Layla's POV Nicholas took a deep breath and the smiling aura he had earlier transformed into a serious demeanor. Even I felt that shiver of fear on my skin. He was really intimidating when he wore his alpha king crown. "Ladies and gentlemen, it has come to my attention that some packs within the council have been abusing their power and displaying irresponsible behavior." His words caused a collective gasp and shocked expressions across the room. Before anyone could fully process what was happening, a member interrupted. "Wait a minute! That wasn't what we planned to discuss today!" Nicholas raised an eyebrow, "I never announced a specific agenda for today's meeting. As Council members, we should prioritize matters crucial for our unity and strength. If there are issues, they need to be addressed first," his eyes scanned the room. A hushed silence settled in the room as Nicholas continued, "We're here not just as separate entities but as a unified community. We need to e
Layla’s POV As a member addressed the council, I noticed Nicholas's gaze shifting toward the door. His frown deepened. My attention followed him, and I sensed someone approaching the hall. Isaac glanced at me, and both of us knew who was coming. Before we could take a step forward, the room fell silent. My eyes widened as Samantha pushed the door open, adorned in a pink formal dress, sauntering in like she owned the place. The collective attention of the room shifted from the ongoing discussion to her sudden entrance. I shot a look at her, attempting to communicate through the mindlink, but she blocked it. ‘What on earth is she doing? Has she gone insane?!’ I mindlinked Isaac. ‘How the hell would I know?’ he replied. Attempting to salvage the situation, I made my way toward her. But before I could speak, Nicholas beat me to it. "Samantha," he said, his tone measured, "We're in the middle of a council meeting." With a sweet smile seemingly oblivious to the room's coll
Florence’s POV I sat on the edge of the bed, nursing a glass of water after swallowing the bitter medicine. It looks like me playing in the rain last night was not a good choice. The fever left me fatigued and achy, providing a convenient excuse to avoid the castle and the impending council meeting, an event I had been dreading. The muffled sounds of arriving vehicles outside signaled the presence of the werewolf council. The thought of facing them, especially in my weakened state, made my stomach churn. My head was throbbing slightly, but the real battle was against the weariness that seemed to seep into every inch of my body. The medicine was supposed to help, but its effects were slow to manifest. I closed my eyes, attempting to shut out the world beyond my room. “Dammit,” I grumbled. I tried to rest my eyes, but today seemed to be particularly unlucky as a loud noise disrupted my reprieve. “FLORENCE! FLORENCE! PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR!” With a slow, almost reluctant mo
My eyes caught Samantha looking annoyed for some unknown reason. Isaac guided me to the right of Nicholas, smoothly pulling out a chair for me to take a seat. "You're absolutely stunning," a woman exclaimed, admiration evident in her voice. "Alpha Nicholas is a lucky man to have you by his side," "I always knew our Alpha had exceptional taste, but this... this is another level," another member added, nodding appreciatively. The compliments continued to flow. Some sounded genuine, but others were not, especially when the subtle gazes of some focused on my too-revealing dress. I gave them a fake laugh, softly saying, "Beauty's just a bonus; brains are my real asset. I think that’s why Alpha Nicholas chose me." I glanced at Nicholas with a small smile, hearing him sigh in relief beside me. I think I am too soft on him because when I felt that he suddenly felt less tense, I was happy that I could help him in some way. “We apologize for calling you so suddenly,” a kind-lo
I looked away and I was about to take another sip of my wine when Nicholas discreetly moved my wine glass without looking at me and gestured to the water. I couldn't help but wonder if he somehow knew about my fever. "Council, I want you to look at the screen," Nicholas demanded. In a snap, a picture of a burned land flashes on the screen. Everyone looked at the screen. I looked away, not liking the horrible image knowing that most of it was dead bodies. "Last month, we received disturbing information about the Swiftmane Pack. The entire pack was wiped out, and the whole place was burned to erase any evidence. It's a massacre. It is not a secret that the Swiftmane Pack had been distancing themselves from us. I tried sending my men last year when we received reports of pack members disappearing, but the alpha refused to cooperate. We didn't get any updates, reports, or calls from them for years. It was a silent disaster waiting to happen." "Why wasn't any help sent in sooner
After almost an hour, Nicholas finally concluded the meeting, "Thank you all for your time. We'll reconvene if necessary." He turned to the council, "Now, let's enjoy our lunch." Layla nodded to the women in suits, and they all went to the council, taking the black folders. Then maids came, bringing in the food. “Thanks," I whispered to the maid who put my plate in front of me. She simply smiled and politely left the hall. However, when I looked at my plate, I just wanted to facepalm since it was filled with an assortment of nuts, unlike the others who had a variety of dishes. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Shit. Talk about being unlucky! Nicholas, in conversation with Clifford, was interrupted by Samantha. "Is there something wrong?" she innocently said. But it was easy to spot the happy expression in her eyes while looking at my plate. Don't tell me this b*tch…… Nicholas glanced at me, and then his expression turned into a frown at my plate loaded with nuts.
In a haze, I felt the motion of Nicholas running. I struggled to comprehend his words as the lack of air overwhelmed me. I could feel and hear his heartbeat, loud and fast. Was he scared? “Please, just a little more. Open your eyes, baby. Come on, baby. You're going to be okay. Just breathe." Suddenly, as if in a blur, we were in his room. I managed to hear him shouting at someone inside the room. “Evelyn, please help her!” Nicholas gently placed me on the bed, cradling me against his chest. I felt a sharp prick on my arm as someone injected me with something. The room echoed with faint voices, assuring that the medicine would take effect soon. Nicholas gently settled me on the bed, cradling me against his chest. A sharp prick on my arm signaled an injection, and faint voices echoed in the room, assuring that the medicine would take effect soon. "The medicine should take effect soon. She will be fine, Alpha,” reassured a voice. “Are you sure? But why the f*ck is she n
Soon after, the tour ended and I went to my office. The air in the castle felt tense, and I needed to address the unsettling situation. Concerned about the safety of my pack, I asked, "Are all council members in their rooms?" Clifford replied, "Some are in the Grand Recreation Hall, Alpha." "Keep a watchful eye on every corner of the castle and the entire territory. I don't trust those people" "Understood, Alpha” I clasped my hands, adding, “Also, please bring Samantha to me.” He nodded, stepping outside my office. There was a pressing need for a conversation with her. Turning to Isaac, I issued another command, "Go to the kitchen. Remove all nut ingredients and find out who prepared Florence's meal earlier." Isaac bowed at me before stepping outside as well, leaving me alone in my thoughts. I badly wanted to take a wink of sleep but the possible threats to my pack, especially that my foes were inside my territory, stopped me from closing my eyes. …… Soon after,