"Kathy?"Felicia's voice drew my attention. "What'sup with you? You are looking around like you are waiting for someone."
Before I could answer her, the instructor's voice called us out for training.
I was spared with a lanky warrior first, I was dodging and blocking his strikes until the instructor called out to us to switch. Felicia stepped forward, rolling her sleeves with a smirk on her face.
"You are mine now." She said, settling into her stance.We circled each other, feet kicking up dust. My chest tightened. I didn't want to say it here, but the words had been burning in me since yesterday.I had tried to reach her but couldn't, the pack's mindlink was congested yesterday.
I slipped into the mind link, my voice in her head shaky despite how best I tried to remain calm. 'Felicia… he is the one'
Her strike paused mid air.
Her mental voice was confused. 'What?'
'The Lycan… Reign. The pack ruler that arrived yesterday… he is the one'
Her eyes widened as the realization hit her,her guard lowering for a second and I tumbled her to the floor. 'Kathy, you mean…'
'Yes'I hissed after she nearly landed a blow on me. 'The red eyed wolf.'
Felicia's gasp in the mind link was so loud I almost flinched.'Oh. My. Moon.'
Felicia was as shocked as I was, her reaction still lingering in her eyes even after we were done sparing. We had trained in silence after that, I guess she was processing it like I had yesterday.
After the final round ended, we stood in formation, sweat cooling on our skin waiting for the instructor to dismiss us. The air smelled of dust and filled with the light murmurs.
That was when the announcement came, sharp and clear.
One of the senior warriors called out "All Omega's are to report to the Lycan's residence immediately, it requires cleaning."
The words hit me.
Around me reactions sparked instantly. Some groaned, others muttered complaints under their breath. Some looked curious to see the Lycan who had disrupted the pack.
Felicia's head snapped towards me, I turned to meet her gaze. In that single glance, we both understood each other.
My heart was ramming against my chest, each beat heavy with the weight of knowing I might cross paths with him. But it was bound to happen sooner or later, I would have to face him.
Reign's POV
The dusty air of the old mansion hung heavy in the air. The place reeked of neglect, the marble floor filled with dust accumulated over the years. Alpha Gerald had made sure to stay hidden since my arrival. I smirked cowardice disguised as caution.
I sat at the long table with Zeke as three elders of the pack shuffled in. Their faces were composed but the rhythm at which their heart was beating betrayed them. Zeke stood silently at my right, arms folded, his sharp eyes watching them like a hawk.
"We warned him,My lord." The first elder with sunken cheeks began quickly. "We warned him not to tamper with traditions."
The second broad-shouldered with a deep voice, added, "We objected when he refused us from enlightening the young wolves about the bloodline hierarchy. We had no idea of his plans."
The female elder spoke with her voice, more careful than the others. "When he tried to appoint the new Alpha, we told him it was not in his place. We advised him against it, He didn't listen."
I leaned back in my chair, humming low in my throat. It was neither agreement nor dismissal just enough to make them squirm. "You warned him," I finally spoke, my voice even. "And then you stood aside."
They all looked at each other, then the elder with sunken cheeks spoke. "He was Alpha. Our options were limited"
"There will be a formal announcement regarding the Alpha's appointment," I told them, my tone leaving no room for interpretation. "Until then, you will keep your heads down."
Zeke's voice broke the silence. "The mansion needs to be cleaned immediately."
The female elder inclined her head, closing her eyes briefly as she sent the order through the mindlink. I could feel the ripple of it as the command spread to those outside.
They bowed and left without another word.
When the door closed, Zeke glanced at me "What are you thinking about the appointment of the New Alpha?"
I placed my eyes on the empty seat. "We will see."
Soon, a low hum of voices could be heard approaching the mansion. Wolves answering the mindlink order to clean. Soon footsteps echoed through the hallway.
Then I saw her, the little wolf that had interrupted my sleep. Her scent carried distress and I knew why I just smirked.
Zeke followed my gaze. "She will be shocked out of her wits."
I hummed in agreement, though a faint chuckle escaped me.
"I have a debt to collect." I rose from my seat. My boots,scraping against the dusty floor. I paused halfway through the door."Go find Gerald," I told Zeke, "Organize a meeting. The whole pack. I'm going to address them."
Zeke's POV
I turned and left the dusty halls,the air carried the stale weight of years without a ruler worthy of title.
I found Gerald in his quarters, the stench of false authority clinging to him. Another young wolf was in the room with him. I didn't spare him more than a glance. He straightened at my presence.
Gerald looked up, and I made no move to bow. I didn't need to. A half-blood I may be—m half wolf, half Lycan but my presence still carried weight. The kind of weight that came from knowing exactly where the true power in the room lay, and it wasn't with him.
"Reign wants a meeting," I said flatly. "The whole pack, present. He will address them."
Gerald stiffened, hiding his reaction behind a slow nod. He wouldn't dare challenge the order. I didn't wait for a response.Gerald knew more than to question a Lycan's order.
Gerald POV
After Zeke left, Kenneth let out a slow sigh of relief, like the air in the room had been strangled and finally released.
He stepped closer, his voice low. "What do you think the meeting will be about?"
I didn't answer right away. My jaw worked, teeth grinding together. I hated it,the way another power now walked through my pack.so I now had to pass along his commands like some messenger instead of the Alpha.
"I don't know," I muttered, the lie tasting bitter. "But whatever it is, it will be about the appointment of the new Alpha."
Kenneth's full attention was on me, searching my face. "Then what do we do?"
I leaned back in my chair, the wood creaking under my weight. "We listen. We nod. And we remember every word he says. The seat will be yours if you play it right".