Chapter 77 You Need A Partner To Continue Rulling
Fernando sat in the keep's private garden, a secluded oasis tucked behind high stone walls that shielded it from the bustling activity of the pack lands. The garden was a rare spot of tranquility in the northern territory, with manicured paths winding between beds of hardy flowers that bloomed even in the chill air. Tall evergreens provided shade, their branches rustling softly in the breeze, while a small fountain bubbled at the center, its water sparkling under the midday sun. Benches of carved oak dotted the space, and Fernando occupied one, facing his guest across a low table set with maps and parchments.
His guest was Alpha Garrick, leader of one of the northern allied packs, a burly wolf with a beard like tangled roots and eyes sharp as flint. Garrick had arrived that morning with a small escort, his cloak still dusted from the road. The two Alphas had been deep in discussion for hours, poring over plans for pack expansion and security measures in the wake of Vargus's betrayal. The northern borders remained vulnerable, rogue sightings increasing, and the need for stronger alliances pressed on them both.
Fernando unrolled a map showing the eastern ridges. "Here, the terrain favors ambushes. We need to fortify with watchtowers and double the patrols. Your pack controls the high ground; can you commit fifty wolves to the rotation?"
Garrick stroked his beard, studying the map. "Fifty is steep. My southern flanks are thin after the last raid. Forty, and we share the supply lines."
Fernando nodded slowly, tracing a line with his finger. "Forty it is. But we need to expand the training exchanges. Your wolves learn our tactics, mine learn yours. United front against the rogues."
Garrick leaned back. "Agreed. My beta has been pushing for it. And security for the trade routes? The merchants are nervous after the caravans were hit."
Fernando tapped the map. "We establish joint convoys. Armed escorts from both packs. Rotate the leaders to prevent patterns the rogues can exploit."
Garrick grunted approval. "Solid plan. But what about the southern whispers? Vargus may be banished, but his influence lingers."
Fernando's face hardened. "Vargus is my problem. I will handle him."
Garrick raised a brow. "Family ties make it complicated."
Fernando's voice dropped. "Blood does not excuse betrayal."
They continued, debating details: resource allocation, scout rotations, signal systems for alerts. Fernando sketched notes on parchment, his hand steady despite the lingering ache from his own recent wounds. Garrick shared intelligence from his borders, reports of strange movements in the shadows.
The discussion flowed, two leaders forging bonds stronger than steel.
Darius entered the garden then, his steps quick but measured. He bowed low before the table. "Alpha Fernando, forgive the interruption."
Fernando looked up. "What is it?"
Darius straightened. "The elders request your presence. They claim to have a pressing issue to discuss with you."
Fernando's brow furrowed. He glanced at Garrick. "Can it wait? We are in the middle of—"
Garrick waved a hand. "I can wait until you are done. No rush."
Fernando shook his head. "No. I will not keep you. Let me escort you out."
Garrick stood. "As you wish."
Fernando rolled the maps and stood, gesturing for Garrick to walk beside him. "Darius, go and prepare for the meeting. I will join you soon."
Darius bowed and left.
Fernando and Garrick walked the garden paths, the Alpha's escort falling in behind them.
Garrick glanced at the flowers. "Beautiful garden. Peaceful."
Fernando nodded. "It was my mother's. She tended it herself."
Garrick's voice softened. "Queen Elara had a gift for growing things."
Fernando's expression tightened slightly. "She did."
They reached the gates. Fernando clasped Garrick's forearm. "Safe travels. We will meet again soon to finalize the patrols."
Garrick returned the grip. "Until then, brother."
Garrick mounted his horse and rode out with his escort.
Fernando watched them go, then turned toward the council hall.
Fernando walked into the council chamber with measured steps, the heavy doors swinging open before him by the guards stationed outside. The room was grand, its high vaulted ceiling supported by thick stone pillars carved with ancient wolf motifs. Long banners of the pack's colors hung from the walls, swaying slightly in the draft. The large circular table at the center dominated the space, surrounded by high-backed chairs reserved for the elders. Torchlight and sunlight from narrow windows illuminated the faces of the gathered elders, northern and southern alike, their expressions a blend of respect and anticipation.
As Fernando entered, every elder rose from their seat and bowed deeply, fists to chests in the traditional salute. "Alpha Fernando," they intoned in unison, voices echoing off the stone.
Fernando nodded acknowledgment and took his seat at the head of the table, the chair slightly elevated to signify his position. The elders resumed their seats, the rustle of robes and creak of wood the only sounds.
He leaned forward, hands clasped on the table. "What is the pressing issue you wished to discuss?"
Elder Bramwell cleared his throat and stood, his voice steady but firm. "Alpha, the pack has endured much turmoil. The betrayal, the attack, the loss of Princess Liana. We stand with you, but it is time to declare a mate. You cannot oversee the pack alone forever."
Fernando's brow furrowed. "Why now?"
Elder Hawthorne rose next. "An Alpha without a mate is vulnerable. The pack needs stability. A Luna or consort at your side strengthens alliances, provides counsel, and ensures the line continues. With Vargus still a threat in exile, we need unity."
Elder Whitcombe added. "The rumors spread unrest. Wolves talk of weakness at the top. A declared mate silences that."
Fernando leaned back. "The pack is strong. I lead it well."
Elder Fairchild spoke softly. "You do. But tradition demands balance. If you want our full support in the coming challenges, bring forth your mate."
Darius, standing behind Fernando's chair, smiled inwardly. He knew this was the moment. Time to announce Alberto as the Alpha's mate, to bring the bond into the light and solidify everything.
Fernando's voice was even. "I have no one I can present to you."
The elders exchanged glances.
Elder Ashford leaned forward. "We have heard rumors that the forest keeper, Alberto, is your mate. The bond is known among some."
Fernando's expression remained cold. "He is not my mate. He is an ordinary slave that warms my bed. Nothing more."
Darius's smile vanished. Shock and anger flashed across his face. He excused himself abruptly. "I need air."
He left the chamber, the door closing with a thud.
The elders murmured.
Elder Bramwell's voice rose. "You lie, Alpha. If he was just a bed warmer, why bind your soul with his? The soul bond is not given lightly."
Fernando met his gaze. "I bound my soul to save my sister Liana. Nothing more. The keeper's life was tied to the poison. It was necessity."
Elder Hawthorne shook his head. "Necessity or not, the bond exists. Declare him, or the pack suffers doubt."
Fernando's voice hardened. "If you want me to have a partner so badly, we go the old ways. Organize the mate's duel. Announce it to all packs. Let any wolf who wishes participate. Whosoever wins will be my partner."
The elders gasped.
Elder Whitcombe protested. "The mate's duel is ancient and brutal. Many die."
Fernando shrugged. "I will not be responsible for anyone's death in the duel. They enter knowing the risk."
Elder Fairchild looked concerned. "This could tear alliances apart."
Fernando leaned forward. "Or strengthen them. The strongest will stand beside me."
The elders conferred in low voices.
Elder Ashford spoke for them. "We agree. The duel will be announced."
Fernando nodded. "Prepare it."
The meeting dispersed, elders leaving with mixed expressions.
Fernando remained seated, staring at the table.