Claimed By The Rival Alpha

Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Kael

My carriage rolled through the iron gates of the Council Estate just after midday.

The sprawling property sat at the center of the realm like a crown jewel, untouched by wars, rivalries, and the countless disputes that tore packs apart every year. Ancient stone walls surrounded the estate, while towering silverwood trees lined the roads leading toward the Great Council Court.

I stared out the carriage window with little admiration. I had never liked this place.

The Council talked... I acted. That was the difference between us.

The carriage slowed before the main courtyard. "Alpha," the rider called mainly to inform me that we’ve arrived.

I pushed the door open and stepped down. Immediately, dozens of eyes shifted toward me.

The guards, the servants, the messengers, the visitors... Every one of them were intently watching me.

I was used to being watched and stared at.

Some looked at me with respect,others with suspicion, a few with outright dislike and my reputation tended to provoke strong reactions.

I ignored them all and began walking. The stone beneath my boots echoed through the courtyard as whispers followed behind me.

"That’s him." One of the watching men said.

"The Blackbourne Alpha." Another added.

"The one who cleared the rogue territories." Another said with a shaky voice.

"I heard he killed four rogues alone." Another added almost with admiration mixed with a bit of fear.

"I heard it was seven." Another said and they all gasped, making me scoff.

"Idiots!" People always added details by the time stories traveled across the realm, I was surprised they did not claim I fought dragons.

My wolf stirred proudly but I ignored him too. He is becoming way more proud and boastful than I am.

The entrance doors opened before I reached them and two guards bowed. "Welcome Alpha Kael."

I nodded once and entered. The familiar scent of old parchment, polished wood, and candle wax greeted me.

The Council Court had stood for centuries. Its hallways were filled with history, massive paintings decorated every wall, Legendary Alphas, Ancient warriors, Great rulers and Heroes of the werewolf realm.

Some deserved their place but others did not.

I climbed the grand staircase, my boots striking the polished stone.

One painting in particular caught my attention. An Alpha who had united three packs during a civil war centuries ago.

A great leader, A fearless man.The sort of Alpha I respected not the cowards who bent their necks whenever vampires demanded tribute.

My jaw tightened as the very thought irritated me which was why the next painting made my mood worse.

Alpha William’s portrait hung among the honored Alphas. The painter had done an excellent job in his art work.

Alpha William’s looked powerful, confident and noble but I knew better.

’Powerful?’ I might certainly agree to that.

’But Noble?’ Not a chance. I can’t rate such a man as the part of nobles. He isn’t worth such an amazing title.

I continued walking. If I stared any longer, I might have been tempted to throw something at the painting.

My wolf approved of that idea but I did not as I won’t want to cause any troubles from my end.

I’m portraying myself as the most innocent at this council meeting and I don’t want to ruin it for anything that has to do with Alpha Williams.

The meeting would begin soon enough but unfortunately as I rounded a corner leading toward the main chamber, a familiar voice called out.

"Alpha Kael." I stopped and turned around to find Councilman Cedric approaching me with a smile.

Unlike many councilmen, Cedric had once belonged to the Blackbourne Pack Years ago before he ascended to the Council.

The rules required every councilman to renounce allegiance to their pack upon appointment.

Officially, they served the entire realm. Unofficially? Most still carried old loyalties.

Councilman Cedric extended a hand. "It has been some time."

I shook it briefly. "Not long enough."

He laughed. "Still charming, I see."

"I did not come here to charm anyone." I said still not reciprocating his laughter. I’m not someone to start giggling at every possible word.

"I know Alpha Kael." Cedric sighed. "Though you arrived quite early."

"You say that like it is a crime." I almost scoffed but held it in.

"It isn’t a crime, Alpha Kael. Just that the meeting is delayed and you would have to wait for a long while."

My annoyance surfaced immediately as I didn’t plan on wasting much time here. "Why is the meeting being delayed?"

"One of the councilmen recently lost his mate."

I frowned as Cedric continued. "A smaller gathering is currently being held in remembrance. It may take some time."

I exhaled sharply. "Of course more delays, more ceremonies and more talking."

Councilman Cedric gestured down another hallway. "Come wait in the antechamber."

"I can stand." I gruffly said.

"You can also sit."

"I prefer standing."I argued as I didn’t plan for such delays.

"Humor me." Councilman Cedric still tried harder.

I considered refusing, then decided it was not worth the argument. "Fine." I reluctantly agreed.

Cedric smiled victoriously that I immediately almost regretted agreeing.

We entered the antechamber together. The room was elegant with large windows overlooking the estate gardens, Several tables were arranged around the room. Food and drinks had already been prepared for arriving guests.

Cedric helped himself to wine but I did not and he noticed.

"You still refuse to drink before important meetings?" He asked with a slight smile.

"I prefer a clear mind."

"A single glass won’t cloud your judgment."

"Then drink mine too." I said to him,

He chuckled. "You truly are impossible."

I sat opposite him and for several moments, neither of us spoke.

Cedric eventually broke the silence. "I suppose you know why today’s meeting was called."

"I know Alpha William has been whining."

Cedric nearly choked on his wine. "Whining?"

"What would you call it?"

"A father searching for his daughter." Councilman Cedric says and I lean back.

There it was, the direction this conversation was headed.

Cedric swirled his wine thoughtfully. "I have seen the petitions."

I said nothing as he continued. "For nearly two weeks, Alpha William has pushed for a formal gathering."

Still, I remained silent while Cedric studied me. "You do not seem particularly concerned."

"Should I be?" I asked with a creased brow.

"The girl is missing."

I shrugged. "People go missing every now and there."

"Not daughters of powerful Alphas."

"Apparently they do."I went on to argue with him.

Cedric sighed. "You know, despite everything, I do feel sympathy for him."

I folded my arms. Of course he did.

"He lost his only heir." I remained expressionless as Cedric continued. "And not just any heir."

I looked at him as he lowered his voice. "One promised to the vampires."

My wolf growled but I ignored him.

Cedric leaned forward. "The implications are serious."

"I am aware." I said with a shrug of my shoulders.

"Are you?" His tone sharpened slightly. "If the vampires believe the agreement has been broken—"

"They always believe the agreement has been broken." I said and Cedric looked frustrated at my retaliations.

Cedric frowned and finally said. "This is different."

"Why is it?"

"Because the girl herself is involved."

I looked away while Cedric continued speaking. "The consequences will not stop with Nightbane."

I already knew that.

"The Council could be affected."he said and I still knew that.

"Trade routes." He mentioned and I knew that too.

"Border security, and Relations between packs."

I rubbed my forehead. "Have you finished?" I asked as I didn’t want to hear anymore of it.

Cedric sighed. "No." He says and I couldn’t help but feel so unfortunate to meet him.

"The vampires are dangerous." He went on to say.

I let out a short humorless sound. "Now that is the first intelligent thing you’ve said today."

His expression darkened. "You are mocking the situation?"

"I mock our response to it. We survive, we kneel, we endure, and we submit to them."

Cedric placed his wine down. "We do that to protect our people."

I leaned forward. "Do we?"

The room grew quiet as neither of us spoke for several moments.

Eventually Cedric changed the subject... Perhaps wisely. "You truly did not know?" He asked, staring intently at me.

I narrowed my eyes. "Know what?"

"That Alpha William’s daughter was meant for the vampires."

I blinked then deliberately allowed surprise onto my face. "What?"

Cedric frowned. "You did not know?"

"Of course not."

He looked genuinely confused. "That is impossible."

"Why?"I asked slightly confused.

"Alpha William stated otherwise."

My jaw tightened knowing of course he had stated something to the council. "What exactly did he state?"

Cedric thought for a moment before saying. "He claimed you knew."

I laughed genuinely this time and the sound echoed through the room. "That old liar."

Cedric looked startled. "You deny it?"

"I do." I snapped.

"He specifically mentioned an encounter between the two of you."

"We did have an encounter." I said.

"And?"

"And he never mentioned his daughter being a vampire tribute."

Cedric stared at me while I met his gaze evenly. The truth required very little effort to tell.

Alpha William had never admitted it aloud and truly not to me.

Cedric slowly nodded. "Interesting."

"It is irritating."I said through gritted teeth.

"That as well." He added and took another drink.

Then he asked the question I had been expecting. "Have you been searching for the girl?" freēwebnovel.com

I froze only slightly but Cedric noticed as his eyes sharpened for me to spill it. "Well?"

I looked at him but said nothing as my silence stretched for seconds while the old fox Cedric waited patiently.

Then— The door suddenly opened and heavy footsteps entered the room.

The familiar scent reached me before the voice did and I turned to find Alpha William walking in with about four of his men.