Knox's POV
The elders
The grand stone walls of the council hall towered proudly in front of me as I approached the entrance. I could hear the faint echoes of muffled angry voices inside, it was the sounds of problems and unrest.
Standing just outside the doors was my Beta, Andrew, looking as serious as ever.
"How's it going in there, Andrew?" I asked, knowing full well I probably wouldn't like the answer.
Andrew shook his head and winced. "Not good sir. In fact, the council members are more unhappy than ever before. They're all on edge."
I let out a weary sigh. "When were they ever happy?" I muttered, brushing past him as I pushed open the heavy oak doors.
Inside, the council hall was as I expected—filled with mostly chubby men seated in a semicircle.
Their eyes immediately snapped up to me as I entered. Their faces showed different degrees of irritation and impatience. I didn't even have a chance to take my seat before one of them, Councilman Morris, shot up with a frown.
"There he is, finally. So you decided to Grace us with your presence," Morris grumbled. "We've been waiting for ages. Do you think we have nothing better to do than wait on you?"
"Shut the hell up Morris! Is this how you treat your Alpha?" another voice suddenly interjected, sharper and more authoritative than the first council members.
It was Councilman Walter, an old ally of mine. "Show some respect, Morris. Alpha Knox is handling the pack's affairs. It's not easy work and you can't expect him to be at your beck and call."
"Easy for you to say, Walter. You're his cousin," Morris shot back, his words filled with anger. "Of course, you'd defend him."
Walter's eyes narrowed dangerously. "And what of it? Does blood tie now mean I cannot speak the truth?"
"Enough!" I said sharply, raising my voice above the growing argument. The murmurs and accusations halted immediately and all eyes turned back to me. "If I hear one more word about favoritism, blood ties or disrespect, I'll leave you all here to sort out your own problems. Understood?"
There was a tense pause, then some of the council members reluctantly nodded.
I noticed a few men glaring at me, their eyes cold and full of hatred. It wasn't surprising. I knew some of them had secret ambitions of placing their relatives on the throne instead of me.
I met their glares with a firm frown, letting them know I wasn't intimidated.
"Now," I said, gesturing for them to continue. "I came here to listen to you all speak. So let's hear it. Who wants to start?"
The oldest council member, a grizzled man named Councilman Ebert, cleared his throat and stood up. "Alpha, As you already know, we have a serious issue on our hands. Our farmers are being attacked by rogues, and our crops are dying because of it. It's a matter that needs your immediate attention."
"Rogues, you say?" I responded with a slight frown. "Are these all just random attacks?"
Councilman Harper, who always disagree on everything I ever said, butt in. "No, they are not. These attacks are too strategic for mere mindless rogues. They seem calculated and intentional."
Councilman Reed, my most sharp-eyed and observant man, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The attackers know the map and designs of our packs too well. It's almost as if they've had help from an inside man."
"What are you insinuating, Reed?" Morris snapped, glaring at him. "Are you accusing someone here of treason?"
"I'm not accusing anyone yet, Morris. But it's worth considering the possibility, don't you think?" Reed countered.
The council erupted into a chorus of angry voices again, accusations and defenses flying back and forth. It was chaos, and my patience was wearing thin.
"Enough!" I roared, slamming my fist on the table to command silence. "You're acting like a bunch of immature fucking pups. I called this meeting to find solutions, not to listen to petty squabbles."
There was a loud tension in the air, as if everyone had taken a collective breath they were afraid to release. I looked around, waiting for someone to speak up sensibly.
Councilman Ebert stood up again, his voice was quieter but no less firm. "Alpha Knox, the biggest problem we face is not just the rogues or potential treachery. It's the future of our pack.
I'm sorry to have to bring this up, but You still do not have a healthy heir to secure our future. The stability of the pack is in serious danger without a clear line of succession."
His words felt like mud in the air, and the entire hall fell silent. I could see the reluctant agreement in everyone's eyes. For the first time in their lives, they all agreed on something, and it was against me.
This was a sore topic for everyone, and it was one that everyone had been tip toeing around for too long.
I took a deep breath and met their gazes head-on. "I understand your concerns about my heir. Trust me, it's something I'm acutely aware of. But I will not have you question my leadership or my family's future in this manner."
The council members shifted uneasily in their seats, clearly uncomfortable with the topic but even more uncomfortable with my answer.
"What do you propose, then?" Councilman Harper asked, his voice softer this time, almost begging.
"We deal with one issue at a time," I replied. "First, we'll tackle the rogue problem. I'll organize increased patrols along the borders and start an investigation into any possible insider threat. As for the matter of succession, know that I am doing everything in my power to ensure the pack's future. I will not allow instability."
The room was quiet for a minute, but some one suddenly shouted. "That's a lie!"