Reigns pov.
My eyes swept over the room, a crowd of confused wolves. I didn't care much about their reaction. But there I saw her.
She was amidst the crowd, wide eyed and stunned.
When she met my eyes she quickly lowered her gaze.
When Zeke was done addressing them, she slipped away among the crowd like a frightened doe. I chuckled.
I could find her no matter where she hid.
I turned towards Gerald. "Alpha Gerald,"
I spoke my voice low and smooth but laced with power. The man straightened, trying to hide his fear. "My lord."
"I wonder," I continued, "why the pack seems unaware of the hierarchy and who owns this land."
Gerald forced a laugh. "I believe they are just too stunned to acknowledge your presence, My lord."
I smirked. "Stunned."
He echoed unconvinced.
"I will quickly prepare a place for you, your comfort is my utmost priority." Gerald said while scurrying away from the Lycan.
I watched him and smirked. "We have all the time now, don't we?"
Zeke stepped forward and stood beside Reign. "They had no idea who you were."
I didn't respond, his eyes scanned the hall.
Zeke continued. "He didn't educate them on your kind and rule, kept them away from the truth. He probably enjoyed playing king."
My jaws ticked. "He did more than that, he is trying to erase history, my name is supposed to be remembered."
Zeke scoffed. "Only the old wolves bowed in recognition, the rest bowed because they were suppressed by your aura.Even Gerald, he addressed you as my lord but barely held it together."
"He was trying to save face" I found Gerald's state funny. "Acting like he wasn't scrambling."
"He said he'd prepare a house for you."
My lip twitched. "He's trying to buy time."
Zeke grinned. "Then it's going to be a long week for Gerald."
Gerald's pov.
I was livid. The presence of that Lycan didn't just silence the halls but it humiliated me.
The last time I saw him was when he appointed me Alpha. I have been younger then, respectful. I didn't know what power was. But now I am in control. So I thought.
He just walked in and took over the room I was addressing.
My room.
I clenched my jaws and tightened my fist pacing the office.
His arrival sabotaged everything, exposed the cracks I have tried so hard to plaster for a long time. The way the elders bowed to him , those good for nothing scared wolves. They had warned me before that my ambition would burn me but I silenced them. I am the Alpha.
This pack is mine, my eyes glowed gold, I have led it for decades, trained it, reshaped it, made them fear and respect my name.
I had intentionally wiped out the Lycan hierarchy.
Why shouldn't I?
I wanted their loyalty to me, not to some bloodline who is never around the pack.
I had plans, I had everything planned perfectly.
Flashback,one year ago
I had sent for Kenneth. To initiate a plan I had been nurturing, since my reign as the Alpha was coming to an end. I was sitting on my desk when he arrived.
"Alpha Gerald." He greeted me.
I stood from the desk and walked towards him.
"Kenneth. Soon, I will be stepping down. The pack will need a strong Alpha. And I have decided that it's going to be you."
Kenneth was shocked and wide eyed. "Me?"
I smiled. "You have earned it,you are strong, loyal and obedient. Everything it takes to be an Alpha."
I paused and my gaze sharpened." But tell me… your mate. What rank is she?"
He was hesitant at first but he spoke. "She's an omega."
I smiled faintly like a wolf sensing weakness. "An Omega."
"Yes but she's…"
I cut him off smoothly. "She's not what you need, Kenneth. Not if you want to be Alpha."
Kenneth furrowed his brows. "Why not? We are fated mates blessed by the Moon Goddess herself."
"A distraction," I corrected him. "One the Moon Goddess gave you without asking what you truly want. Don't let sentiment bury your potential."
Kenneth exhaled slowly the weight of the matter resting on him. "It won't be easy."
I put a hand on his shoulder. "Nothing worth having is ever easy." I continued to persuade him. "You're smart. Strong. But power,real power is about perception. About the right alliances."
Kenneth titled his head. "Right alliances?"
"Reject the girl. Fated mate or not." My voice, smooth.
Kenneth continued. "But she's my mate."
"She is your stain. You want to lead this pack? You marry my daughter Judith.Together, you become Alpha and Luna.She will be your backing to achieving your goal. My voice hardened.
The room fell silent. A decision that was about to change lives was about to be made.
"When you find an opportunity like this, don't let it slip away." I whispered. "No one is fit to be the next Alpha but you."
Kenneth looked down at the floor. Then up at me.He nodded.
I smirked. "Good." The deal was sealed.
End of flashback.
But now?
That bastard Lycan had scattered my image. My strong hold on the pack wavered the moment he arrived and said my name like a rebuke.
Not after all I have done to get here.
The door opened and Kenneth walked in.
"Alpha…" he paused, his brows furrowed. "What happened? Who was that?"
He was confused like the other members of the pack.
I turned to him, masking my fury.
"That," I said, my voice low and clipped. "Was Reign Salvatore."
Kenneth blinked. "A Lycan "
I nodded.
"The true ruler of the New Haven pack."
Confusion clouded his face.He couldn't quite believe it. "But I thought you were the ruler, you have always been the Alpha. We all believed that."
A faint smile tugged my lips.
"Belief," I murmured, is a powerful tool.
Kenneth was beginning to crumble. I stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Listen to me, Kenneth. I don't care what bloodline he claims. Our plan is still in motion. You will be Alpha. And my daughter Luna."
He hesitated, doubt flickering in his eyes. "But if he has the final say in that"
"Enough." My tone sliced through the air. "He is a threat. Yes. But we have come too far for this to end now.
My eyes flashed.
He nodded slowly, still unsure.
"For now," I added, softer, "I need you to act normal. Go about your duties."
"And you?"
I smiled, cold and certain. "I will find a way."
I had to come up with another plan for now. I didn't want Kenneth to crumble. He was who I needed for my plan to succeed.