"Don't talk nonsense," Alpha Logan hissed. He was getting annoyed now. This matter was supposed to have been sort privately. How did this happen?
"Logan, I'm not pleased with what I'm seeing." Alpha Macon began, "Your pack's matter has nothing to do with me, but I will not sit here and watch my daughter be maligned."
"The Kingdom has rules for murderers, why hasn't the Alpha punished the murderer yet? Are you perhaps protecting them, or have the Blackmoon pack extracted themselves from the Primordial lycan kingdom?" Alpha Sinner continued.
He was the only Alpha who refused to go against the lycan, reason why he hated other Alphas for being ungrateful.
His statement stirred the crowd. Some glared at him and others gasped with surprise. Making such a bold accusation that the Blackmoon pack no longer considered itself as part of the Kingdom could only mean that the pack has waged war against the lycan, but fortunately, the lycan hadn't been seen in three decades.
Markkus's frown deepened. He didn't like where Alpha Sinner was going with this. Although it was true that their pack and others were planning to overturn the old dynasty, it wasn't something to be publicized.
Also, he was against killing his mate. Evelyn may have lost her usefulness, but she was still his mate and he has lingering feelings for her.
"Alpha Sinner seems to like spreading untrue rumors and causing disharmony among our packs," Markkus said, slowly rising from his seat.
The hall fell silent as his aura slowly surged, causing the non-ability users to shrink back.
Everyone was surprised. How did Markkus become so strong?
He was even emitting a faint ancient aura! How?!
The Alphas in the room could feel the subtle ancient aura, but others couldn't.
Alpha Sinner frowned slightly. In terms of power, he was stronger than Alpha Logan but his pack was smaller, but compared to Markkus, he wasn't sure if he could defeat him, especially with that ancient aura.
"I assure you, the Blackmoon pack remains loyal to the Kingdom and its laws." Markkus continued, "Our pack was invaded last night, and my mate was set up." He turned to face Alpha Sinner, "Hearing you speak like this, were you perhaps, the intruder?"
Collective gasps filled the hall, and all eyes turned to Alpha Sinner. The law of the kingdom stated that a murderer must be killed, also, one pack mustn't attack another pack without valid reasons, otherwise, all the other six packs have the permission of the lycan to join forces and raze down the troublemaker's pack to the ground.
Now that Markkus was accusing Alpha Sinner of causing unrest and attacking their packs, the atmosphere in the hall became even more charged.
Alpha Sinner's face darkened and his eyes flashed with anger. "How dare you!" he growled. "I am an Alpha, and I will not be accused of such a heinous crime without proof."
He took a step forward, his massive frame was just as big as Markkus, but he was a head taller. Still, he couldn't intimate Markkus, even with his Alpha voice. "I demand an apology, Markkus. Otherwise, I will take this as a declaration of war."
The hall erupted into chaos. Warriors from both sides shifted into their beast forms, growling and snarling at each other.
Markkus stood firm, his eyes locked onto Alpha Sinner. When the atmosphere had become unbearable, as if a fight was about to break out, Markkus suddenly smiled.
"Alpha Sinner cracks a lot of jokes. I wouldn't dare take that seriously. Lest, Lord Vladimir punish my father and our packs for causing unrest in his absence."
Markkus took a step back and bowed, "Forgive this one, Alpha Sinner, my mind was muddled by the recent events, causing me to doubt everyone. I see now that you're innocent. Our pack shall compensate you properly after the ceremony."
Alpha Sinner was greatly offended but at the mention of Lord Vlad, he reined in his anger and snorted without accepting or declining Markkus's apology.
Markkus, not hearing his words after a while, stood straight and smiled, before walking to his Aunt, who was still kneeling.
"Aunt Madeline," he held her up, smiling amicably. "Kael is my beloved cousin. Do you think I wouldn't seek justice for him?"
Madeline looked sorrowful, as her tears fell silently. "Markkus, what do I do without my son? His absence has left me feeling lonely and broken."
Markkus wiped her tears. "Don't you see me as your son? I'll take care of you, Aunt Madeline. Whoever killed my cousin, I shall make them pay, no matter who they are," he pulled his aunt into a hug and the woman cried even more.
After hugging his aunt, he helped Miranda up, "My aunt was too aggrieved that she wrongfully accused you. Please, accept my sincere apologies on her behalf." Markkus bowed deeply to her.
Miranda quickly placed a hand on his, "What are you doing, Mark? Please don't make me feel more guilty than I already do," Miranda said, her voice filled with emotion. "I understand that Aunt Madeline was grieving and not thinking clearly. Please, don't apologize." She turned to Aunt Madeline and smiled bitterly, "Forgive me, Aunty, I was too emotional."
Everyone couldn't help praising both Evelyn and Markkus for being so kind and mature.
Markkus's kindness and down-to-earth nature made those watching love him even more. He was very powerful, yet he wasn't arrogant. He was kind, but domineering. He was assertive, yet gentle, and knew when to give up.
Those experienced shifters knew that Markkus could hold his ground against Alpha Sinner, yet he didn't push the matter. Only because he gave Lord Vlad face. What a smart young man, they thought.
Meanwhile, Miranda was about to explode. Her plans of getting rid of Evelyn have fallen through, all because of Markkus!
"Don't they look good together?" Alpha Macon suddenly said, turning to Alpha Logan, he began. "I'm so proud of your son, Alpha Logan. He'll make the best Alpha, better than us old bones."
Alpha Macon smiled warmly.
Just now, he was enraged, as if he would have Alpha Logan's head if he didn't protect his daughter, but the next minute, he was all smiles.
Alpha Logan returned the smile. He wasn't stupid. He could read between the lines. Alpha Macon was urging him to have Markkus mark Miranda. But the Alpha didn't want that.