Chapter 6 Menace
“What is it, Beta Marcus?” Russell asked, moved by the Beta's dark expression.
Alfred stared as well, demanding an immediate response.
Marcus took a deep breath and stepped forward with slow but steady steps.
“Greetings, Alpha Russell. Greetings Elder Alfred.”
“What is the problem?” Russell cared less about the greeting, attempting to read the Beta’s countenance just like his uncle.
“I have good news. I have bad news.” Marcus finally broke his silence, nervousness etched on his face.
Russell turned to his uncle, and after they had exchanged glances, he returned his expression to the Beta.
“Let’s hear the bad news, Marcus.” He retorted, bracing himself for the impact.
Marcus nodded, and with a low tone, he said, “He is back.” His face was drained of its brightness, silence taking over as soon as he was done speaking.
The Alpha and his uncle clearly understood what he meant, and no matter how hard Russell attempted to act like he didn’t seem bothered, anxiety surged into him, churning inside his stomach.
Taking a deep breath, he cleared his throat while he still kept his eyes on the Beta.
“How sure are you about this, Marcus?”
“I am very certain, Alpha Russell,” Marcus responded, his voice firm and confident.
“I saw him myself.” He added, sending slight tension into Russell’s body.
The Alpha stood up, suddenly feeling uneasy while he remained on the couch.
“Not now.” He muttered, clenching his right fist.
He cleared his throat, his mind reacting to the pensive song that played inside his head.
His heart beat faster, a reminder of what was at stake.
Alfred and Marcus had their eyes on him, but it didn’t seem like he was going to break his silence soon.
“What do we do, Russell?” Alfred asked, drawing closer to his nephew.
“That Lunatic cannot be allowed to take charge of the Eastern territory. Our enemies will only grow stronger, and conflict will rise.” The elder took a deep breath, but that didn’t seem like it was going to grant him relief.
“He has captured some of the elders who stood against him.” Marcus pointed out, causing Alfred to turn to him at once.
“This is a disaster.” Alfred took a deep breath, feeling his chest tighten.
His eyes were still on his nephew, seeking an immediate response.
Russell growled inwardly, and without giving it a second thought, he made a quick decision.
“Assemble the elders at once, Uncle. Tell them to be here immediately.” He instructed, and his uncle bowed before he left.
Left alone with the Beta, Russell returned to the couch, his right foot tapping with a straight rhythm on the marble floor.
Marcus drew closer to him, and after a few seconds, he discarded the science.
“Does his return terrify you, Russell?” He had fully assumed the role of a friend, rather than the Beta.
Russell looked up at him, his eyes wide and glittering with deep thoughts.
His lips had parted, yet no words could be heard.
The Beta sighed heavily, then he sat next to the Alpha, prompting him to adjust slowly.
“Craig is a menace, Russell.” He paused for a while to be certain that the Alpha was really paying attention.”
“With what I have seen, he is assembling an army. He intends to wage a war. I am sorry, Russell, but I have to tell you the truth.”
“What is it?” Russell demanded an answer with his eyes, but it didn’t seem like he was ready for it.
“The chances of us winning are very slim.” The Beta blurted, taking a deep breath.
“Craig has allies, not just in the Eastern Territory, but also among the Southern tribes.”
“Those nitwits!” Russell snorted, gnashing his teeth.
“I knew that they were going to betray us. I wonder why my uncle decided to spare them. What happened to wiping off our enemies while they are sleeping?”
“Maybe it’s more fascinating to slay them when they are awake?” Marcus responded with a wry smile, his eyes burning with rage.
Silence took over, but because he couldn’t let it linger, Russell cleared his throat, planning to get rid of it.
“I don’t even have the full support of all the packs in the Northern territory.” He scoffed, leaning backward.
“Willow Pack will certainly not hand over their soldiers, at least not willingly. Alpha Darrell sees me as an enemy, he thinks I am unworthy of the Lycan throne.”
Marcus silently stared at him, and seeing the lamentation etched on his face, he was moved to speak.
“Let me handle this, Russell.” His voice was low but firm, his eyes simmering with desperation.
“Just say the word, and Darrell will not see the end of today. Let me make him pay for his impudence.”
“No,” Russell muttered, draining the anticipation on the Beta’s face.
“The fight is with our enemies, not our brothers.” He left Marcus speechless, insisting with his stern look.
“I have something important I need you to take care of for me, Marcus.”
Marcus struggled for a while, fighting the urge to persist with his demand.
“What is it?” He finally succeeded, but his interest was dwindling.
Russell sighed heavily, and after he was certain that they were alone, he returned his gaze to the Beta.
“I need you to find out what happened to the remains of the Alpha of Moonfall Pack and his Luna.”
“I am confused,” Marcus said after a few seconds, arching his right brow.
“Craig Hunter is the Alpha of Moonfall Pack. Or is there any other Moonfall Pack aside from the one in the Eastern territory?”
“No, Marcus.” Russell took a deep breath, and then he cleared his throat.
“I mean the Alpha that was on the throne when we raided the Pack, Marcus.” He had left the Beta speechless, but he wasn’t done talking.
“Find out what happened to the remains of the Alpha and the Luna. I hope they were buried.” He leaned forward, avoiding the eyes of the Beta.
Marcus tried to fight the feeling, but the words forced themselves out even before he knew it.
“Why do you suddenly care, Russell? They are dead and gone.”