What is your proposal?” Alpha Patrick enquires with curiosity.”
“As you can see,” John smiles. King Arthur is an exceedingly vengeful individual. It has consistently been the case, and Alpha Noel is no exception. Nonetheless, they are not foolish individuals either. Both individuals recognise that these alternatives entail dire repercussions. If King Arthur permits Noel to pursue conflict with Ivory Phoenix, he will acquire yet another formidable adversary, ultimately undermining his strength and that of his realm. If Noel designates Jadi as an heir, he not only fails to honour his agreement with his wife’s former pack, Onyx Stone, but he must also suppress his pride and accept an heir of whom he remains ashamed. Noel is arrogant, and regrettably for him, you Jadi, undermine his status as a formidable Alpha with your… timidity,” he states. My proposal is really straightforward. Jadi should accompany me to Scarlett Haven to admit his ‘transgression’, assert his claim to the title of Alpha of Scarlett Haven, and… acknowledge my status as Alpha of Stonecold.
“Certainly not!” Ricky stands abruptly, gazing at the astute Alpha. “He will not return there!” You cannot compel him!”
John appears undisturbed by Ricky’s tirade, maintaining a composed demeanour despite her reproach on his strategy. It is disconcerting how detached and methodical he is, with his emotions consistently restrained and never exhibited.
I grasp Ricky’s hand to soothe her, and she ultimately takes her seat, permitting John to respond.
“I acknowledge your concerns, Ms. Ricky, but it is imperative to consider the overarching context,” he elucidates. Merging the two tribes would conclusively terminate this war, and he would not be required to remain in Crescent Mane. It would be his decision to remain or depart from the kingdom. All new Alphas must pledge loyalty to the King or go. Therefore, CAN is permitted to depart. The agreement with Onyx Stone has a straightforward resolution. “One Noel declines to accept,” John states. Onyx Stone is classified as a Mother Pack, akin to a kingdom devoid of the true leadership of the Gold wolf. Due to the decrease in Gold wolves, Mother Packs have become significantly more prevalent in contemporary times. Their objective is to replicate a kingdom as accurately as possible by establishing alliances and appointing their own Alphas in new packs to maintain dominion over an extensive territory. Crescent Mane is a waning empire. Since Bre, there has been no successor to the throne, and King Arthur has expended considerable resources to combat me and my friends. Noel need additional funds and soldiers that Crescent Mane could not provide, prompting him to negotiate an agreement with Onyx Stone, wherein he pledged to create a Moonlit wolf successor for them. Certainly, you have slain him, and now Noel’s only alternatives, aside from begetting another successor, are to combat or relinquish his pack to them. I have known Noel sufficiently to understand that he will never relinquish his pack, which is where you enter the equation,” he states, gesturing towards me. “Once you assume the title of Alpha of Scarlett Haven, you can transfer it to Onyx Stone as restitution for their wartime contributions, thereby liberating yourself from that pack without inciting a new conflict. In my opinion, it constitutes a mutually beneficial scenario.
“What is the status of Stonecold?” Ricky interrogates, reluctant to place his trust in John. “What is the reason for you transferring your pack to Jadi?” What is the status of your son? What is his opinion on this matter?”
“Matt is disinterested in assuming the Alpha role,” John shrugs. “At 24, he is beyond the age of assuming my title and has experienced a decline over the past three years.” Coercing your child to achieve your personal aspirations and standards invariably leads to negative outcomes; therefore, I will refrain from imposing such expectations on my son. I intended to bequeath my title to my nephew, Tobias, but he was deceased last year during a mission.
He pauses to contemplate his recent comments, permitting a little grin to grace his lips.
I shattered Stonecold many years ago with my cruelty and severity. Melina can corroborate that. Quinn. She rectified that. She revitalised Stonecold, reinstating its former magnificence and rendering it a pack deserving of its might. “If Jadi decides to assume my title, he would be perpetuating his mother’s legacy, not mine,” he states, making direct eye contact with me. Your father failed to recognise your value and disregarded you, however your mother consistently believed in you, did she not? This may be your opportunity to refute Noel and pay tribute to your mother’s two decades of labour; yet, it remains a decision. I will not compel you to undertake any action.
I perceive my partner’s wrath; her hands are tightly forming and releasing fists as she endeavours to control her emotions, despite her expression being impassive. I drop my defences and cautiously see her thoughts, a sense of fear permeating my being as they seep in.
“Why are we unable to be left undisturbed?” She weeps inside. I just wish to rear my son with my partner. I do not wish to assume responsibility for another pack. I lack the resolve to once more demonstrate my capabilities to the pack mates. I do not wish to be a composed and restrained Luna who perpetually seeks perfection. I am unable to repeat that!”
There is a little trembling in her lips but she blinks rapidly and sucks in a breath to calm herself down enough to look undisturbed by John’s suggestion.
I confront John, uncertain of how to proceed. After years of being deemed a mere waste of space, I am now presented with a position befitting my potential. However, at what expense? Ricky has previously experienced this situation and has explicitly stated her disinterest in leading another pack, even alongside me.
“I believe we require a respite,” Ricky finally articulates, her voice faint and weary. “I require fresh air.”
“That is an excellent suggestion.” “This is overwhelming to absorb in a single session,” Josie concurs.
“We require a prompt response,” John states as Ricky rises to depart. I have been monitoring Rocco and Korbin since the incident. They are expected to arrive at Scarlett Haven this evening, and it is merely a matter of time before they arrive at River Moon’s door, demanding Jadi’s execution. You may repose, but a decision must be made ultimately. I will return to Stonecold in two days. If you like to proceed with my proposal, you are welcome to accompany me.
