Marlon’s Perspective (Laura’s Grandmother)
I pace excessively, prompting my wolf, Adam, to growl at me to cease the behaviour.
I gaze at the summons in my fingers, demanding my appearance at the Elder’s Court this afternoon, my heart racing as I contemplate the potential reasons for this notification. Summons are issued solely for reevaluation of one’s position and status within the pack.
I contemplate every conceivable reason for my summons by the Elders, all of which lead back to Laura. I have been responsible for the search, and for nearly four years, I have been unsuccessful in locating her and the future alpha.
Are the Elders contemplating my demotion or, worse, my expulsion from the pack due to my shortcomings? I ponder.
I reflect on the evening Laura departed. She was aware. She recognised that Aldo and Nina were deceiving her. She understood that her anguish stemmed from them, and that it was not merely a figment of her imagination as we had convinced her. Most grievously, she realised I had violated her trust, opting for my Alpha over her, my charge and Luna. My singular purpose was to safeguard her… and I had failed to shield her from her own mate.
Laura appeared profoundly wounded as she departed from me that night, and I shall never forget the expression of complete contempt in her eyes directed towards me. She despised me, and I could not fault her for it.
Adam complains. Lunas and Gammas possess a unique connection, and for months following her departure, I sensed the anguish within her heart. The pain and torment festered internally, gradually transforming her once compassionate heart into one of stone and ice. She resolved never to allow anyone else entry again. We had obliterated every vestige of confidence she harboured, compelling her to sequester her heart from further exploitation.
Regardless of the repercussions, I fervently wish to never encounter Laura or her puppy again. I sincerely hope she progresses and enjoys a prolonged, fulfilling life apart from us. I wish for her to never revisit Blood Night, since we no longer merit her presence.
As time rapidly elapses, I approach the Elders’ court and stand before Elder Allen, Elder Kelvin, and Elder Mike. To my astonishment, Former Luna Kay, Former Alpha Christopher, and my parents are also present. Additionally, Beta Zen is in attendance.
“What is occurring?” I communicate telepathically with him.
“You will observe shortly,” he responds. “Calm down.”
“Relax? It is simple for you to assert,” I retort. “You are not the one -“
Elder Allen instructs, “Gamma Marlon, please take a seat,” while indicating the only chair in the room’s centre.
I swallow and cautiously advance towards the chair, my legs trembling slightly as I take a seat.
“Marlon Kye, are you aware of the reason for your summons to court today?” Luna Kay enquires, her scrutinising gaze fixed upon me.
“N-no,” I stammer, irritated with myself upon detecting the frailty in my voice.
The Elders and my family share glances, and I internally chastise myself for being so pitiable.
Indeed, you are absolutely being expelled, Adam scoffs.
Silence, you mangy creature, I retort quietly.
“As you are aware, Aldo’s capability as Alpha of this pack has been scrutinised since Laura Ahmer departed,” she expressed with a sigh of regret. Luna Kay held Laura in high regard, having mentored her to become the beloved Luna we all cherished. The one we ultimately betrayed.
“Yes, I acknowledge the deficiencies of the Alpha,” I affirm.
“Therefore, you must comprehend why we cannot permit this to continue any longer,” she persists.
“Affirmative,” I nod once again.
Luna Kay states, “We have recently obtained alarming evidence indicating that Aldo’s wolf, Cain, has become nearly feral.”
I seek guidance from Zen, who merely shakes his head in response.
“A rogue Alpha is unacceptable,” Luna Kay laments. “Regardless of my affection for him.”
I push my lips together in apprehension. Where is she heading with this?
“As I possess no other heir,” Alpha Christopher declares, his voice resonant and authoritative, emblematic of a genuine Alpha. “The responsibility devolves upon the next in succession.”
I nodded and turned to Zen. Was he planning to contest Aldo for the Alpha title?
“No,” Alpha Christopher laughs. “Not that individual.”
I survey the room, and my mother offers me an encouraging grin. My father, seated next to his eldest brother, gazes at me with pride.
“You,” Alpha Christopher states. “You shall contest Alpha Aldo for the title.”
The blood drains from my cheeks, compelling me to rise from my seat. “What?!”
“As my nephew,” Alpha Christopher states unwaveringly, “You possess Alpha blood and are the sole deserving contender for the title.”
“Sir, with all due respect,” I stammer. “I have dedicated my entire life to being third in command, not to assume leadership. I am incapable of this!”
“This is not a question, Marlon,” my father asserts sharply. “It is an imperative. Your pack requires your leadership, and it is your obligation as the heir to safeguard this pack and its interests. We cannot permit a rogue Alpha to kill his own pack members!”
I gaze at him in astonishment. “Murder?” I enquire.
“Aldo is responsible for the deaths of our pack members,” Zen asserts. “His wolf is uncontrollable.”
“You will commence training immediately,” Luna Kay exhales. “The longer we delay, the greater the risk of Aldo discovering the identity of his rival.” She stands and approaches me with poise. “You must fervently hope for victory, Marlon. Defeat will result in calamity for us all.”
