Chapter 217 Where Is Alpha Calhoun?
Chapter 217 Where Is Alpha Calhoun?
Kristen's POV
The following day, the council of elders, along with some men in our pack, call for a meeting.
"We've noticed something strange going on," Elder Festus begins, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes, what is it?" I ask, feigning innocence, my gaze locked on him.
"Our Alpha has been absent for three months, and it's you who has been handling things," Elder Adolphus states, his expression stern.
"He's on a long business trip, but he'll return soon," I lie, maintaining a straight face and gesturing confidence with a slight nod.
"Bullshit, that's what you keep telling us all the time!" Gregory interjects, a young man holding a high position in our pack.
I meet his gaze squarely, a controlled defiance in my eyes. "Do not raise your voice at me," I say quietly, my tone firm.
"Something is happening right under our nose, and you're keeping it away from us," he adds, fuming, his eyes searching mine for any signs of deception.
"There's nothing going on, it's all your overthinking doing a great deal at manifesting itself," I glare at him, while resting my hand protectively on my bump, a subtle attempt to shift attention.
"My overthinking?" Gregory lowers his eyes in a suspicious squint.
"Yes," I reply boldly, my chin raised.
"That's enough now, do not argue with our Luna," Elder Adolphus intervenes, stepping in to defuse the rising tension.
I take in a deep breath, letting the air settle the storm within me, and say nothing more.
"Alpha Calhoun has been on long business trips before, but not to this extent, and there are times he phones or FaceTimes with us to keep things going on. But now, nothing. The search for his beta's murderer is slowly failing, and we don't even know if Alpha Calhoun is alive," Gregory speaks up once more, his frustration evident.
The elders grunt in agreement to this, and murmurs of concern ripple through the gathered pack members.
My stomach churns; there's so much truth in his words. I don't even know how to come up with more lies to make it seem believable.
"Kristen?" Elder Festus, the calmest of all, pulls my attention to him, his eyes sharp but composed.
"Yes?" I tuck my hair behind my ear, trying to seem bold despite the turmoil within.
"Where is Alpha Calhoun?" Elder Festus repeats, his gaze unwavering.
I take a moment, gathering my thoughts, before responding, "Alpha Calhoun is attending to a matter of utmost importance. It involves our pack's security, and he deemed it necessary to handle it discreetly."
Elder Festus studies me for a moment, and then he nods slowly. "Luna, we understand the need for discretion, but the pack is concerned. We need
assurance and communication. Calhoun's absence raises questions, and we cannot afford uncertainty."
"I assure you, Elder Festus, Alpha Calhoun is dedicated to our pack's well-being. As soon as his mission is complete, he will return and share the details. The secrecy is for the pack's protection," I respond, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The tension in the room persists, and the elders exchange glances, silently communicating their
concerns.
"We need more than assurances, Luna. A pack thrives on trust and transparency. We urge you to convey our concerns to Alpha Calhoun," Elder Festus states
firmly.
I nod, maintaining composure, but my mind races to find a way to uphold the facade. The responsibility weighs heavy, and the truth becomes a fleeting shadow in the face of their unwavering gazes.
Later that day, I head to Calhoun's company, bracing myself for the usual chaos that comes with managing a business I know so little about. As I step into the office, however, I'm met with a scene of utter mayhem. Employees argue, voices raised to a crescendo, and the air is thick with tension. In the far end of the room, a scuffle breaks out, bodies shifting and crashing into walls, louvers shattering in the
chaos.
The guards behind me exchange glances, silently questioning whether I'll intervene or turn a blind eye to the turmoil.
"Enough!" I cry out, pouring every ounce of
authority into my voice.
Miraculously, the chaos grinds to a halt, and a tense
silence falls over the room.
"What the heck is going on here!?" I thunder, my
voice cracking with the effort.
As the employees exchange furtive glances, a murmur
rises in the hall.
One upset-looking man steps forward, "Luna, we can't let a woman control us. We need Alpha Calhoun
back to handle the company. We're not used to your way of doing things."
His words hang heavy in the air, and a grunt of agreements follows.
The discontent among the employees becomes
obvious, and I feel the weight of their displeasure pressing down on me.
"You've got to be kidding me," I mutter under my
breath, hurt and insulted by their open rejection of
my authority.
Another employee chimes in, "The company is losing
stocks because we don't have proper leadership. We need Alpha Calhoun back!"
I clench my fists, my jaw tight with frustration. The
words cut deep, a painful reminder of my inadequacy in their eyes.
"I am doing my best to manage things in Alpha
Calhoun's absence. If you have concerns, voice them respectfully," I assert, attempting to salvage some semblance of control.
The employees start arguing more, and it makes me
feel really bad. I can't handle their disappointment and frustration anymore. So, I decided to leave. I walk out of the company with my head held high, and the
door closes loudly behind me, blocking out all the noise inside.
In the quiet hallway, their words still hurt. I feel really
alone and rejected. Every step I take away from the noisy office makes me feel even worse. The weight on my chest gets heavier, and it's hard to shake off the feeling of being completely left out.