âAre you implying the Xeric Packâs affiliation affects our duty?â
Harlan retorted, unable to contain his frustration.
âVampires are a threat to all werewolves, endangering every one of us.
Itâs problematic enough that some arenât striving for a solution, but to suggest that others overcompensate is unreasonable.
Should the entire world adjust just because some packs are smaller?â
Undeterred by Harlanâs vehement response, the Alpha replied coolly, âThatâs not what I meant.
Those are your words.
â
âYouâ¦â Harlan, incensed, slammed his hand on the table.
Just as the argument seemed about to escalate into a physical confrontation, I intervened to calm Harlan down.
Calebâs POV:
âEnough with the quarrel.
â
I communicated with a look to Harlan.
With a grudging huff, Harlanâs features tightened, yet he conceded to my silent urging and took his seat with a scowl.
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The tension eased as Harlan relented.
I read the room, gauging the unspoken thoughts of the other Alphas, the spokesman merely their mouthpiece.
Without rebuffing the request, I affirmed, âFine, the Thorn Edge Pack will commit more troops.
â
âCaleb, such leadership, such largesse,â commended the Alpha, his glance sliding slyly towards Harlan, who received a smug smirk.
Yet I wasted no time in curtailing his satisfaction.
As his grin took shape, my demeanor cooled.
âMy offer springs not from generosity.
The Thorn Edge Pack, as the apex of our kind, naturally shoulders a greater burden.
This should not suggest our contributions lack bounds.
â
ALL eyes fastened on me.
Before anyone could interject, I pressed on, âBear in mind, as the most invested, we reserve oversight.
Any underhanded schemes, any attempts to exploit our efforts, will meet with swift censure.
The gravity of the matter could lead to obliteration of the culpable packs.
â
My ruthless words quieted down the noisy crowd.
The Alphas exchanged glances.
Arching an eyebrow, I prodded, âAny concerns to voice? Feel free to speak up, weâre all here to deliberate.
â
Regaining composure, they shook their heads too eagerly.
âNot at all.
Weâre in accord with you.
No underhanded schemes from us.
â
âYouâre a visionary.
Who could possibly conspire under your watch?â
A sardonic smile tugged at my Lips.
Their duplicity was no secret.
Their aspirations to dethrone the Thorn Edge Pack were as old as the hills.
Past confrontations had tempered their bravado, or so it seemed.
But it was all an act.