The next morning, Alpha and the elders took their positions around the campfire, the atmosphere thick with the power and secrecy of the old lodge. Mikhail stood still, arms firmly crossed across the center of his body. His father's unyielding gaze rested on him for a moment before shifting to the Alpha, who exuded an effortless dominance even in silence.
Mikhail shifted uncomfortably. He wasn't accustomed to being part of these meetings with the elders, much less in the presence of both his father and brother. Pressure in his chest was unbearable, and he was too despondent to silently berate his father for making him come.
The elders started their traditional conversation in a quiet, slow voice. Mikhail could not but feel out of place, their statements almost as heavy and eluting as they were enigmatic.
He glanced at his brother, the Alpha, seated calmly and listening with a faint smirk. The Alpha's bright, golden eyes glanced at Mikhail for a moment, and in that moment was a flash of something in his eyes-disapproval? Amusement? Mikhail couldn't tell, but it made his skin crawl.
"Why am I even here? Mikhail muttered under his breath, though he knew the answer. His father had insisted it was about time for him to know the commitments of their family lineage.
At that instant, the Alpha cleared his throat and that cut off the chatter between the council. "Enough of this. Before we proceed, I think it's time we addressed something... new."
Mikhail froze as every gaze turned toward him.
The Alpha's smirk deepened. "Brother," he said smoothly, "you've been quiet. Yet, you've attended these meetings diligently. It makes me wonder. Perhaps you've been observing, forming your thoughts.
Mikhail's jaw tightened. "I didn't realize my silence was so fascinating to you.
A couple of the elders choked, but the Alpha shifted forward, his tone hardening. "It is. I suppose we'd all be interested in what you have to say. Don't you agree, Father?"
Their father nodded, his expression unreadable. "Let the boy speak so we can hear what he has to say."
Mikhail took a bite, the pressure of anticipation upon him. He hated this-being put on the spot, being tested, and above all, being measured against his brother.
Well... ...
Mikhail straightened, his voice steady despite the anger bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm honored by your attention, dear brother. I'll do my best to contribute, though I'm sure my insights won't match your brilliance and leadership skills.
The Alpha's grin widened as he leaned back in his chair, clapping his hands slowly. "Such humility. It's refreshing. Now, tell us, what's your take on the girl? Here, do we see her now or wait to decide what to do with her?
Mikhail blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. "The girl?"
The one that can be even better than me," the Alpha coolly remarked. "Surely you've heard the whispers. Or have you been too busy sulking in the shadows?"
Mikhail nibbled the inside of his cheek, meaning to refrain from getting even. Wild, if she is a danger, there would seem to be a need to act quickly, while she's still weak.
The Alpha's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Spoken like a true tactician. But tell me, brother, do you truly believe you could handle this matter yourself? Or should we leave it to someone else who is more skilled and capable than you?"
Mikhail's fists clenched at his sides. "If it comes to that, I'll handle it. You don't need to concern yourself."
The Alpha chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Such confidence. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Gregory," he replied, pointing to a large man next to him, "What do you reckon? Could my brother take you in a fight?"
The room tensed as Gregory's deep voice rumbled. "He's skilled, no doubt. But I doubt he'd last long against me."
Mikhail glared at Gregory, then at his brother. "Is this what you brought me here for? To mock and humiliate me?"
The Alpha shrugged, his smile unyielding. "Not at all. I just feel it's worthwhile for people to know where they belong.
Mikhail's heart pounded, his anger threatening to boil over. He wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug grin off his brother's face.
Before he could respond, their father raised a hand. "Enough. No more stupid fights." His voice was serious, not leaving any space for dispute.
The Alpha leaned back, seemingly unfazed. "Of course, Father. I was merely having a bit of fun."
Their father turned to Mikhail, his gaze heavy. "Remember your role, boy. You're here to learn, not to challenge."
Mikhail nodded stiffly, swallowing his frustration.
As the discussion resumed, the Alpha's words lingered in Mikhail's mind. The mention of the girl, the subtle taunts-everything felt like a test. But at the same time, he was unable to dismiss the sensation that there was something else, something unsaid.
His brother caught his eye again, his gaze sharp and calculating. It was an unvoiced message, which caused Mikhail to shudder.
Something was coming.