Chapter 44(Elder Marcus Visit)

Chapter 44(Elder Marcus Visit)
Roman’s pov

The room felt really small this morning, as I paced round it, I haven't been able to find peace, since the incident with Kaelenya last night. Her voice kept breaking through my thoughts. I could still see her face the moment she burst through my door..the terror in her eyes, and the way her whole body trembled. I know I had told her it was a dream, and she should shake it off, but deep down I knew something was wrong, and she may not have imagined what she saw. But I just couldn’t feed the fear already burning inside her. If I had shown my own doubts, it would have broken her completely.

But I'm a little bit confused, because the Chief priest had said there was nothing like an evil presence in that room. The Kaelenya I have lived with for almost a year, can not just act the way she did, if something hadn't happen..fear alone wouldn't even let her step into my room. Something doesn't add up. My fingers gently went over my face, and then to my hair.

Or was someone just trying to scare her... but nobody could enter that room, their are guards stationed at the doors. 

I stopped by the window, staring out at the faint glow of the moon. The morning felt off, maybe it was because of the incident of the previous night. My chest tightened with unease, as the thought of Zach surfaced in my mind. Could it be him? Could his spirit be reaching for her now? But if it were Zach, why had the priest seen nothing? And after the protection ritual, I don't think any dark force could come close to her or the baby. Something is definitely not adding up. One of them is...

The door creaked and Joshua stepped inside. His shoulders were squared, his face set in that calm mask he wore when he brought me news. “Alpha,” he said, his voice low, “I’ve hired the person to trail Stephen. Yesterday he visited Elder Marcus, just as you suspected.”

I gave a single nod, the movement was small but heavy. “Good. He should keep following him. I want every step he takes accounted for.”

Joshua nodded his head, then slipped back into the hallway. The door shut behind him, and the room swallowed me again. I sank into my chair, with my elbows on my knees, as I rubbed my forehead.

I rose again, pacing. The floor groaned under my steps. My mind circled around Stephen and his quiet ambition. My eyes widened, at the thought of something new... Wait...could all this just be a trick to throw me off balance, while the real plot is taking place.

The door opened without warning, ay Joshua entered again, a faint crease on his brow. “Alpha,” he said, “Elder Marcus requests to see you. Privately.”

I stopped mid-step. Marcus had never asked for a private meeting. Not once.I wonder what the issue could be, abi has he accepted Stephen as the man for his daughter, and he is coming to inform me?..Hmmm. "Let him in,” I said.

Moments later, Marcus entered, bowing low. His long robe brushed the floor, and the faint scent of incense followed him. I motioned to the chair opposite mine. “Sit,” I said. “What brings you here this early?”

He cleared his throat, but the words still came out dry and careful. “I just received information from a reliable source,” he began, “that some of the elders are holding secret meetings. Their plan is to remove you from power and give the title to your brother, Stephen.”

My eyes swept over him, weighing every line of his face. Marcus was known for his slow smile and soft words, but I had learned long ago that softness could hide poison. Hypocrite, I thought. He himself was more dangerous than those he accused.

“And who is this reliable source of yours?” I asked, my voice even.

He gave a thin smile. “I cannot say Alpha. A man never reveals his source. But I felt it necessary to warn you.”

I returned his smile with one of my own, though mine carried no warmth. “Thank you,” I said quietly. “I appreciate your concern.”

As we sat there, a sudden rush of footsteps broke the tension. Joshua appeared in the doorway, with a letter clutched tight in his hand. “This just arrived for you, Alpha,” he said, his voice sounded off.

I took the envelope and tore it open. A single sheet of paper slid free. The handwriting was rough, with dark strokes cutting across the page.

"I’m coming for you. I’m coming to take what is rightfully mine. Step down and let go of this title or I will force you out. The Lone Wolf."

The words burned into my eyes. My fingers curled until the paper crumpled in my fist. Heat surged through my chest. Whoever this Lone Wolf was, they had thrown their challenge at my feet.

I stood slowly, the letter cracking in my grip. My eyes widened as the meaning of the note settled in my mind. Someone out there was not only plotting against me, they are now openly threatening me. Whoever this lone wolf is, I must find you and end you before you end me.

"Is everything okay, Alpha?" Marcus asked acting all concerned.

My eyes swept over him, as I squeezed the paper even tighter. What if he's part of them? What if he purposely came here to monitor me, and see my reaction when I got the letter.

I can't act like anything is wrong, I whispered to myself.

I took a deep breath, and cleared my throat. "Everything is fine Elder Marcus. There are no issues. Just the Luna trying to get on my nerves with her list of pregnancy cravings," I lied.

His lips curled into a smile, "Women, especially when they are pregnant, they can be a handful." He said, his voice laced with excitement.

I put on a fake smile, "I'm beginning to see that," I replied, my eyes moving from one corner of the room to the next.

"I have to get going now," he said standing up, and heading to the door.

"Thank you so much, for the information Elder Marcus. It warms my heart that someone in this pack is watching out for me."

His lips curled into a smile, and so did mine.