Chapter 31: Take your time

I retreated to my chambers, feeling a mix of anger and frustration swirling within me. How could the council elders dare to plot against me even before I had the chance to sit on the alpha seat? Their audacity fueled my determination to prove myself.

In my chambers, I found myself unable to contain my rage. I paced back and forth, knocking objects over in my fit of frustration. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the room, mirroring the turmoil in my heart.

Just as I was lost in my anger, I reached for my phone and dialed Beatrice's number. I needed someone to confide in, someone who would understand my turmoil. As the phone rang, I anxiously waited for her to answer.

"Hello?" Beatrice's voice came through the phone, filled with concern.

I took a deep breath and began recounting the events of the council meeting and my confrontation with the elders. Tears welled up in my eyes as I poured out my frustrations. Beatrice listened attentively, offering a comforting presence in this moment of vulnerability.

"I can't believe they would do this to me," I said, my voice trembling. "I need to assert myself, to show them that I am worthy of being the alpha."

"I understand," Beatrice replied, her voice filled with empathy. "You have every right to feel angry and hurt. But remember, you don't have to face this alone. We're in this together."

As I shared my conflicted feelings about Loki, Beatrice continued to listen, offering words of support and understanding. She reassured me that my emotions were valid and that I needed to take some time for myself to process everything before confronting Loki.

"I feel so betrayed," I confessed, my voice cracking. "Seeing him with Frances... it just ignited a mix of jealousy, anger, and betrayal. I can't understand how he could so easily replace me."

Beatrice's voice softened. "It's natural to feel that way, Erica. But give yourself some space to heal and find clarity. When you're ready, you can confront Loki and the council elders with a clear mind."

“Please Beatrice, I need you to come back and help me.” I pleaded with her hoping she would listen.

“Fine…I am on my way.”

After ending the call with Beatrice, I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. The anger and frustration still lingered within me, but talking to Beatrice had given me a sense of clarity. I knew I needed time to process everything before confronting Loki and the council elders.

Just as I was beginning to regain my composure, there was a knock on my chamber door. My heart skipped a beat. I didn't want to see Loki just yet. I needed more time alone to collect my thoughts and emotions.

"Erica, may I come in?" Loki's voice called from the other side of the door. I hesitated, trying to decide whether I was ready to face him. But before I could respond, the door swung open and Loki stepped inside.

My eyes met his, and I could see the concern in his expression. He took in the disarray of the room and the shattered glass scattered across the floor.

"What happened here?" Loki asked, his voice laced with worry.

I bit my lip, struggling to find the right words. "I... I lost control," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "After the council meeting, the anger and frustration overwhelmed me. I couldn't contain it."

Loki approached me cautiously, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Erica, I understand that you're upset. But we can't let anger consume us. We need to approach this situation with a clear mind."

His words stung, but I knew he was right. I couldn't let my anger blind me and cloud my judgment. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"You're right, Loki," I said, my voice steadier now. "I need some time to process everything before we address this together."

Loki nodded, his expression softening. "Take as much time as you need, Erica. I'll be here when you're ready."

With those words, Loki turned to leave, giving me the space I needed. I watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions—betrayal, confusion, but also a glimmer of hope. Maybe, in time, we could find a way to bridge the gap between us.

As the door closed behind him, I took a moment to appreciate the solitude. I knew I needed to find my peace before confronting the council elders. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but silently beg Beatrice to travel back and lend her voice of reason to the situation. If anyone could talk sense into the council elders, it was her.

I took a deep breath, mustering the strength to face the council elders once again. As I walked back to the meeting room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of determination and apprehension. I was ready to assert myself, to show them that I deserved to be the alpha.

As I entered the room, all eyes turned towards me. The council elders sat in their seats, their expressions a mix of surprise and annoyance. They had expected me to be defeated, but I was not ready to back down.

I walked towards the alpha seat, my steps steady and purposeful. I could feel the weight of their gazes on me, but I refused to let it shake my resolve. This was my moment to prove myself, to show them that I was not to be underestimated.

As I took my place on the throne, I awaited Beatrice's arrival. The tension in the room was palpable, but I refused to let it consume me. I knew that Beatrice would bring a sense of calm and reason to the situation.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours, and still, Beatrice had not arrived. Doubt started to creep into my mind. What if she had changed her mind? What if she couldn't make it in time?

Just as I was about to lose hope, the doors to the meeting room swung open, and Beatrice walked in. Her presence alone brought a sense of relief, and I felt a surge of confidence wash over me.

The council elders looked surprised to see her, but I could see a flicker of concern in their eyes. Beatrice had a way of commanding respect, and I knew she would be a formidable ally in this battle.

I locked eyes with Beatrice, and she nodded, silently assuring me that she was ready to support me. It was time to confront the council elders and put an end to their schemes.

With a calm and steady voice, I addressed the council elders, my words filled with determination and conviction. I spoke of their betrayal, their attempts to undermine me before I even had a chance to prove myself.

Beatrice stood by my side, her gaze fixed on the council elders. She spoke with a firmness that demanded attention, questioning their motives and urging them to reconsider their actions.

The tension in the room grew with each passing moment. The council elders exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from arrogance to uncertainty.