“Rylan,” Alpha Roland acknowledges, “and... Selena. This is unexpected.” He introduces us to the Lycan council, “This is my eldest son Rylan, former Alpha heir and current pack Enforcer. And this is our former Gamma Henry’s daughter, Selena.”
I twist my hands together, the picture of anxiety. “I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important.”
“I remember your father and mother. They were great warriors and werewolves. If you ever need anything, here’s my card,” the female Lycan councilwoman says, handing me a card. We all take a seat across from the Alpha and Luna.
I say gently, “Thank you. I appreciate this more than you know.”
The Luna’s eyes narrow. “Our door is always open. You know that.”
No, after my parents died, they didn’t give me the time of day. Not even twenty-four hours after my father’s funeral, they appointed Candice’s father as Gamma in my father’s place.
I take a shaky breath. “Some members are showing hostility towards me.”
Alpha Roland leans forward. “Explain.”
I raise my eyes, allowing tears to gather. “Three days ago, I was cornered in the east wing by pack enforcers. They said I wasn’t worthy to be in our pack, that I was weak. They…“ I touch my ribs as if they still ache. “They made their point quite physically.”
I move my hair aside, exposing the bruises still lingering from the day I woke in this body.
I’m glad you stopped me from healing your wounds.
I know, right. You can heal them as soon as we take pictures later, just for proof.
Gotcha.
Alpha Roland’s expression darkens. “Who?”
“I can’t say,” I whisper. “I fear retaliation.”
Rylan steps forward. “I witnessed the attack that day, but they stopped when they saw me coming. It was Marcus and Damon.”
The Luna’s eyebrows rise. “Why didn’t you report it sooner?”
“Because ever since my mate passed, everyone treats my words like they mean nothing unless I use force. I stepped down because you, my parents, Alpha Roland and Luna Vivienne, agreed with Ronan that it was best for the pack,” Rylan says.
The Lycan council members exchange a look. The male Lycan council member frowns. “I’ve never heard of an Alpha and Luna suggesting their heir step down and pass the title to his brother. What is going on here?”
The female Lycan council member continues, “Usually, an Alpha heir is given time to grieve, and then the pack waits for him to receive a second chance mate or a chosen mate in certain cases.”
The Luna forces a thin smile. “W-we thought it was best at the time. After all, Ronan took over the Alpha heir duties while Rylan was in mourning.”
I could fix this in seconds,my wolf muses.
No.
You’re no fun.
A knock sounds at the door. Candice’s voice floats through from the other side, “Alpha Roland, Luna Vivienne, I’m looking for Selena. I’m worried. Have you seen her?”
“Come in,” Alpha Roland booms. “Oh, Selena, are you alright? I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Her fake sincerity disgusts me as she comes to sit beside me.
“I don’t feel safe anymore. I heard rumors and lies about me… I’m scared. What if someone is trying to sow discord in our pack?” I whimper. Candice places me in a hug. I shiver with disgust.
Alpha Roland studies me. “Discord? How so?”
“I’m scared,” I whisper. “Not just for me... for the pack. Something is wrong. People are turning on each other.”
“I agree,” the Lycan councilman says. “There needs to be an investigation. Into who is sowing discord in your pack.”
