Chapter 25: Twenty Five

Kole’s POV

After a few more discussions, the room emptied slowly after the meeting. The tension from what we just learned was thick in the air, and even the commanders left the room with an unsettled expression on their faces

I remained seated for a while, my fingers resting lightly against the chair arm as I stared at nothing in particular, replaying the words in my head. Amongst everything we spoke about in the ten meetings, one thing was clear. This group of feral wolves was wild and out of control. We need as much information as we can get on them so we can better understand them.

My mind drifted back to Karina. I didn't expect her to come back when she left. I could tell from the way she looked at me the night before she left that she was thinking about leaving, and after the way I acted, I just assumed that I helped solidify her decision.

But I was wr,ong she came back, and I tried to lie to myself that the only reason I was happy she came back was because of how good a leader she was to the pack, but the stirring in my heart told me it was more than that. I was scared of losing her because I cared about her.

Even after I hurt her, and told her to her face that what happened between us was a mistake, and she got so angry at me. I still cared about her. Nothing was going to change, and I had finally accepted it.

I took a deep breath, allowing the scent from the flowers to fill my lungs. The pack was quieter now; things had died down since yesterday,y when they celebrated our victory against the feral wolves.

A victory Karina lead my team to, I didn't go near her yesterday I didn't want to ruin her moment, so I simply watched from a distance as they all celebrated her, I could tell that Karina used to feel like an outsider but yesterday I could tell from the way she smiled and moved with ease that, she finally felt welcome, like she was a part of the pack now not just a foreigner. I smiled as I watched the young child gather around her, presenting her with gifts; she had earned her spot. And deserved all the accolades she was getting.

It's quite sad it didn't last longer

I stood observing the pack premises when she left for the mission. I told myself that things were better that way, that distance was the only way to move forward. And I had done the right things, but reacting that way.

When she left for that mission, I told myself that it was good. She would finally be out of my life, and I wouldn't be haunted by this connection between us again.

I told myself I was happy that the endless push and pull was over. But the truth is, I would have hated myself more if she had left after how I acted.

Her leaving after that would have felt very different from if she left on her own; then I wouldn’t have to be the one to push her away again.

I wouldn’t have to see that look in her eyes when she left, knowing I put it there.

I noticed something different about her since she came back from yesterday in the courtyard, in how she moved today in the meeting; something had changed in her.

She looked lighter, like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders, I felt happy for her, but scared at the same time.

I was scared because I didn't know what that meant for me, and for whatever this thing was that neither of us had the courage or stupidity to name.

I dragged a hand through my hair, turning away from the window.

It didn’t matter. Now, I had to focus on this important thing, protecting my pack from further attack. If I couldn't do that, then there might not be a future for me, Karina, or anyone here.

\-------

“Enter,” I answered the knock on the door.

The door opened, and one of the guards stepped in, bowing his head respectfully.

“Alpha, a messenger has arrived,” the guard said.

I frowned slightly. “From where?” I wasn't expecting any message from anyone.

“Another pack, sir,” he answered.

That was enough to shift my attention completely. In times like these, news from another pack may be about what we all fear.

“Send him in,” I answered.

The guard nodded and stepped aside as a young man stepped into the room.

He stopped a few steps away from me and bowed.

“Alpha Kole, I'm sorry for showing up unannounced, but I bring a message from the Northern Council,” he said.

The Northern Council didn't reach out for trivial matters; if they did, it had to be about something serious.

“Go on,” I said.

He stepped forward, pulling a sealed letter from his briefcase, and handed it to me.

I took it, breaking the seal without hesitation.

My eyes scanned the contents at first, but more slowly the next time.

“They’re calling for a summit,” I said aloud, more to myself than anyone else.

The messenger nodded. “Yes, Alpha. All packs have been summoned. Alphas, leaders, even rebel packs,” he said.

That last part wasn’t lost on me; I usually knew what it meant when other packs meant I wasn't invited or recognized because I was a rebel. So if they were inviting me this time, it could only be about one thing. The feral wolves have been attacking every pack.

I've seen the numbers grow over the past few days; they're increasing their reach.

“How soon?” I asked.

“Three days,” he answered.

“Tell them I received the message,” I said. “And that I will attend,” I replied.

“Of course.” The messenger answered, took a bow, and turned to leave, closing the door quietly behind him. I immediately called a brief meeting with my leaders to inform them of this new development.

The discussion that followed with the remaining commanders was brief but necessary.

Some of them were hesitant about my going, but others seemed convinced that it was a good idea. I thought it was too.

“Summits like this are unstable. Theres always too many leaders in one place, leading to too many conflicting interests,” one elder started.

“And too many egos,” another added.

“They’re calling even us the people they've marked as rebels, which alone tells you how desperate they are.”

“They’re calling everyone because they need everyone. And that means whatever we’re dealing with isn’t something any one pack can handle alone.” I answered.

I knew that would shut them up

“This isn’t just about survival anymore, it’s about positioning. If alliances are formed and we’re not part of them, we become isolated, and isolation is how packs fall."

\-----

I didn’t call for Karina immediately.

I told myself I was considering my options before choosing the best candidate to follow me to the summit.

But I already knew I was going to choose her. Because if this summit turned into anything more than discussion, if it shifted into negotiation, tension, or even conflict, I needed someone beside me who could handle it and react quickly.

I had a lot of skilled men in my pack, but Karina was that person; she could read and room, and act without hesitation. And I wasn't going to allow my differences to stop me from making better decisions

Or at least, it felt like one.

I knew it wouldn't be easy, bringing her that close, but there's a war coming. Now wasn't the time to play safe.

I picked up my telecom and called her to my office immediately.

She didn't waste time; in a few minutes, she was at my dock. I answered.

“Sir,” she said, stepping in, her voice was formal, very different from how she used to speak to me. I could tell from the way she stood and the way she held herself that she had rebuilt her walls. Stronger this time. I deserved that.

“There’s a summit, all packs have been called to attend.” I briefed her.

She nodded slightly. “I heard rumors.”

“I’ll be going,” I continued.

“And you’re telling me because?” she asked.

I almost smiled. She was definitely in a hurry to go straight to the point.

“You’re coming with me,” I said, holding my breath. I wasn't sure how she was going to take this yet.

“Me?” she asked, looking surprised.

I didn't respond; I nodded.

“Why?” she asked. That was a fair question, one that had many answers. I could tell the simple one that I chose her because she was the most skilled and alert, but that would only be part of the truth. I also chose her because I hoped to use the opportunity to right my wrong and maybe ease some of the tension we have between us.

But I couldn't tell her that, so I chose the simple truth.

“Because you’re capable, you’ve proven that,” I said plainly.

She studied me for a moment, like she wanted to say something, but she didn't, and I could tell that she had changed her mind instantly and nodded instead.

“Understood,” she replied, looking through me, like I wasn't there.

“Be ready to leave then,” I added.

“I will,” she answered and turned to leave.

My wolf stirred as she stepped outside, reminding me that maybe this wasn't the best idea after all.