Chapter 42 042

Chapter 42 042

Dante's POV

The hallways were quiet as I made my way toward Elder Gerald's chambers. Most of the pack members were either at the court watching Ria's trial or going about their evening duties which happened to be a perfect timing for me without being seen.

I reached Elder Gerald's door and knocked twice before a response came through.

"Enter," came the gruff voice from inside.

I pushed the door open and before stepping in, my gaze trailed around the hallway, trying to make sure that I wasn't seen by anyone.

Elder Gerald sat behind his desk, scrolls and documents spread out before him. He looked up, surprise flickering across his face.

"Alpha Dante!" He called out as he stretched out his hand for a handshake. "I was not expecting you."

"I know." I moved closer to him and shook his hand before my hands clasped behind my back. "I need to speak with you about what we discussed the other time "

He gestured to the chair across from him. "Of course! Please sit!"

I did, settling into the chair and meeting his gaze directly. There was no point in dancing around this. Gerald was old, experienced, and sharp and since I had had this conversation with him before, I knew it was going to be much easier.

"Our fated mate is dead or about to lose her life" I said, getting straight to the point.

Gerald's expression shifted, as he furrowed his brows at me "I don't think it's in your place to make that call especially since the time given to her hadn't yet elapsed.

"We both know that no one goes to the ancient garden and come back alive”

“So what are you heading at with this?” he asked again and this time, I had his full attention.

“If she lose her life, that would mean that The three of us have been left without a mate. Without the bond that was meant to tie us together and strengthen our rule."

"You still have each other," Gerald offered. "The bond between brothers is strong."

I leaned back in my chair, watching him carefully. "But it is not enough, is it? We both know that. A pack needs stability. It needs a clear line of succession. And right now, with three Alphas and no mate to bind us, we have neither."

Gerald frowned, his fingers tapping against the desk. "What are you suggesting?"

"I am suggesting that it would be impossible for the three of us to find another fated mate. Lightning does not strike twice, Elder Gerald. The chances of the Moon Goddess blessing us with a second chance mate, one who is fated to all three of us, is beyond rare. It is practically unheard of."

"True!" he admitted slowly. "But there are other options. A chosen mate, perhaps. Someone strong enough to stand beside all three of you."

“Yes, But we both know that finding such an exceptional lady would be next to impossible and since the three of us does not share a mate bond with her, there will be thug if war between us”

"What are you proposing?" Gerald asked again, his tone more guarded now, it was obvious that he was starting the get my point.

"I am proposing that perhaps it would be safer, more stable, for just one of us to become the Alpha. One clear leader with a decisive voice."

The room fell silent, Gerald stared at me like I had just suggested we burn down the pack house.

"You are triplets!" he said finally, his voice measured. "Born of the same blood, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. There is no precedent for what you are suggesting. No way to simply declare one of you the sole Alpha while the others step aside."

"There is always a way," I said quietly. "If we look hard enough."

Gerald's eyes narrowed. "What exactly are you asking me, Alpha Dante?"

I tilted forward, dropping my voice to barely above a whisper. "I am asking you to tell me what circumstances would deem the other Alphas unfit to rule."

His face went pale. "That is not something to be taken lightly." He warned as his gaze flickered at me.

"I know." I held his gaze, letting him see the seriousness in my eyes. "But I need to know. For the good of the pack. For the stability of our future."

Gerald hesitated, his fingers still tapping that same nervous rhythm against the desk. I could see the wheels turning in his mind, weighing the risks and benefits of what I was asking.

I needed to sweeten the deal.

"If everything goes as planned," I said carefully, "you would have a seat next to me. My special advisor. The one I trust above all others. No one would be able to look down on you, Elder Gerald, No one would question your authority or your wisdom. You would have the power and respect you have always deserved."

That got his attention. I watched as something shifted in his expression, ambition flickering to life behind those old, tired eyes.

He wanted this, I could see it now. Years of serving, of advising, of being overlooked and underestimated. Gerald wanted power just as much as anyone else. He just hid it better.

"There are rules," he said finally, his voice low. "Ancient laws that govern such things."

"Tell me."

He glanced toward the door, as if checking to make sure no one was listening. Then he leaned forward, matching my posture.

"An Alpha can be deemed unfit to rule under several circumstances. Madness, for one. If an Alpha loses their mind, becomes a danger to the pack, the council can vote to remove them."

"And the others?"

"Betrayal. If an Alpha is found to have betrayed the pack, acted against its interests, they can be stripped of their title and exiled."

I nodded slowly, filing that information away. "What else?"

"Weakness." Gerald's voice was barely a whisper now. "If an Alpha is proven to be too weak to protect the pack, too soft to make the hard decisions, they can be challenged. And if they lose that challenge, they forfeit their claim to leadership."

"Challenged by whom?"

"By another Alpha. Or by a strong member of the pack with the council's blessing."

Perfect.

Ideas were already forming in my mind, pieces of a puzzle clicking into place. Silas with his guilt and his softness toward Ria.

Lucien with his reckless emotions and his inability to see past his own desires. Both of them had weaknesses, Both of them could be exploited.

"And if all of this were to happen," I said carefully, "if the other Alphas were found unfit and removed, the remaining Alpha would have full authority?"

"Yes!" Gerald confirmed. "The remaining Alpha would assume sole leadership. The council would have no choice but to support him."

I sat back, letting a small smile curve my lips. "Thank you, Elder Gerald. You have been most helpful."

He studied me for a long moment, something like concern crossing his face. "Be careful, AlphaDante. What you are considering is dangerous. If you move too quickly, if you are not careful, it could tear this pack apart."

"I know!" I assured him. "Which is why I need someone wise and experienced by my side. Someone who understands the delicate balance of power."

Gerald nodded slowly, and I could see the decision being made behind his eyes.

He was in, Whether out of ambition or self-preservation, it did not matter. He would help me.

"We will speak again soon," I said, rising from my chair. "In the meantime, keep this conversation between us."

"Of course."

He assured me, and that was so much of a relief to me as I stormed out of there.