Chapter 70 - Aftermath and Regrouping

Javid.

I stood outside Paul's room, my heart heavy with worry. The care center's sterile walls seemed to close in on me as I watched everyone gather. David paced nearby, his brow furrowed. Mildred, Lorraine and Marla whispered urgently to each other. Violet caught my eye, offering a small, reassuring smile that made my chest tighten.

Sam cleared his throat. "Where's Celine?"

Jasmine shrugged, her voice low. "Probably drowning herself in a bottle somewhere."

Fergus held onto Kiki with one arm wrapped around her waist and with the other he nudged Jasmine in her side. "Not the time, Jazz."

I fidgeted, questioning if I should be embracing Violet. But what if I was the one she needed to release? I couldn't bear to consider that possibility. Not now, with Paul's life teetering on the edge.

Suddenly, the door to Paul's room opened, and the Healer stepped out. Everyone fell silent, all eyes turning to them.

The Healer looked around at us, their expression grave. "Alpha will make a recovery, but he will never return to his full strength." She glanced meaningfully at Violet. "Without your intervention, he may not have survived at all."

David stepped forward, his voice tight. "Yo, what's the deal then? For the crew?"

The Healer sighed. "It means that you should prepare to assume the role of Alpha, David. The pack will need your leadership now more than ever."

I watched as David's face paled, at the implications of what the Healer's words meant. He took a deep breath, then nodded. "I got this. I hear ya loud and clear. I'mma round up the elders and we're gonna huddle 'bout what's next on the agenda."

As everyone began to move, I stood still, my mind reeling. Pride and worry warred within me as I thought of my brother taking on such a task. I would be there to support him. Violet too… no matter what she decided.

Violet touched my arm, her voice soft. "Are you okay, Javid?"

I met her gaze, finding comfort in the warmth of her eyes. "I don't know," I admitted. "But I'll do whatever I can to help David and the pack."

She smiled, squeezing my arm gently. "I know you will. We all will."

I watched as David squared his shoulders, preparing to face the elders. He turned to me, his blue eyes meeting mine with an intensity I'd never seen before.

"Javid, you're coming with."

I blinked, surprised. "Me? But I'm not-"

"You're my bro," David interrupted, placing a hand on my shoulder. His grip was firm, reassuring. "When I stride into that council meeting, I want you right there with me."

A warmth bloomed in my chest. Despite Violet and her decision hanging between us, David wasn't going to let it come between us. I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. "Okay. I'll be there."

David managed a small smile, squeezing my shoulder before letting go. "Thanks, dude."

As we headed down the corridor, David briefed me on the council members: Franklin Laird, Allison Broomer, Welanor Wilson, Marcus Chandler, and Samuel Delaney. He explained that some had supported him upon discovering his Coniunctae status, while others had opposed it. "Don't matter what they think," he asserted, "we're not in the middle of the game anymore. This is our championship moment. Victory is all there is."

We reached the conference room, and David paused, his hand on the door handle. He looked back at me, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. I offered him a nod, trying to convey my support, my belief in him.

He took a deep breath, then pushed the door open, stepping inside. I followed, my heart pounding as I faced the elders. Some looked at us with sympathy and concern, one in particular with skepticism.

David began to speak, his voice strong and clear. "The 411 is that our Alpha had an NDE," Dave said, not sugar-coating what happened to our father. "He pulled through, but I'm in charge from here on out."

The wolf whose expression held disdain— had to be Welanor Wilson from David's description—said with a sneer, "And what makes you think you're ready for such a responsibility, boy?"

David didn't say a word, he merely clenched his jaw and stared at the idiot until he flushed red and looked away.

Franklin Laird stood, his voice firm and resolute. "David is right. We need to stand united now more than ever. He has my full support."

Marcus Chandler nodded, his eyes calculating. "David has shown his leadership capabilities. He's the right choice for Alpha."

Samuel Delaney chimed in, his tone grave. "The pack needs stability, and David can provide that. I stand with him."

Welanor Wilson rose to his feet, sputtering.

Before he could make a coherent sentence, Allison Broomer slammed her hand on the table, her voice cutting through the tension. "Welanor, shut up and sit down," she snapped, her eyes blazing. "We have traditions for a reason, and David is next in line. We need leadership, and we need it now."

I watched as Welanor's face drained of all color as he all but fell into his seat.

David took a deep breath, his shoulders squared, he walked over to Welanor and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I hear you loud and clear, but trust me, I got this. I'll guide our crew through this mess and out the other side." when he lifted his hand, Welanor winced and his suit jacket never lifted from the shape of David's large hand print.

"What's the headcount on who's out," David asked, his eyes scanning the room.

After a beat of silence, Marcus cleared his throat, his voice heavy. "The number wasn't as high as we thought initially. Most were injured or shaken rather than killed outright. Still, we lost a little more than a third of our pack members, including pups. Those who are injured are gravely so, but it seems all but ten of those are on the mend. The care center is overwhelmed."

Samuel nodded, his face grim. "The Clubhouse and several homes have been destroyed. It's a miracle more lives weren't lost."

Franklin sighed, rubbing his forehead. "The psychological impact is immense. Our people are scared, traumatized. They need reassurance and support."

I swallowed hard, fighting back my anger at those who sought to destroy our lives, and for what? Why?

Allison spoke up, her voice steady despite the circumstances. "We've gathered the survivors and set up a temporary shelter at the back of the community. It's not much, but it's a start."

It was a small comfort, knowing that the wolves got the care they needed, but there was still so much to be done.

David leaned forward towards me, his eye shooting angry sparks. he was mad… madder than me. "We need to hit up some more packs. No way can we face those bastards solo."

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

"Allistair Carmichael's pack," David replied, his voice firm. "Maybe others… I'll have a convo with him first."

I nodded slowly, considering the idea. It made sense, but I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Alliances were tricky, and trust was hard to come by in these times.

"And who else could help us?" I asked.

"Thought up could tap Marco, your old sensei, his biker gang of wolves might have some spare parts to share."

I nodded slowly, my confidence growing. Marco had been a mentor to me, and his pack was known for their resourcefulness. It was a good idea, one that could make a real difference when fighting Lizbeth and the hooded menace.