Laughter erupted in the room, a release of tension brought about by the Chancellor's cutting remark.
Brandon's face contorted with a mixture of anger and humiliation, his own pack members glancing at him with unease.
Somehow, that pitiful face of his brought happiness in me too. It was clear that his reputation had taken a hit, and the tides of fate are beginning to shift.
I couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction at the Chancellor's response. The playing field was being leveled, and it was up to us to seize the opportunity.
As the meeting continued, I found myself immersed in thoughts of revenge, my determination solidifying. The Rogues would be mine, and justice would be served. But for now, I had to play the game. I had to bide my time, gather support, and strike when the moment was right.
When I locked eyes with Alpha Zarion, I knew he shared the same unwavering resolve as mine. The battle for power had begun, and neither Brandon nor anyone else in that room had any idea what they were truly up against.
“Why? You think my pack wasn't strong enough, Chancellor?” Alpha Brandon suddenly challenged in a dark voice. Everyone in the room shushed up. He was now standing, both of his hands on the metallic desk in front of him. I could see the veins almost popping out from his arms.
He's angry. Of course, he was insulted in front of everyone. Hestia, his Luna, tried to calm him down. But Brandon pushed her aside, making her land on the floor with a thud.
No one dared to help her. Not even Alpha Brandon's wary guard dogs standing tall beside them. The tension in the room was palpable, and all eyes were fixed on the confrontation unfolding before them.
Brandon's intense gaze shifted from Hestia to me. I raised an eyebrow and did not break the eye contact. He's pissed. I could feel the pissedfulness emanating from him, a dangerous aura that sent a chill down my spine.
Brandon’s scary when he’s scary. But he should see Zarion’s fury and know that his anger is unmatched.
I know this situation is escalating, and I must handle it carefully.
Alpha Zarion, my boyfriend and leader of our pack, sensed my unease. He slipped his hand around my waist and kissed the top of my forehead, reassuring me that he will always be there by my side.
I glanced up at him, finding solace in his presence. “I'm okay,” I whispered anxiously, my voice barely audible over the rising tension in the room.
“Just making sure, love.” I really can’t help it but his voice is a soothing rumble that helped to calm my nerves. I nodded, acknowledging his support and turned my attention back to the unfolding drama.
Caesar, the one responsible for convening this annual meeting, took advantage of the brief lull in the commotion to speak once again. “But there would be a twist for this annual meeting.” There’s something in his voice that makes me think that twist will going to be a terrific one. Somehow, it made me excited. “Both Lunas of Alpha Zarion and Alpha Brandon will have the battle instead of the Alphas. The winner will have the Rogues, while the loser will have to face the consequences.. dire consequences.”
The room fell silent, the weight of Caesar's words sinking in. I knew this will going to be terrific—but not this terrific. This unexpected turn of events had caught everyone off guard, including Zarion. Whereas me…bitch, I’ve long been wanting to choke that Hestia bitch to death.
And since she’s weak now—both physically and emotionally—it’s gonna be easier to push her to death’s door just like what she did to me that night on top of the mountain. That time where she seduced Zarion about the witch that knew his mate and I’m left alone with Brandon, almost dying.
This is payback time. For Elliot’s death. For her manipulation towards Zarion.
The air crackled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. As the chosen Luna, I was now thrust into the spotlight, facing a challenge that would not only determine the fate of our packs but also put me against a formidable opponent. And perhaps in the arms of demise.
Alpha Brandon's eyes narrowed as he stared at me, lips curling. A spark of defiance igniting within him, maybe not for Hestia but for me. He had never been one to back down from a fight, and this was no exception. I knew I had to match his determination, to prove not only my worth but also the strength of our pack. The strength of me and Zarion even if I am not his mate.
That I am more than what these wolves see me.
I am not delicate. I am not weak. I am no longer a pawn, only meant to be thrusted in the board. I am now the Queen, a crucial player in this game of consequences.
Alpha Zarion tightened his grip around my waist, his presence a silent encouragement. “Fuck. You sure about that Caesar?”
“You bet I am.”
He knew the weight I now carried. I know Zarion loves me, but sometimes I have to show to him that he must have faith in my abilities. “Come on, love, I’m not backing down with Hestia!”
“I know.” He grins and jerked his chin at me. “I trust your capabilities. You can take her down in a nook. Or maybe with a flick of your wrist.”
I winked at him. “Well that’s the nice encouragement I’ve been wanting to hear.”
Zarion licked his lower lip and gave me a dangerous look, one that could topple packs and perhaps even bend Caesar to his knees. “If you took her down, I’m going to reward you with something nice too.”
“I don’t want to hear the rest of it,” I smirked back, a feline grin split across my features.
“You will know the reward tonight.”
I chuckled because I could read what’s on his mind right now—we will have our own battle on his bed. So predictable. So Zarion.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the battle ahead. I couldn't afford to let doubt creep in. I had to focus on the task at hand.
I will fight. I must fight. I can fight.
In that very moment, as the tension thickened and emotions ran high, I made a silent vow to myself: I would fight with everything I had and have. Not just for the bond Alpha Zarion and I shared, but also with Bridgette and Caleb and all of the Volatile Hounds Pack.
I would face the dire consequences with a pretty smile and beautiful face, whatever they may be, and emerge victorious.
I will show to them that I am a storm. I am a hound. I am Cassidy Salem Bently, Alpha Zarion of the Volatile Hounds Pack’s Luna.
And I shall win.