85 Grief turning into ambition …
Nathan
I watched helplessly as L disappeared into the garden .
I knew she was hurting ; I had walked in on her mother hurling hateful words at her again .
I had seen the pain in her eyes when she told me not to pity her and every fibre of my being wanted to go after her .
But before
I could move , my father gripped my shoulders , stopping me in my
tracks .
“ You’re Alpha now , Nathan , ” he said in a steely voice , giving me a hard re .
“ Not just Alpha to
Blue Ridge but also head of the Alpha Council .
You can’t just run off whenever it pleases you .
You have responsibilities now lots of them .
”
–
I turned to face my father , clenching my jaw .
“ This is L , we’re talking about dad .
You saw how she was humiliated .
She’s hurting and I need to go to her .
”
His gaze softened slightly but his grip on my shoulders remained stronger .
“ I understand , Nathan .
But this is what it means to lead .
You have other Alphas waiting to meet you as their new leader .
You’ll see L soon enough .
So stay and talk to the other Alphas … I’ll go after her myself and bring her back to you .
”
Before I could protest , my father was already moving towards the garden following the path L had taken a moment ago .
Alone now , I turned back toward the council hall , though my mind was
still on her .
As I entered the hall , I felt restless , unable to shake off the growing anxiety gnawing at me in my heart .
I stood near the back of the room , my eyes alternating between the garden and taking in Alphas that came to greet me and introduce themselves and their Betas even though I knew almost everyone .
Minutes went by and most of the Alphas had left , leaving just a few of us .
I was done with exchanging pleasantries and now I stood sentry in front of the building telling myself that I would go after them if I didn’t see my dad in the next five minutes .
“ You’ll make a fine Alpha , a voice broke through my thoughts .
When I turned , I saw Alpha Calder standing beside him , a quiet gleam in his eyes .
From all of the Alphas in the region , he was shrewder .
on
When Alpha Logan was alive , whenever the pack wanted to coborate with Alpha Calder’s pack
anything , he would check , double check and recheck for hidden uses .
He was no one’s friend and no one’s enemy , making him a scary man .
I nodded distractedly , my gaze drifting back to where my father had disappeared .
Alpha Calder seeing that I was barely giving him attention cleared his throat pointedly , demanding my attention .
“ What is it , Alpha Calder ? I turned to him with a cold expression .
“ I wanted to offer my congrattions and of course a piece of advice if you don’t mind .
Even
19
85 Grief turning into ambition …
though you sound pissed , I’m still going to tell you anyways .
”
“ Thank you for your congrattory message , Alpha Calder ,” I replied as my attention drifted toward the garden .
“ And I really don’t need your advice , especially tonight .
”
“ You should rx , Alpha Nathan , ” Calder chuckled , noticing my distraction .
“ I’m sure your father has everything under control because what I’m about to tell you requires your attention .
”
Gritting my teeth , I turned to him .
“ I’m listening .
”
“ It’s about Alpha Logan’s widow – Luna Vanessa .
What do you n to do about her ? ”
The question caught me off guard .
I stared at the cunning man trying to understand why he was asking that question .
“ Luna Vanessa ? ” I repeated just to be sure .
“ What do you mean ? ” I asked carefully .
His gaze was fixed on me as he continued speaking .
“ You’re Alpha now , Nathan .
Your Pack members would expect you to handle pack affairs and ensure that they’re not confused .
” He paused , narrowing his eyes .
“ You need to find a way to curb Luna Vanessa’s excesses .
You see what she did , trying to sway the council , getting help from the White Moon Throne ”
“ She’s just an aggrieved widow , Alpha Calder , ” I said quietly , watching him .
“ I’m sure those are just angry tantrums .
”
“ You know they’re not ,” he gave me a pointed stare .
“ You saw the way she was with her daughter for choosing you .
Her ambitions could pose a risk .
If you don’t stop her , she might try to usurp your position banking on herte husband’s loyalty amongst pack members and all other smaller packs .
She would challenge your position sooner orter and she has shown us she won’t back down easily .
”
One of the reasons I hated politics .
“ I understand your concerns Alpha Calder but Luna Vanessa is a smart woman .
I cannot deny her defiance in the council hall earlier but still , I know what she’s capable of doing .
”
“ You can never know with women .
Even the slightest tip , not necessarily money can sway them .
Once she gives birth to her child and it turns out to be a boy , she would be trying to contest for your position again .
”
“ Fine ! ” I finally agreed “ I’ll keep it in mind .
But right now , I have no intention of doing anything .
She’s still grieving .
”
“ Fair enough ! ” he nodded , holding his hands behind him .
“ But remember , Alpha Nathan , grief has a way of turning into ambition if left unchecked .
You must protect your position as Alpha .
If Vanessa senses weakness , she might try to exploit it .
”
I let out a quiet sigh , understanding the advice but hating the suggestion to act against someone in mourning .
I nced back at Calder , offering a polite nod of appreciation .
But before I could respond further , Calder continued .
“ And there’s the matter of choosing a mate .
Do you have a fated mate ? ”
I stiffened at the boldness of his question , surprised at the smooth way he was changing topics .
235
85 Griel turning into ambition ….
“ You’re Alpha now , having a Luna is the next step .
Not only would it help fortify your position ,
but it’ll also help to curb unwanted desires .
”
“ I don’t see how that is relevant now ,” I replied .
“ Oh , but it is ,” Calder smiled .
“ In our next council meeting a fortnight from today when wee for your coronation , the council is going to ask you the same question .
It is apulsory requirement .
”
“ Well , I haven’t met my fated mate .
”
“ That’s okay .
If you don’t have a fated mate , you might want to consider one of Alpha Logan’s daughters .
It might mend the rift between your families and also strengthen the pack ”
“ Aren’t you being too much in my business already , Alpha Calder ? I’ll choose a mate when I think it’s necessary and not because of some political move .
”
“ This is not a political move .
It’s candid advice from a seasoned Alpha to you .
If you don’t choose a wife soon , one of the other Alpha will push their daughters to you .
It cannot be helped but you
must resist .
Aligning yourself with Alpha Logan’s lineage would be beneficial .
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”
Then he paused his eyes twinkling with mischief and a wry smile .
“ Although that won’t be a problem , will it ? It’s obvious that you already love , L .
”
My gaze snapped back to Calder , unable to hide my surprise .
Was my devotion to L so transparent that even the other Alphas had noticed ? I had tried to keep my feelings hidden , but seems I wasn’t as discreet as I thought .
”
“ My personal feelings are not up for discussion ,” I said firmly , drawing myself to my full height .
Calder chuckled , amused by my words .
“ I don’t need a verbal confirmation , Alpha Nathan .
Just think carefully about what’s best for both of you and Blue Ridge .
Choosing a mate isn’t just about power , though it is a responsibility you’ll have to ept .
And if that choice is L Woond , so
be it .
”
“ If you’ll excuse me , ” I said, giving him a stony gaze .
“ I think I’m overflowing with your advice .
I brushed past him , not waiting for his response .
I had spotted my fathering out from the garden .