As soon as I dropped Lyric off at the suite her father had reserved, I proceeded to The Silver Citadel for the Alphas’ meeting. I’d rather be anywhere but here, but it was mandatory as important matters had to be discussed.
Half an hour later, the meeting fully commenced
Every single Alpha was present. The seating arrangement was far from normal. It was arranged in a ring-like position with the Alphas sitting according to their ranks.
The Pack Overseers-which were the Lycan Chairman and Representatives-sat in the first circle.
The second row was occupied by the Sovereign Alphas-which was my Pack and nine others.
The Alphas of the major Packs followed, and then the minor Packs were last. Those ones hardly had a say in public matters.
The Lycan Chairman gave the opening speech, talking about the late King and how good of a leader he had been. He hinted at the fact that investigations into his death were still ongoing.
After that, he brought up some pressing issues like hanging taxes and…
Then, we arrived at the main reason for the gat a king.
“As we all know, it cannot be vacant for long. Someone would have to that space. Someone worthy, of course. Since King Thaddeus’ death was untimely, he was unable to recommend anyone. So now, we’d have to do it the usual way. But as we all know, only the Sovereign Alphas can partake in the challenge for the throne.”
I drank some water while the Chairman spoke about the rules.
“Now, from the Sovereign Alphas, which of you would like to partake in the challenge?
All nine of them lifted their hands. I suppressed the urge to scoff. Seriously?
Seconds passed. The Chairman was yet to move on to the next phase. I noticed all eyes were shifting to me. Then, I suddenly realized what the problem was.
“Jaris?” The Chairman called. “Are you not…. participating?”
“If I was, my hand would be up. I’ve been attentive, Luca.” My reply stunned everyone.
“Are you trying to say… you are not interested in taking the throne?” One of the representatives asked. He was among those who had visited my Pack
I shrugged, nonchalant. “I honestly have no interest.”
I loved power, but I was already getting enough of that, being the Alpha of Darkspire. Almost everyone would bow to my will. I didn’t feel like getting my hands dirty for the extra position.
“Wow.” Zarek, who was sitting across from me, clapped. “I never knew you were so generous, Jaris.”
I bet he’d be grateful. With me out of the picture, Zarek was the one with a higher chance of winning. Yeah, he could kiss my feet.
When the meeting finally came to an end, I went over to the Citadel’s bar to pour myself a glass of Bourbon.
I’m curious, Jaris. Why aren’t you participating in the Alpha challenge?” Zarek asked as he joined me at the counter.
I forced composure into my bones. Could anyone get him away from me?
“Tell me, is it because you do not have a Luna yet?” He leaned against the counter, staring into my face with that smirk I’d very much love to get rid of.
One of the requirements for participating in the Alpha challenge was to have a Luna. Funny how they thought I couldn’t easily get a Luna if I wanted.
A date for the commencement of the challenge had been fixed, and it was to begin in a few weeks.
“What about the lady I saw you with at the suite? She was quite beautiful.”
‘Is your own woman suddenly not enough, Zarek? It’s a bit shameful to compliment my own woman in front of me.” I swigged from my glass while he laughed.
“Do you think she’d be as loose as Chloe was?” His face grew more serious as he asked. “If she’s tempted, do you think she’ Il cheat on you without hesitation?”
I shrugged. “Chloe left you for me. Take a good look at ‘me, Zarek. Do you think anyone can beat me?”
“You’re not the hottest guy on earth, Jaris. How about we give this a bet?” His eyes beamed. “If you promise not to interfere, I think I can get your woman to sleep with me in seven days.*
I cocked my head to meet his gaze. “Really, Z?”
“Yes.” He shrugged. “Unless you are certain that she’s loose and can easily be seduced.”
“She’s not loose.” My voice came out clipped.
“Then, you have nothing to be afraid of, Jaris. Give me seven days, and I’ll show you how loose your woman can be. Believe me, she’ll be begging to return to my arms.”
LYRIC
The following day, Father and I returned home to the Pack, as did every Alpha.
I was exhausted and simply wanted a shower and a bath, but my sister had a way of getting in the way of my wants. “How was your stay in Blystara?” She asked as I walked toward the door of my room. “Ooh. Looks like you ran into a bit of trouble,” she pointed at the patched part of my head.
It actually didn’t hurt anymore. In a couple of days, the mark would be completely gone.
“I’m fine, Nora. Just go, please.”
She couldn’t accompany us to the funeral as she had something very important to take care of. She had been somewhat depressed since Roderick started treating her like trash. But it really wasn’t my fault.
“I hope the driver was really hard,” she suddenly said when I was about to open my door.
Wait, what? I furrowed my horse as I looked at her. She was wearing a smug smile with her arms crossed over her chest.
“I mean, I did tell him to be really hard on you. I hope you felt every crushing pain for hours.”
My eyes widened like a startled deer caught in headlights. No way!
“That was you!?” I stepped toward her, disbelief clouding my expression. “You hired someone to do that to me?”
She casually shrugged. “I wasn’t there, but I’m sure it must’ve hurt like a bitch.”
“You’re sick! I’ll make sure you pay for this.”
“Oh, really? How exactly? It’s not like you have any evidence. Or do you really think Father would believe I actually tried to hurt you?” She scoffed. “Go in and rest, Lyric. And keep watching your back.”
She walked away, leaving me brimming with rage.
I had gone to father to report the issue to him, but he was so busy with numerous calls I didn’t get the chance to meet him.
I decided to tell him later because there was no way I was letting the little witch get away with this.
I felt a little better after showering and was taking a nap when a call woke me up. To my surprise, it was Jaris.
We both hadn’t spoken since he dropped me off at my suite yesterday.
“Hello? G-“
“How fast can you get to Darkspire?” He cut me off, sounding very urgent.
The remnants of sleep vanished from my eyes.
“Uh…” I checked the time. “I-I don’t really know. It’s-“
“I need you here, Lyric. Now. It’s important.”
I changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and headed to Darkspire. Jaris didn’t tell me what the problem was, and it made me even more anxious.
Reaching Darkspire, a maid was already waiting outside and led me to where Jaris was. It turned out to be the kids’ room. My heart shattered as a hint entered my mind.
I hurried into the room, and as expected, Xylon was shaking in bed. His sister was on the floor beside him, crying her eyes out, while Jaris sat on a chair next to the bed.
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