Chapter 74 The Council's Verdict
The grand hall of the Alpha Council brimmed with an air of unease. Alpha Derek and Kael stood before the semicircle of Alphas, their expressions hardened. The council’s golden insignia glinted from the walls, an otherwise symbol of unity now overshadowed by the tension gripping the room.
“Let’s begin,” Alpha Gideon, the senior member of the council, announced. His voice carried authority, though the faint quiver hinted at his own apprehension. “Alpha Derek, Kael, you’ve requested this session to present evidence against Alpha Kevin. Make it quick; we cannot afford to delay action if what you claim is true.”
Derek nodded and gestured toward Kael. “Kael has firsthand knowledge and proof of Kevin’s betrayal. I’ll let him speak.”
Kael stepped forward, bowing before the council, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He had expected skepticism, but the weight of their stares still pressed on him. “I’ll get straight to the point. As I earlier said during the last meeting, Kevin has been orchestrating attacks through rogue alliances and is also linked to the plague spreading across our packs.”
A murmur swept through the room. Alpha Darion, a stout man known for his fiery temper,and Alpha Kevin's friend stood abruptly. “And how do we know this isn’t another one of your schemes, Kael? Weren’t you banished for treachery?”
Kael’s jaw tightened, but Derek raised a hand, silencing the outburst. “Enough,” Derek said firmly. “ Alpha Darion, we have moved pass this in the last meeting and besides this time, Kael has more than just words. We brought evidence.”
Kael reached into a satchel and placed several scrolls, maps, and a vial on the table. “This map,” he began, pointing to red-marked locations, “shows rogue camps surrounding Kevin’s territory. I scouted these myself.”
The Alphas leaned forward, their eyes narrowing.
“These camps aren’t just temporary hideouts,” Kael continued. “They’re strategically placed, equipped with stolen resources from your packs.” He unfurled another map. “This route here? It’s a supply chain—Kevin’s supply chain. Weapons, food, and even medical supplies are being funneled to the rogues under his command.”
The room fell silent as Kael lifted the vial. “And this… This is a sample of the toxin responsible for the plague. It was found in one of Kevin’s camps. If you need further proof, your pack doctors can test it. The formula matches what’s infecting your people.”
Alpha Darion sat down slowly, his face pale.
“This is madness,” Alpha Seraphina said, her usually soft voice trembling. “A sitting Alpha conspiring to destroy his own kind?”
Kael fixed her with a steady gaze. “Kevin doesn’t see us as his own kind. To him, we’re obstacles. He’s building alliances to secure power, and he doesn’t care how many lives he destroys in the process.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.
Alpha Gregor, a seasoned leader known for his practicality, sighed deeply. “If even half of what Kael says is true, Kevin is a danger to all of us. We can’t sit idle.”
Seraphina nodded. “I agree. We need to act before he gains more power.”
Alpha Darion, though visibly shaken, still hesitated. “But war… It’s not a decision to be made lightly. What about the innocent members of Kevin’s pack?”
“They’re already compromised,” Kael said firmly. “Kevin has poisoned their loyalty. If we hesitate, we risk our own packs falling victim next.”
Alpha Gideon raised his hand for silence. “Enough. The evidence speaks for itself. It’s time to vote.”
The room grew tense as the Alphas cast their votes. One by one, hands rose in favor of war. Even Darion, after a moment of hesitation, joined the majority.
“It’s unanimous,” Maxwell declared. “The council declares war on Alpha Kevin and his pack.”
Derek exhaled, a mix of relief and determination crossing his face. He turned to Kael. “We need to move quickly. Prepare our forces.”
Kael nodded, but a shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes. “Kevin won’t go down easily. He’s calculated, and he’s likely already anticipating this.”
“We’ll be more ready,” Derek assured him.
As the Alphas began to disperse, murmuring about battle strategies and alliances, Kael lingered by the table. His mind churned with thoughts of Kevin’s manipulation and the devastation he had almost caused.
Derek approached him, his expression unreadable. “You did well today,” he said quietly.
Kael met his gaze, a hint of unease in his own. “It’s not over yet.”
Derek placed a hand on his shoulder. “No, it’s not. But we’ve taken the first step. Now it’s time to finish this.”
Derek allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction as he watched the council hall empty. The plague that had tormented the packs and the betrayals that had threatened their unity were finally being addressed. For the first time in weeks, a sliver of hope emerged in his heart.
This wasn’t just about duty anymore. Once Kevin was dealt with and the war ended, he would be free to pursue what truly mattered to him. His thoughts drifted to Ella, his mate. He had done what was expected of him as an Alpha. Now it was time to focus on the bond that called to him so deeply.
Derek’s lips curved into a faint smile. “One battle at a time,” he murmured, determination surging through him. “Ella, I’m coming for you and this time, I promise, I won't fail you.”