60

60
Diego's POV
I opened the door slowly, but my steps halted as I saw someone standing there, tall, with a firm posture, dressed in a neat dark suit and an expression full of confidence. The man's eyes bore into me sharply, full of challenge, as if he had anticipated my arrival.

“Diego,” he said with a slight smile. “It’s been a while.”

I recognized him immediately. Daniel. My half-brother, the son of Emily, who had been sent away to learn outside the pack. Now he was back, and for some reason, his presence made the air in the room feel heavier.

“Daniel,” I said, trying to remain calm even though I felt a wave of emotions inside. “You’re back.”

He nodded, his smile unchanged. “Yes, after being away for so long. A lot has changed, hasn’t it?”

I nodded, feeling the tension between us. “I’m discussing my position as a potential Alpha with Dad.”

Daniel stepped closer, his eyes probing. “Oh, so you dare to step into that path? Interesting. But remember, leadership is not just a title. It’s a heavy responsibility.”

I felt my blood boil, but I tried to hold back. “I know what I’m doing, Daniel. This isn’t just about me, it’s about the future of our pack.”

“Is that so?” he replied, his tone condescending. “Are you sure you can handle it? Many doubt you, including Dad.”

His words pierced me, and I felt doubt creeping in. But I couldn’t let him shake my resolve.

“I will prove it. And if you have something to say, just say it.”

He chuckled softly, then shrugged. “Just wanted to remind you not to get too cocky. This world is full of surprises. Who knows what will happen next?”

Dad was sitting behind a large leather-covered desk, watching us both in turn.

“What brings you here, Diego?” he asked.

I glanced at Daniel, who was still standing, seemingly refusing to give space for a private conversation.

I clenched my jaw and said, “I think… it’s better if we talk alone. Later.”

I turned to leave, but Daniel's voice interrupted, “Is there something important that I shouldn’t hear?”

I paused, holding my breath for a moment, then turned with a sharp gaze. “There is. But it’s none of your business.”

The two men exchanged glances, and the tension in the room escalated. Dad observed, his face showing no emotion, but I could sense the discomfort enveloping the situation.

“Daniel,” Dad finally spoke, “give Diego a chance to explain. This is an important conversation.”

Daniel shrugged but didn’t move. “Fine. But remember, Diego, I’ll be here. Always.”

With that, I shifted my attention back to Dad. “I want to discuss my position as a potential Alpha,” I said, adjusting my tone to sound firm. “I feel it’s time for me to take on this responsibility.”

Dad nodded, his eyes still focused on me. “Go on. What do you feel about that responsibility?”

I felt a push to speak honestly, without fear. “I know this isn’t just about a title. It’s about the future of the pack and how we can unite to face challenges.”

The smile on Daniel’s face faded, but he remained calm. The tension between us heightened. I stepped forward again, now determined to resolve this in front of both of them.

“I will undergo training as a potential Alpha,” I stated firmly, looking directly at Dad.

Dad observed seriously, as if weighing every word I spoke. “Are you sure about this decision, Diego? Becoming an Alpha is not a trivial matter.”

I nodded, feeling confidence flowing within me. “I’ve thought this through carefully. I want to be responsible for the future of our pack and am ready to face the challenges ahead.”

Daniel interrupted, “And you feel you can handle it? Many doubt you, including Dad.”

“Daniel, that’s enough!” I shouted, holding back my emotions. “This isn’t about you. It’s about what I want and what’s best for the pack.”

My father was silent for a moment, then stood up from his chair with a quick, angry motion. “Are you crazy?! How dare you speak like that!”

“Why not?” I retorted, my voice rising. “Are you afraid I’ll take a position you’ve guarded for only those you choose?”

“Those I CHOOSE?” Dad shouted. “You aren’t fit to be Alpha, Diego! You’ve never thought of the pack, only of yourself!”

In that tense atmosphere, I felt every word from my father like a slap. I stared at him with challenging eyes, trying to contain the anger raging in my heart.

“I’m not just thinking of myself,” I replied firmly. “I want to bring change, not be trapped in old ways that only benefit a few!”

Dad approached, his face reddening. “Change is dangerous, Diego. You’re not ready to face the consequences.”

My breath quickened. “Who decides that readiness? Is it just based on your views? I want to prove that I can lead in a better way!”

This argument wasn’t just about power, it was about the future I wanted to fight for. Meanwhile, my father was still trapped in long-standing traditions, unwilling to loosen the control he held.

“I will prove it to you!” I shouted, feeling my passion ignite. “You will see that I am worthy of being Alpha!”

“You must not become Alpha!” Dad yelled.

I held my breath, my chest burning with emotions I had kept inside. “If not me, then who?” I glared at my half-brother defiantly. “Why can’t I? Is it because I am the child of your mistress? The one whose name shouldn’t even be mentioned in this family?”

“Shut your mouth, Diego!” Dad slammed the table, then glared at me with blazing anger. “Never speak like that in this house!”

“Why? Because I’m not like Daniel, your favorite child whom you’re proud of? You know what hurts? It’s not that I’m not chosen by you, but that you’ve never even seen me as your son.”

My father fell silent for a moment, his face paling. The atmosphere in the room felt increasingly tense, like a storm ready to explode. I could feel my heart racing, my courage peaking despite the fear creeping in.

“I don’t care who my mother is, and I won’t let you treat me as lesser just because of that!” I shouted, my voice shaking yet firm. “I have the same right to lead this pack!”

“This isn’t just about rights, Diego!” Dad yelled, his voice echoing in the room. “It’s about responsibility! About what’s best for our family!”

“The fact is, you’ve never given me a chance to prove it,” I retorted. “It’s always been Daniel, always your choices. Don’t you see that I could be the best for this pack?”