Chapter 78 Kael Confusion
Kael POV
Hands rose throughout the chamber. More than I expected. Not quite two-thirds, but close.
"All opposed?"
Fewer hands. Thomas, Aria, a handful of younger wolves. Not enough.
"The vote is tied at sixty-four percent in favor of removal." Selene announced. "Short of the required two-thirds majority. Alpha Kael retains his position."
"For now." Eldric's eyes gleamed. "But the pack has spoken. We want change, we want stability."
"Then I'll give you stability." I addressed the room. "I'll prove I can lead and love my mate. That one doesn't require sacrificing the other."
"Words." Eldric dismissed. "You've made promises before. We'll see if you keep them this time."
The council was dismissed. Pack members filed out, their whispers following me.
I made it to my office before collapsing.
The bond pulsed weakly. Lira was awake, feeling my exhaustion through our connection. But she didn't reach out, didn’t offer comfort. The walls between us remained intact.
"That went well." Thomas closed the door behind us. "You almost lost your position."
"I should have lost it." I stared at my bloodied hands. "Eldric's right. I'm compromised."
"You're human." Aria started cleaning my wounds. "Alphas are allowed to love their mates."
"Not when it costs them their pack." I pulled away from her healing touch. "Not when sixty-four percent think I'm unfit."
"They're scared." Thomas sat across from me. "The pack's been through hell, they want someone strong and decisive."
"I am strong." The words rang hollow. "I've survived things that would break most wolves."
"Physical strength isn't the same as leadership strength." He said carefully. "And right now, you're breaking under bond-sickness."
"Because Lira's gone." I admitted. "Because she's out there, hurting, and I can't fix it."
"You need to rest." Aria finished bandaging my ribs. "Sleep, eat, heal. Then figure out your next move."
"My next move is getting my mate back." I stood despite the pain. "Proving to the pack we're stronger together."
"Kael." Thomas grabbed my arm. "You just barely survived a vote of no confidence. If you chase Lira again, Eldric will call for another vote. And this time, you'll lose."
"Then I lose." I pulled free. "I'm not abandoning her again."
"Even if it means losing everything?" His voice was desperate. "Your position, your pack, your birthright?"
"Yes." The answer came without hesitation. "Even then."
"You're insane." But there was respect in his voice. "Completely fucking insane."
"Probably." I moved toward the door. "But she's worth it."
"Wait." Aria blocked my path. "At least let me come with you. Someone needs to make sure you don't die of stupidity."
"I'm fine"
"You're exhausted, injured, and bond-sick." She crossed her arms. "I'm coming or I'm telling the council you're leaving again."
"Fine." I was too tired to argue. "But we leave in an hour."
"Two hours." She negotiated. "You need food and at least a short rest."
I wanted to protest. But my body was screaming, wounds reopening with each movement.
"Two hours." I agreed. "Then we bring her home."
"And if she won't come?" Thomas asked quietly.
Then I'd stay with her. Would abandon everything to be where she needed me. But I didn't say that, I don’t need to give Eldric more ammunition.
"She'll come." I forced confidence into my voice. "Once she understands Mira's death and the truth is out."
"I hope you're right." Thomas headed for the door. "Because the pack can't survive much more of this."
He left as Aria made me eat while she packed medical supplies.
I managed half a meal before exhaustion won. My head dropped to the desk, sleep claiming me immediately.
In my dreams, I saw Lira. Not the broken girl I'd found in the cellar, but the powerful Luna she was becoming.
She turned to face me. "You can't save me, Kael. I have to save myself."
"I know." I reached for her. "But let me stand beside you while you do."
"Why?" Her eyes were cold. "So you can take credit? Control me? Keep me weak?"
"No." I moved closer. "So you can see you were never weak. Never broken. Never anything less than magnificent."
She laughed bitterly. "Pretty words from a pretty liar."
"I'm not lying." I cupped her face. "I'm just finally seeing clearly."
"Too late." She pulled away. "You showed me who you really are, i won't forget that."
"I'm not asking you to forget." I dropped to my knees. "I'm asking you to let me prove I can be better."
"What if you can't?" Her voice cracked. "What if this is who you are? The alpha who destroys everything he loves?"
"Then I'll spend my life making amends." I looked up at her. "However long that takes."
She stared down at me, tears tracking down her face.
"It'll take forever." She whispered.
"Then I have forever." I pressed my forehead to her knees. "I'm yours, Lira. For as long as you'll have me."
I woke up to Aria shaking my shoulder. "Two hours are up." She said gently. "Time to go get your mate."
I stood, my body protesting every movement. But the bond pulled north.