Elijah summoned Axel, his trusted beta, to discuss the growing threat.
"My lord, what are we going to do about the Kaels?" Axel asked.
"Lila will handle the other Kael," Elijah replied. "I want you to focus on my cousin, Kael. Gather intel on his movements and plans."
Axel nodded. "But Alpha, I think he and his pack have overstayed their welcome in Blackwood. We should order them to leave."
Elijah's expression turned cold. "That's exactly what I'll do. I'll call a council meeting tomorrow morning to plan our next move."
Axel hesitated. "My lord, can we trust Aria?"
Elijah's gaze narrowed. "I trust my instincts, and they've never led me astray."
Axel pressed on. "Then we need her services more than ever. We should also investigate the council members."
Elijah nodded thoughtfully. "I agree, but we need her to gather information without arousing suspicion."
Axel suggested, "The same way she did with me."
Elijah's expression darkened at the memory. He didn't want anyone near Aria, especially in such a vulnerable position.
"No, not that close," Elijah growled.
Axel's expression turned cautious. "As you wish, Alpha."
Elijah's gaze lingered, ensuring Axel understood his unspoken warning.
"The council meeting will determine our course of action," Elijah said. "Prepare the pack for potential conflict."
Axel nodded and departed, leaving Elijah to his thoughts.
Elijah's mind drifted to Aria, her presence a constant distraction.
He couldn't shake the image of Axel holding her, the memory fueling his possessiveness.
A knock interrupted his reverie.
"Lila," Elijah said, as she entered. "What news do you bring?"
"I've located the other Kael," Lila reported. "He's hiding in the eastern quarter."
Elijah's jaw clenched. "Bring him before me."
Lila nodded and left.
As the night wore on, Elijah's anticipation grew.
Tomorrow's council meeting would change the course of their pack's history.
And Aria's role in it all remained shrouded in uncertainty.
.
.
.
Aria slept peacefully on Lila's bed, alone in the quiet darkness. Suddenly, she felt an intense gaze upon her, and her eyes snapped open.
She gasped, her heart racing.
"Elijah!" she exclaimed, surprised.
Seated in the chair opposite the bed, Elijah's piercing eyes locked onto hers.
"How long have you been watching me?" Aria asked, her voice trembling.
Elijah's response sent shivers down her spine.
"Long enough."
Aria's confusion deepened.
"What do you want? It's late. You should be at the palace."
Elijah's chair scraped against the floor as he drew closer.
His eyes burned with desire.
"I want you."
Aria sat up, her shy eyes avoiding his intense gaze.
Elijah's fingers gently grasped her face, guiding her to meet his eyes.
"I want a taste of your lips."
Aria's cheeks flushed.
No one had ever looked at her like that before.
The butterflies in her belly danced wildly at the sound of his husky voice and warm breath on her face.
"Those lips of yours are delicious."
Involuntarily, Aria's lips parted.
Elijah's mouth claimed hers swiftly.
His kiss was fierce.
Like a hungry wolf devouring its prey.
Aria's senses drowned in Elijah's fierce passion.
His lips moved with a hunger that left her breathless.
She felt consumed, like flames engulfing her soul.
Elijah's hands cradled her face, holding her captive.
Aria's fingers instinctively grasped his wrists.
She felt the pulse of his heartbeat, the warmth of his skin.
The world around her melted away.
Only Elijah's kiss remained.
Suddenly, Elijah broke away.
His chest heaved.
Aria's lips tingled.
His eyes blazed.
"I've wanted that for so long," he growled.
Aria's cheeks flushed.
"What does it mean?" she asked.
Elijah's gaze softened.
"It means you're mine."
Elijah paced in the sitting area, his mind consumed by tomorrow's council meeting.
"I've been thinking about you meeting the council members tomorrow," he said.
Aria joined him, curious.
Elijah explained, "There are six influential members: Ragnar Thunderpaw, Akira Moonwalker, Kato Windrunner, Zara Forestheart, Thorne Shadowglow, and Lysander Dawnbringer."
He needed Aria's magic to uncover their true loyalties.
"Aria, can you use your visions to scan the council members?" Elijah asked.
Aria nodded. "I'll try, but I'll need access to each of them."
Elijah frowned. "The problem is getting access. You can't just walk up to them and demand to hold their hands."
Aria's determination sparked. "I'll find a way."
Elijah's expression darkened, memories of Axel's intimacy with Aria flashing through his mind.
"No, I don't want that!" he growled.
Aria's confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"
Elijah's voice lowered, possessiveness edging his tone.
"No one should touch you except me. Your body is mine alone."
Aria's cheeks flushed, surprised by Elijah's sudden claim.
Aria's eyes sparkled. "A handshake?"
Elijah's curiosity piqued. "What's that?"
"I want you to introduce me to the pack as a new council member," Aria explained. "A reward for saving your life."
Elijah's face lit up. "Brilliant!"
Aria continued, "I'll shake hands with the council, sealing our partnership."
Elijah's expression turned somber. "Wolves hate witches."
Aria felt the weight of his words.
They'll never approve of her or any Netherlands witch.
Elijah's voice softened. "Not necessarily everyone."
He corrected himself, his eyes locking onto Aria's.
"I don't hate you," he assured.
Aria's tension eased.
Elijah's alpha tone returned. "My order is final. I'm the alpha."
Aria nodded. "The handshake will start with you. Once they see your acceptance, others will follow."
Elijah's gaze intensified. "You're mine, Aria. My pack will respect that."
.
.
.
The next morning, the council meeting convened within the grand, high-ceilinged throne room. Elijah's authoritative voice commanded attention as he stood tall, his piercing eyes scanning the room.
"My decision regarding Alpha Kael is final. He will no longer reside within Blackwood lands, effective immediately."
Ragnar Thunderpaw, the fearless warlord, nodded in agreement, his rugged features set in a firm expression. "Two Alphas cannot coexist within one pack. It's unnatural and will lead to conflict."
Kato Windrunner, the resourceful huntsman, scowled, his dissatisfaction evident. "I disagree. Kael has value to our pack and should stay."
Elijah's gaze silenced Kato, his alpha authority palpable. "My next order concerns a new pack member, Aria, the Netherlands witch who saved my life."
Gasps echoed through the room, followed by murmurs of discontent.
Zara Forestheart, the erudite educator, spoke up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "A healer with magical powers could prolong our soldiers' lives. She saved your life, Alpha. Her skills would be invaluable."
Akira Moonwalker, the cunning explorer, leaned forward, her gaze calculating. "But can we trust her?"
The other council members protested, their concerns voiced:
Thorne Shadowglow, the enigmatic spy, whispered, "What about pack security?"
Lysander Dawnbringer, the charismatic diplomat, asked, "How will this affect our alliances?"
Elijah's growl ended the debate, his patience worn thin. "My decision is final. Aria will join our pack."
Aria entered, her slender figure commanding attention. She extended her delicate hand, her smile warm.
"Where I come from, a handshake symbolizes unity and oneness. One who refuses an handshake disagrees with you."
Elijah accepted the handshake, his large hand enveloping hers, his eyes locked onto hers.
Aria proceeded to the council members:
Ragnar hesitated before accepting, his loyalty to Elijah evident in his slow nod.
Akira's handshake was warm, but Aria's vision revealed her hidden agenda: marrying her daughter to Elijah.
Kato's handshake concealed his treachery, his thoughts filled with betrayal.
Zara's handshake hid a deep secret: her maternal blood connected to Netherlands.
Thorne and Lysander's handshakes betrayed their disloyalty, their hearts filled with deceit.
After the ceremony, Elijah's guard, Ryker, escorted Aria to the Alpha's private residence, a sprawling, luxurious suite.
On the stairs, Ryker, the Alpha's most trusted guard, caught her as she stumbled, his strong arms supporting her.
Aria's vision revealed Ryker's hidden role: spy and traitor.
In Elijah's chambers, Aria explored, uncovering visions from each object:
The intricately carved wooden desk, crafted by Ragnar's skilled hands.
The silver-rimmed mirror, gifted by Akira during Elijah's coronation.
The ancient tomes, holding secrets of the pack's history.
Elijah entered, his presence commanding attention, his piercing eyes scanning the room.
"Aria?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Did you find everything you sought?"
"Yes, and more." Aria pointed to a hidden angle in the room, her eyes locked onto Elijah's.
Elijah's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.
With his sword, he slashed the curtains, revealing Ryker's hidden form, his body pressed against the wall.
Ryker's betrayal was exposed, his eyes wide with fear.
Axel rushed forward, but Ryker's poisoned body slumped to the ground, a vial shattered beside him.
Elijah's gaze met Aria's.
"Your visions revealed this?"
Aria nodded, her expression grave.
Elijah's expression darkened.
"Your loyalty will be rewarded, Aria. You have proven yourself valuable."