\[William’s POV\]
I keep my gaze locked on Elise and her group as they head to a large van that is waiting. Even when they climb inside the van and begin to move, I continue to watch until they’re completely out of view. Only then do I turn my attention to Denali, who, like me, is watching silently.
“We should head back in.” I murmur, gently touching her arm. “You did well.”
“Yeah,” she sighs, looking exhausted. “But it isn’t enough.”
“Not enough.” I repeat in confusion. “How is it not…”
“Three warriors have already died from the nue’s illness.” She explains, causing my heart to squeeze painfully.
Here I was having the time of my life with Elise while Denali was facing so much alone. It couldn’t be easy to take over as leader of an entire pack while being a new mother and still earning the respect of those around her.
“How’s Rosco?” I ask, knowing that he would be the one she cared most about. “Any change?”
“None, thankfully.” She says. “Maria has been seeing to those who are still alive around the clock. I fear she will burn out eventually, but she refuses to quit.”
“Then we should go get her to take a rest.” I suggest starting to lead Denali back toward the packhouse. “She won’t be any good if she falls ill herself.”
“You’re right.” Denali agrees. “But she’s stubborn.”
“You’re the leader.” My father huffs. “Can you not even handle a stubborn subordinate?”
“Mind your words, Jaxon.” Uncle Hamilton warns. “It isn’t your place to scold Denali.”
Eyes widening, I look from my father to Uncle Hamilton. Was he actually defending Denali after the falling out all of them had in the past?
Man, if only Rosco was awake to see this, he would be pleased. Well, he actually wouldn't, and there was a good chance my father would be thrown out on his ass, but at least things were mending between him and Uncle Hamilton.
“I’m just stating the truth.” My father shrugs. “As luna of the pack, it is her place to take control until the alpha can return. If she can’t do that much, then does she deserve the title that has been bestowed on her?”
“I don’t.” Denali says slowly. “I’m a weak and useless omega who can’t even shift, but none of that matters. What matters is that I am there for my mate and my pack when times are tough. Even though I would much rather be bonding with my newborn daughter, I am here tending to the sick and doing what is expected of me. If you have an issue with the way I run things, then I suggest you leave.”
At her words, a chuckle of satisfaction escapes Uncle Hamilton while my father’s face falls.
That Rosco is going to be upset that he didn't get to see this. I think inwardly, beginning to lead Denali inside.
Once we reach, Uncle Hamilton comes up beside me and gives me a look that screams, Leave this to me.
Nodding, I allow him to lead Denali the rest of the way to the infirmary while my father comes to stand beside me.
“Since they seem to have things under control, would you humor me with a drink?”
“A drink.” I repeat, raising a brow. “Isn’t it too early in the day for such a thing?”
“Humor me.” He repeats. “There is something I’d like to discuss with you.”
“If it has anything to do with going back to Crystal Fang before things are handled, then...”
“It isn’t,” he sighs. “It has to do with something entirely else.”
For a moment, I don’t speak as I take in the man beside me, wondering what it could possibly be. I already knew that anything that came out of that man’s mouth couldn’t be good, but what could it be?
“Instead of trying to figure me out, come with me.”
Silently, I begin to follow as he makes his way to the back of Emerald Moon, where a table is set with breakfast items and a bottle of whiskey.
“Have a seat.” My father says. “I’m sure you haven’t eaten. I can only assume that you depleted your energy with that criminal before she left, even if it disgusts me to think of it.”
“Be disgusted,” I shrug. “Grabbing a bagel and taking a bite. “Yummy.”
Grimacing, my father opens the whiskey and pours some into his glass, then offers it to me. Nodding, I watch as he pours me the same liquid and then sets the bottle back on the table.
“Since I’ve joined you, tell me what it is you want.” I say, lifting my drink and taking a sip.
Hissing, I try to ignore the burning that begins in my throat. Fuck, this alcohol was strong. What was my father trying to do?
“About that,” he begins, eyeing me. “I’ve been offered an opportunity at peace with one of our rival packs.”
“An offer at peace,” I say, narrowing my gaze. “That couldn’t have come easily. Do tell me, what was it that you did to manage that?”
“The alpha’s daughter is of marrying age, and her mate is nothing more than an omega. Her father wants to end any possibility of her being with someone so lowly, so he has asked me for a marriage alliance.”
‘Of course he did.’ Rue huffs angrily, joining me. ‘Why am I not surprised?’
“And you want me to agree to this?” I say, ignoring Rue entirely. “I knew that you were quite capable, but this takes the cake. This girl and her father must have something great to offer.”
“She is the daughter of Crimson Moon.” My father explains, naming the one pack with great power in the city.
They were well known for their weaponry, and everyone wanted to do business with them. Since Crystal Fang was against using devious means to fight in the past, they stayed clear of the pack, but I guess since my father was finally getting his chance to lead, he was going to start doing what the pack was against.
“With them backing us, we will finally be the strongest pack.” My father continues when I don’t speak. “And we will combine with Crimson Moon since Alisha is the heir to it.”
“And if I say no to your scheme?” I ask slowly, taking another sip of my drink. “What then?”
“Why would you turn down such a great opportunity? Don’t tell me it is because of that bi…”
“Say that last word, and I won’t care if you’re my father.” I warn. “Since I was young, I’ve done everything you’ve expected of me.”
“Until you met that woman, Marigold.” My father counters. “It was after that you started to rebel, just like Rosco. But you were back on the straight and narrow once she was no longer a hindrance, and once again, you’ve managed to find yourself involved with someone unworthy of you. When are you going to stop being so selfish?”
“Selfish?” I laugh, shooting up from my seat. “If you want to call someone selfish, you should...”
The rest of my words get lost as the world around me begins to sway. Hissing, I grab the table in front of me as I stumble and then fix my gaze on my father.
“You…” I growl, realizing too late that he had done something to my drink. “What did you…”
“This is for your own good, son.” My father sighs, getting up from his seat. “One day, you’ll thank me.”