Caden walked into the council room with a tight jaw and a serious look on his face. The atmosphere felt heavy with years of tradition, power, and authority. Seven elders were seated around a big, oval table, their eyes locked on him as he arrived. Each elder represented a part of the Pack's history, their faces lined with age and wisdom. They had experienced everything, and today, they would witness a storm.
Caden didn't need to say anything. The tension in the room was clear. He was angry, and everyone could see it. But more than just anger, he felt frustration—frustration over Ivy's betrayal, frustration from the limits placed on his life, and frustration that his future seemed already decided for him.
"Alpha Caden," began Elder Jovan, a weathered man with a gravelly voice. "We need to discuss the rumors."
"I know what you're talking about," Caden replied, his tone sharp yet controlled. "I want to hear it from you, Elder Jovan. What have you heard?"
The elder shared a look with the others before speaking again, his voice filled with worry. "People are saying that you have... an affair. A relationship outside of your promised bond with Ivy. These rumors are spreading and causing unrest in the Pack. You are their Alpha, Caden. They look to you for guidance and leadership."
Caden felt his heart race, but he managed to keep a calm expression, hiding the anger that was rising inside him. "Where did these rumors start?" he asked, his voice low and tense.
Elder Jovan paused for a moment, glancing at the other elders. After a while, he finally replied, though he seemed reluctant. "They came from Ivy, Caden. She has been talking to the Pack about your relationship with... someone else. She's making it seem like you're dishonoring her and that you're not dedicated to your joining."
Caden's breath caught in his throat, and for a brief moment, he felt completely still inside. He could hardly believe it. Ivy—his supposed mate—was spreading false stories about him, trying to ruin the reputation he had worked hard to establish. The thought made him furious.
He straightened up, his voice rising with disbelief and anger. "So, she's the one behind these rumors? Why would she do that? Why would she—" He stopped, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't love her! I've told her that a thousand times. I don't want to be with her. But I have no say in this. I'm tied to the promises made by our families. This isn't my choice!"
The elders exchanged glances, some nodding in understanding while others looked concerned. Elder Rhea, a woman with silver hair and a keen gaze, spoke up, her voice steady but serious.
"Your frustration is understandable, Alpha," she said calmly. "But you need to realize that your actions have consequences. Ivy is not just anyone. She is the daughter of a powerful family and her connection to you is important for the growth of this Park. You cannot disregard the bond that has been made, you'll make more mistakes here than your desires"
Caden ran his fingers through his hair, his thoughts racing. The weight of their words was pressing him down and it made him sick.
"I never asked for any of this, I never promised anything to Ivy, I didn't ask for this lame joining! I have my own life to live, my own decisions to make, and I refuse to be tied down to any commitment with a lady I feel absolutely nothing for, "He yelled, his fist clenching and his voice echoing through the walls.
The elders remained calm, but the atmosphere in the room grew tense. They were familiar with this kind of outburst from younger Alphas, filled with passion and defiance. However, they also understood the reality. The Pack was built on tradition and unity. If the Alpha rejected the bonds that connected them, there would be trouble.
"You cannot just discard everything, Caden," Elder Rhea said gently, her voice filled with sadness. "This Pack, this family, has fought for hundreds of years to stay strong. Your joining with Ivy isn't just about you two—it's about protecting our way of life. You have a responsibility, not only to yourself but to the Pack."
"I know my responsibility, and no one, absolutely no one, has the right to tell me what to do about my personal life," Caden responded through clenched teeth.
There was a heavy silence that followed his words, the elders exchanging glances, each one weighing his words carefully. Elder Jovan spoke again, his voice quieter now, but still firm.
"Caden, we understand your frustration, but you must know this: the joining must happen. The Pack depends on it. Your father's wishes, the strength of the alliance—these are things that cannot be ignored."
Caden exhaled sharply, his anger momentarily spent. He was exhausted. "I'll do whatever the pack expects of me and I'd do my best to be a good Alpha to us all
Elder Rhea nodded slowly, her expression softening. "We understand. But remember Caden—your heart may not be in it now, but sometimes duty comes before personal desires. You should understand that"
Caden didn't respond. Instead, he nodded, rose to his feet, and turned toward the door. He strode to the door as they all watched him, no one needed another word to know that they were dismissed.
As he walked out of the council room, he couldn't help but worry about what was going to happen next; he hoped he was making the right decision about all of this; he hoped that his personal life wasn't slipping away from his grip.
Just because he was the Alpha doesn't mean he had to do the elders' bidding every single time; he was the Alpha, and it was about time his words stood in the pack.
He was going to do what he found right, and right now, he wondered what was right.