CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 67
RAUL'S POV


The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the landscape as I made my way back from Liana's dungeon.



The sky was clear, a stark change to the worries in my mind. I was exhausted and needed rest but I knew rest wasn't an option, I needed to talk to the elders about Damien and the looming threat.




First I needed a meeting to be set with the elders. I knew Benjamin was probably still asleep by this time, but I had to wake him up.



Pulling out my phone, I dialed his number. It rang several times before he finally picked up, his voice hoarse with sleep.



"Alpha?" He mumbled and I couldn't help but feel bad that I disturbed his rest.



"Benjamin, I'm sorry to cut your sleep short but I need you to prepare a meeting with the elders immediately, it's urgent. And I also need you to come to my house first, I have some important information to share with you before the meeting," I instructed.



"Understood, I'll be there soon," He replied, his voice sounding more alert.




I ended the call and with a sigh, I entered my room. I immediately noticed Marissa sleeping soundly, hugging the pillow and I couldn't help but wish it were me in that position.



I didn't want to wake her, so I tiptoed into the bathroom to freshen up quickly before Benjamin arrived. After a quick shower, I wrapped a towel around my waist and used another to dry my hair.



As I stepped out of the bathroom, still rubbing my hair dry, my eyes met Marissa's. She was wide awake, and had her jaw dropped as she stared at me shamelessly.



"Enjoying the view?" I teased, a smirk forming on my lips.



Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. "I... I didn't mean to stare," She stammered.



I chuckled softly. "It's okay, Marissa. You don't have to apologize." I said and walked over to my closet, grabbing some clothes.
“Are you just coming back?” She asked, still not looking at me.



“Yes,” I replied, putting on the trouser I had picked out.
“I woke up several times to check if you were back and you weren't back. You look very tired, why don't you rest for a while and let Benjamin attend to the matters at hand, he could update you on everything when you've rested enough,” She suggested.



Her idea was a good one but I couldn't afford to take chances. Anytime wasted is putting us and the pack at risk. I can't let what happened years ago repeat itself.



"I'm fine, Marissa and I asked Benjamin to come here and he will be here soon. We have a lot to discuss,” I responded, gazing at her and she rolled her eyes at me, making me chuckle.



She sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist. “Is it about the prisoners we had brought in?” She asked.



“Yes and more,” I replied, pulling on a shirt.
“Earlier, when I told you I had somewhere important to go. I actually went to confront Liana and she told me things. I want to discuss them with Benjamin.”



She nodded, her expression turning serious. “I want to know what she told you, I want to be there when you speak to Benjamin,” She said, her eyes pleading for me to agree.



“Fine,” I replied and she gave me a reassuring smile.



A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. I walked over and opened it to find Benjamin, looking slightly disheveled but alert.



“It's Benjamin,” I said out loud and Marissa nodded. “ I'll be down with him, join us when you freshen up,” I added and she nodded. I shut the door behind me and walked to the dining room with Benjamin.



"Have you eaten breakfast, Benjamin?" I asked as we settled into the dining room.


"No, Raul. I rushed over as you specified it was urgent," He replied, looking slightly embarrassed.



"Let's have breakfast before we discuss anything further," I suggested and he agreed. The maids served us and we ate in silence.



It took a while, but Marissa finally joined us. I called the attention of a maid to serve her breakfast, and she quickly brought a plate for Marissa.



"So, what information did you get from Liana?" Marissa asked, her voice tinged with impatience. I noticed a shock look on Benjamin's face as she mentioned Liana.



“You went to see her?” He asked through mindlink and I nodded. I think he was shocked because he knows I hardly go against my words.



I took a deep breath before answering. "Liana told me that Damien is building an army. He's not working alone—he has a group of high council members backing him."



Marissa didn't look surprised at my revelation since she already knew Damien had people backing him. "Does she have any idea where Damien is now?" She asked.



I shook my head. "She has no idea. But she said he's not hiding. He's getting ready to cause chaos,” I responded, hiding the fact that she was also a target in Damien's plan.



Benjamin, who had been listening intently, nodded. "What do you suggest we do now?” He asked.



“Let's first have the meeting with the elders and then will I decide any course of action to take,” I responded and he just shook his head.



“What about the prisoners from Damien's warehouse?” Marissa asked.
“We will handle that after the meeting with the elders,” I replied and she and Benjamin nodded.



“Fine then. The meeting with the elders will be in an hour,” He muttered and Marissa spoke up immediately. "I want to join the meeting.”



I frowned, immediately my protective instincts kicked in. " You won't be attending today meeting Marissa. it's not a good idea. People are going to point fingers since you have a connection with Damien. I don't want you getting hurt."



I could see the hurt in her eyes, but I couldn't change my decision. It was for the best. "I need you to stay safe. We’ll need you strong for what's to come."



She looked down at her plate, clearly frustrated but resigned. "Fine," She said quietly. "But promise me you'll keep me informed.”


"Of course," I assured her. "I’ll tell you everything but your safety is my priority."



We finished our breakfast in relative silence, each of us lost in our thoughts about the challenges ahead. Once we were done, Benjamin and I prepared to leave for the meeting.



I squeezed Marissa's hand before we left. "Stay here and rest. I'll be back soon.”
She nodded with a forced smile.



Benjamin and I left the house and headed towards the meeting room. The early morning sun cast long shadows, and the air was still, almost too still.



We walked in silence, both lost in our thoughts about the impending meeting. Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the ground beneath us, stopping us in our tracks. The ground shook violently, and we both struggled to maintain our balance.



"What the hell is that?" I exclaimed, my eyes darting towards the direction of the sound.



Benjamin's face looked pale as he gazed at me. " From the sound of it, It came from the eastern side of the pack lands," He replied.



I nodded, my gaze fixed around the eastern side. "Delay the meeting with the elders. I'll go check what has happened," I said and he nodded, still looking shaken. "Be careful, Raul."



I tapped his shoulder gently, turned and sprinted towards the eastern side, my mind racing with possibilities. The acrid smell of smoke filled the air as I got closer, and a sense of dread settled in my gut. What could have caused such a powerful explosion?