I sat up straighter, still giving that look to Raphael while my fists were clenched at my sides. The Elders were all silent, looking solemn and not feeling sorry in the slightest.
“You really believe that smearing my family’s name will make anything better?” George growled and his tone was incredibly sarcastic. “You’re wasting your time. You think I'd cooperate?"
Elder Thaddeus looked straight into his eyes and said. “This investigation isn’t about solving anything for you, Alpha George. It’s about the truth. Whether you cooperate or not you will be left out of our decision. We don't need permission. The choice of cooperation is yours.”
George looked at him with murder in his eyes, clenching his jaw. "Now all of you who decide thinking that everything will turn out perfect for you, you are all fools. But fine, investigate. I will cooperate with you, but I guarantee you there is nothing to look for.”
He got up from the table, fuming, and then walked out of the room, banging the door loudly.
Elder Walker looked directly into my eyes and when George's footsteps receded, he spoke. "What can you say about this, Alpha Dagen? Did you trust the words that were spoken by Alpha George?*
I crossed my arms over my chest for a moment of brief deliberation. "For sure, he has things that he wants to cover up. He was defensive; he tried to change the subject; yes, it all suggests that he is guilty of something. What he is guilty of, I cannot say."
Elder Davis simply nodded his head. “Agreed."
The light in Elder Thaddeus’s eyes grew stern as he leaned forward. "Alpha Dagen, there is a session that will be held next week. Next time you will be grilled.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “What for? What have I done?”
Elder Thaddeus only sighed and his voice sounded more gentle. “Well, you know the laws of our kind. There is no successor to your pack, and the curse stays upon you. We must speak with you about your future."
I narrowed my eyes and my hands fisted. “I know my responsibilities. You just want to ambush me.
Elder Walker just looked at me and his face changed to be slightly less angry. “It’s not an ambush, Alpha Dagen. If not you would not have been warned. It’s a necessity. It is then our responsibility to make for you a sustainable future for your pack. And we are telling you against time so that you may have found a solution."
The Elders got up from their seats. “We’ll see you next week, Alpha Dagen. Be ready,” said Elder Davis as they stepped out of the room.
After the Elders had gone, I huffed. “This is a mess.”
Alpha Raphael looked concerned. “What do you think they are likely going to do?”
"They may compel me to choose another wife or one in my own family which I do not have as my successor. In either case, it is going to be a hard one to make.’
Raphael only nodded, his eyes looking deep in thought. “Got any kin hidden somewhere you would not mind having on your throne? An illegitimate son of an uncle or something?"
"You just heard me say I don't have family. You know that well enough without me even having to say it," I laughed bitterly. “Relatives? The only person who is a relative is Tyler. And taking another bride…" I shuddered.
Raphael put a hand on my shoulder. "There will always be a way out of this. You’ve faced worse.”
I breathed out heavily. “I hope you’re right. The curse…it is the same as an hourglass counting."
Raphael nodded solemnly. “I understand."
The following week came much too soon. And this tension grew as the round table discussion started. I assumed a position before the Elders at the head of the table, their faces hard and serious.
"Alpha Dagen, thank you for coming here today, as we have had some questions that need to be answered. Your pack requires an heir and you don’t have the luxury since you carry a curse.”
I inhaled deeply. “I understand the urgency. But this is not a decision to be made lightly.”
"We’re not asking for an immediate solution; we’re asking for a change in the system. Have you given a thought of making a blood relation your successor?”
I shook my head. "I don't have relatives."
Elder Davis raised his voice. “In that case, you should think of taking another bride. The future of your pack depends on it.”
I looked at him with anger. "I wonder if you weren’t aware that I had thought of that in the first place. It is not when you wake up one fine morning and look at the person you get married to. There are...complications.”
"And Gina? You did not just wake up and marry her?"
"Choose your words carefully," I said coldly. "I do not care if you are an Elder or not."
"Whether there are complications or not, that is a task you cannot afford to avoid. It really is a curse and you are running out of time.”
"You want me to make a life decision based on what you are telling me? That’s not fair.”
"Fair or not, it’s necessary. The feeling is that the future of your pack is at stake.”
Raphael, who had been quiet since, finally spoke. "Dagen, you are a good leader. Over a period of time, you have led your pack through a number of trials. This is just another challenge that you have to face."
"I’ll think about it," I finally huffed but only because of Raphael.
“We’ll give you a week. But no more. This matter cannot be delayed. It is important to not just your pack but to the whole werewolf race."
After the meeting was over, I gave a loud sigh. I had a week to make a decision – my decision and my pack’s decision. Never before had being an Alpha felt so burdensome."
“What will you do?” it was Raphael, still in the room with me.
I shrugged. “I do not know. But I know well enough that I do not wish to get married.”