Chapter 14 Chapter fourteen
Roger sat across from the men who would soon decide the fate of the Slytherin Pack.
Duke leaned forward. “You say the Alpha’s house is divided,” he said in a low, testing voice. “If that’s true, then we can use it. What we need is a spark something that turns his people against him and also turn the brothers against each other.”
Roger met his gaze, his lips curving faintly. “I told you, there's a tension between brothers. And the Luna, Ellie, she’s right in the middle of it. Two Alphas are in love with one woman. The pack will surely go against this”
“The Luna,” Duke repeated, his tone turning sharp. “Ellie, isn’t it? She’s the Alphas weakness. Both Claus and Slyvia will do anything to have her”
Another man in the midst smirked. “Then let use her to get what will want. If possible let Blackmail her. Make her venerable, make her choose sides. Once suspicion starts spreading, their pack will crumble from within. Nobody will want an Alpha that share his Luna with his twin”
Roger didn’t answer at first. He’d seen Ellie’s face in the moonlight, the look of fear when she fled Sylvia’s chamber. That image had burned itself into his mind. She was innocent, maybe even naive but she was the key. He could almost hear the pieces falling into place.
“I’ll handle her,” he finally said, his voice calm but cold. “Leave that to me.”
“Good,” said Duke, slapping the table. “Then it’s settled. Once you get her cornered, the plan will go smoothly. Stir trouble in the palace, Roger. Make brother hate each other.”
Roger stood, straightened his cloak, and nodded. “You’ll so hear about the trouble in the palace.” he grinned evilly "I better take my leave now before the Alpha start looking for me"
"I will expecting good news from you soon," Duke rise from his seat leading the way outside the hideout.
The ride back to the pack was long and silent under the silver glow of the moon.
He can't stop imagine how he will rule the kingdom when he take over. For generations his family has faithfully served the Alpha's family and contribute to the growth of the pack but yet there is nothing to show for it, his family has be downgraded.
"Ellie just wait for me, I will make sure to destroyed you" His laughter echo around the forest.
He has never like Ellie ever since the first day she came into the palace. She has always look like the person that will destroy his plans but now she will be the one to bring the pieces together.
He wasn’t sure when ambition had begun to rot into betrayal, only that it felt inevitable now.
By the time the pack’s gates came into view, it was already daybreak. Guards at the entrance stiffened when they saw him approaching.
"Greetings Beta," the Guards saluted.
"has the Alpha been asking of my where about?," he dismounted from the horse
"Yes, Beta. He send some guards to you residence last night" one of the Guards answered
"Alright, I will go see him then," he brushing dust from his cloak, already composing his lies in his head.
Inside the main hall, Claus was sitting in the throne. A map was widely spread on the desk, and he was glancing through it.. The Alpha’s expression was unreadable, but his eyes sharp, commanding, yet carried the weight of suspicion.
Strange things has been happening in the pack recently and there have been a suspicion of an insider feeding the enemies with information. When he sent for the Beta last night and he was informed that he wasn't found in his residence, Claus assumed something fishy but he keep all fingers crossed.
Claus know this isn't the time to trust blindly, he have to be watchful to protect his kingdom.
“Where have you been, Roger?” Claus asked. His tone was steady, but the hint of suspicion lay beneath it.
Roger bowed his head . “ greetings your majesty. There was an emergency meeting,” he lied smoothly. “ the soldiers patrolling the east side border caught some werewolves hunters. I left immediately after the report was made.”
Claus studied him, as though searching for cracks in the story. “And you didn’t think to inform me or send somebody to rely the message to me?”
“It was sudden,” Roger said. “Didn’t want to cause unnecessary alarm.”
Claus held his gaze a moment longer before finally nodding. “Very well. Next time, make sure I’m inform. We can’t afford any gaps in communication. That might give the enemies chance to strike again”
“Of course, Alpha,” Roger replied, bowing slightly.
A naughty smile appear on the corner of his lips. It was amusing watching the smart Alpha believing his lies. He thinks nobody can play him. He thinks he's smarter than everyone else.
His head rise, then his eyes landed on her.
Ellie sat beside Claus, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her expression calm but her body still pale from exhaustion. The soft glow of morning light brushed her features.
He didn't notice her earlier.
for a brief second, Roger see the vulnerability he will be expecting when he start blackmailing her. She would anywhere to run to because he will have her wraps around his fingers.
He smiled faintly, the kind of smile that concealed more than it revealed. “Luna,” he greeted, his tone polite yet edged with something teasing.
Ellie looked up, startled. “Beta” she said, her voice soft but uncertain.
Ellie and Roger has never been in good terms right from the onset. She hate him for being proud and arrogant. She has always seen him bully the weak and powerless and she has always stop him whenever she can.
“It’s good to see you well,” he continued, walking closer, his gaze lingering just long enough to make her uneasy. “You seemed… troubled last night. I saw you outside, taking in some fresh air. I hope it relieved your stress.”
She froze.