“It was me,” Evanth finally admited, meeting my eyes with defiance ordered the interception of the letters.”
cheathed my jaw, feeling a mix of disappointment and rage wash over me. My own brother.
“And what gave you the right?” I asked.
“I was protecting our territory and our people, he replied. “When I saw you losing focus because of these women, it became my responsibility to ensure the system continued to function properly.
I took a step toward him, my control slipping. “Who appointed you my second? Who gave you the right to describe what I am or am not doing?”
Evanth held his ground, but I could smell his fear. “Someone had to step up.
“Listen to me, brother,” I said, infusing my voice with Alpha power. “You are my only brother. But if you ever act without my consent again, you will face trial for treason. Do I make myself clear?”
The power in my voice forced him to nod, his body responding even if his mind rebelled.
I turned back to the Council. “The women you still insist on calling tributes are our mates now, not possessions. If I don’t protect them, you will destroy them.”
Use the command, Fenris urged. Make them submit.
I rarely used my Alpha command on the Council, preferring to lead through respect rather than fear. But today, I needed absolute obedience.
“As your Alpha King, I command you to accept my decision,” I said.
The effect was immediate. Every person in the room lowered their gaze, their bodies responding to the primal authority in my voice. Even Quentor, with all his resistance, couldn’t fight it.
“This meeting is adjourned,” I declared, turning to leave.
Sebastian caught up with me in the hallway outside the chamber.
“Alpha King,” he called, his voice respectful.
I felt Juno’s hand tighten slightly in mine, her heartbeat quickening just a fraction.
I paused, waiting for him to approach. Despite the tension of the meeting, I managed a small smile for the young Elder. Unlike many of the others, Sebastian seemed genuinely concerned with the welfare of Clifflands rather than personal power. The purple and gold colors of his family adorned his tailored suit, marking him as a Holbrooke without being ostentatious about it.
“Heir of the Lawrence family,” I greeted him. “Wa’s today’s meeting satisfactory to you?”
Sebastian winced slightly. “It could have gone more smoothly, but the outcome was… decisive.”
He turned his attention to Juno, who stood quietly at my side, and bowed formally. “It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Warden. Please allow me to congratulate you on your engagement. The Levenston family will finally welcome a new Luna Queen.”
noticed his eyes linger on her a moment too long, and Fenris growled possessively in my mind.
T
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Chapter 78
“Berry,” I said, placing my hand at the small of her back, this is Sebastian Holbrooke, the current head of the Elder Council, and one of the few people worth trusting.
Juno smiled politely at him. “M Holbrooke, thank you for your congatulations.”
Please, call me Sebastian,” he replied, his gaze brightening at her reponse.
I fought the urge to pull her closer to me. Sebastian was no threat, merely being courteous, but Fenris didn’t always make that distinction.
“I’d like to invite you to my dinner party in Moonshadow next week, Sebastian continued. “Of course, Beta Bryloch and Gamma Adryx are welcome to bring their companions as well.”
I nodded. “My future Luna Queen and I will make time to attend.”
“It would be a great honor, Alpha King.”
After Sebastian left, Juno leaned against me with a small smirk. “It seems you have supporters in the Council after all.
I took her hand, threading our fingers together. “He’s smarter than the others. He knows who to support if he wants to stay on the right side of history.”
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