake off the worries I felt. My loved ones loomed large in my thoughts, their safety was my priority and it weighed heavily on my mind. I longed to know how they were fairing and hoped they were safe amidst the chaos that was brewing in our homes.
The summit lasted for days with immense discussions after which it eventually came to an end. With haste, I began my preparations to return to my pack but I was summoned by one of the alphas whom I had come to know as my father’s friend and close confidant before his passing, Alpha Dylan.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there at your coronation, I was too occupied with activities at my pack to attend,” Alpha Dylan explained.
Not that I cared if he was present at my coronation, it was good that I had someone who knew my father aside from those in my pack. “It’s nothing, Alpha Dylan. I understand that you are a busy man. I was hoping I could have a word with you before I return.”
“That’s good. I was meaning to talk to you as well,” Alpha Dylan said, concern written all over his face.
I looked at him suspiciously, wondering what it could be about. “I hope everything is alright. What do you want to talk to me about?”
“It’s about my friend, your father. He wanted me to relate a message with you, I should have done that soon enough and I apologize once again for that,” Alpha Dylan said with sincerity etched over his voice.
“Before you speak further, I was wondering if you could share anything about my father. I’m pretty sure that you had a conversation with him before his passing,” I said.
A solemn expression was seen on his face. “Ah, yes. I was going to talk to you about that as well. Your father was a very wise, he shared his concerns with me about the future of our packs,” Dylan paused, gathering his thoughts before he continued. “He warned me about Uther, his brother, and advised me to watch over you, to be cautious.”
My eyes widened slightly, my heart beating faster at the mention of Uther, Cade as he was called now. “What did he say about Uther?”
“Your father didn’t go into details,” he explained, lowering his voice. “He stressed the need for you to be cautious, mentioning that Uther had a history that was cause for concern.”
“Well, I guess you were too late with the warnings ’cause he already attacked my pack and killed a few of my people. That’s not all, he also is planning another raid on my pack,” I explained, my blood boiling with rage at the thought of all I had been through at the hands of Cade.
“Damnit, I should have come sooner. If there is anything you need from me, I’ll be willing to help in any way I can,” he said, placing his hand on my shoulder with a reassuring smile.
“Did my father mention anything else to you about Uther’s intention or why I should be cautious?” I said, trying to make sense of my father’s cryptic sense.
Dylan shook his head, regret lacing his features. “I’m afraid not, Chris. Your father was concerned, but he didn’t provide explicit details. He simply wanted me to make sure you were aware and watchful.”
“Uther killed my father, and another man took the fall for it. Now he is coming for me as well, I bet he thinks I’m not good enough for the throne or it’s his to own,” I said, my voice laced with anger.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Taking a deep breath, Dylan sat beside me. “Listen, Chris, Uther was many things but killing your father, his brother, I’m not too sure of that.”
“Then why did my father ask you to warn me about him? Look, Uther is a vile man and I’ll make him pay for what he did to my father,” I snarled.
Dylan placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Your father cared deeply for you, son. He wanted to ensure your safety and the well-being of your pack. Keep his words and trust your instincts.”
I nodded, a resolve settled within me. My father’s warnings were too late now but I was happy at least that he had me in mind before his passing and that he believed I had the capacity to rule in his absence.
With a newfound resolve, I prepared to return to my pack. I was ready to face any challenge that would come ahead with a determination to balance my duty as an alpha with my love for my mate.