Chapter 169

Chapter 169
{Lucien’s POV}

“Grand… just as I imagined.” 

The day unfolded exactly as I had envisioned, yet there was a weight to it that pressed against my chest. Election day was finally here. It felt like a fever dream.

Especially how in hindsight most things had actually worked out in my favour. Even when there were temporary setbacks. They all served to boost another plan that came somewhere down the line.

Everything I had schemed, bent, and broken myself for had funneled into this morning.

The convoy slowed as we neared the venue, a vast marble hall seated upon stone steps that gleamed like polished bones under the sun. 

All around were banners in the colors of the Council fluttering with purpose in the wind. My car door opened to a wall of voices. My name. My chants. My supporters.

I stepped out slowly, savoring it, letting them take in the sight of me. I had dressed for the occasion after all.

‘Ahh yes. Praise me more.’

Fitted in a tailored charcoal suit which hugged my frame firmly. I was a sight to behold. The cut emphasised my shoulders and narrowed down at the waist. A silk tie in the deep wine color of my house stood out against the stark background of the suit. My shoes, polished to a mirror finish, crunched against the stone as if claiming the ground as mine.

My men, in their own tailored black, immediately fanned outward, making way.

Hands reached toward me, some desperate, others reverent. I let a smile curve my lips. If only they could experience this level of glory alongside me. They'd never want to be on the giving end ever again.

I nodded to the crowd, lifting a hand in a gesture that belonged to leaders of empires. 

All round me cameras flashed, and I held the moment until I could feel it burn into the memory of everyone present.

My security carved a corridor through the mob, ushering me forward, though I moved with the ease of a man in no hurry.

Inside, the hall stretched long and proud, crystal chandeliers hanging above rows of seats. The scent of incense hung faintly in the air, mixing with the polish of wood and the overpowering perfume of the ladies and gentlemen of wolf high society.

Every detail had been thought through, from where my allies sat to the placement of the banners. I had not been able to pull every string I had intended before this day, but enough had been spun into place that I was confident. This would be Ronan’s loss. And most importantly, my win!

An Elder broke through my thoughts, his ceremoniously long robes sweeping along the floor as he tilted his head. “Lucien.”

“Elder.” I clasped his hand warmly, exchanging pleasantries, letting him feel my strength without flaunting it.

When he moved on, I allowed the smile to slip, my jaw tightening. The Elders still held sway in this hall, and though some had leaned my way, they were dead now.

I knew too well how fickle their loyalties could be.

As I sank into my designated seat. I allowed myself a small exhale. This was it. “My throne… you're well within reach. Just wait a little longer.”

My rise had been years in the making, tactical and planned out. I had used and disposed friends and foes alike. And there was no going back.

“Now, where is my able rival?” I asked.

As if to answer. A sudden swell of noise tore through the hall.

The chant shifted, rolling like thunder from the opposite side. My teeth clenched before I even looked. Ronan was here.

Just like mine had done. His supporters, his pack members, his subordinates and such howled his name.

His convoy pulled up just as elegantly too, and after a long fleet of vehicles crossed the entrance the man himself emerged, carrying himself with that aura that made others step aside without knowing why.

He wore no tie. His black suit strained against his build, his hair neat yet carrying the look of someone who had not wasted time on anything else.

My smile faded as his eyes swept over the hall. When his gaze locked with mine, his face hardened.

‘Oh?’ I raised a brow in amusement, as I smiled. I wanted him to see I was unshaken. I wanted him to know that this was my stage, my kingdom-in-waiting, not his. And even though his little human had survived Bryan’s hit, he wouldn't survive me today.

I expected him to head to his own side of the hall. But instead, he moved towards me.

My men rose at once, forming a barricade. I did not need to gesture, yet I tilted my head, signaling them to hold.

“Coward,” Ronan’s voice rang from across the hall. Deep enough to stir even those seated near the back. “Hiding behind your men after playing your dirty tricks!”

A murmur swept the hall.

For once, I was actually shocked at his accusation. Was it something Lena did? “This should be fun.”

I let the accusation hang before I had my men step aside.

“Dirty tricks?” I stepped toward him, “That is an interesting way to greet your rival, Ronan. What are you even talking about?”

The air between us thickened. I could feel the heat of his presence pressing outward. He must've let his last win delude him. I wasn’t just any Alpha. I was his equal, and soon his superior!

“Stop acting clueless,” Ronan said, as his fists curled at his sides. “You know what you’ve done. Confess.”

I tilted my head, studying him. For a moment, I considered many answers that would beat about the point, but his rage amused me more than his accusation angered me.

I turned as though to leave, dismissing him with a small scoff. “Since you have nothing else to say. I'lI return to my seat now.”

But his voice boomed again. “Tell me where Damon is… or I will expose every filthy scheme of yours to the Council and the Elders.”

The crowd erupted into whispers. Far louder than before. My eyes narrowed. Damon? That's interesting. 

But a brilliant idea played through my mind. It was risky but worth it.

I turned back, closing the space between us until only a hairs breadth separated our faces.

I murmured, just for him to hear. “If you want Damon back, then you will do things my way.”