Chapter 655 - We need them. Our pack needs them

Chapter 655: Chapter 655 - We need them. Our pack needs them

This time, Killian’s excitement died a swift death, the eager gleam in his eyes extinguishing like a candle snuffed by wind.

It would have been okay if he could maintain his title, could keep the power and prestige that came with being an Alpha. But now that it wasn’t so anymore.

His father was offering him the position of beta and he didn’t want Corvine anywhere near the Nightshade pack any more. The humiliation would be unbearable.

However, his father reminded him in a hushed tone, his voice urgent and low. "We don’t have a choice, Killian. Corvine and Athaliah are still very rich and will always have the Alpha King and Queen’s support." He glanced at the royal couple, his expression calculating. "We need them. Our pack needs them."

Killian’s teeth gritted together so hard his jaw ached, but he knew the truth, knew it with a bitter certainty that settled in his stomach like poison. He was too weak to be Corvine’s Alpha.

The fight in the Silver Moon Pack and what Corvine had done to his in Paris said that. And now, he was expected to serve as the man’s beta?

But then he thought of something, a desperate gambit. "Can’t he just be my Co-Alpha?" His voice carried a note of hope. "I already have a beta."

Well, before his father could respond, Corvine spoke up, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. "Alpha Atticus, I told Alpha King Voren something a week ago, and I think you have to hear it." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

"I’d rather be a nameless warrior at the Grimroot pack than an Alpha at the Nightshade pack." His gaze was steady, unwavering. "My father gave it up for my mother, and I want nothing to do with it."

This time, most people thought Corvine was being stupid. How could he intend to be a mere warrior when he could be the Alpha he was born to be? The whispers rippled through the auditorium, murmurs of disbelief, of confusion, of pity because they didn’t understand. No, they couldn’t understand.

Well, the Alpha King had finally given his attention to the conversation, his presence commanding as always. "Alpha Atticus."

Voren began to speak, and the mere sound of his voice caused everyone to go mute, the whispers dying in their throats. The authority in his tone was absolute. "Before Corvine became the Alpha King, I already shared my title with him. And now that he gave me the title he got with his sweat and blood, do you think I’ll allow him to leave my pack?"

Most people did not understand what he meant until he continued, his voice carrying across the hall. "The Alpha and Luna positions at the Grimroot pack are vacant at the moment." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "So who do you think deserves it?"

Alpha King Voren did not wait for an answer as he announced, his voice ringing with finality. "Corvine and Athaliah are the acting Alpha and Luna of the Grimroot pack. Their coronation ceremony will be held the day before the Blood Moon festival. We shall be sending out the invitations accordingly."

Corvine was speechless, his mouth opening and closing as he processed the words. He and Liah exchanged knowing glances, a silent conversation passing between them.

Then Corvine approached Voren, his steps hesitant, his posture uncertain. For some reason, Voren was taken aback by his nervousness—the man who had faced a Lycan without flinching, who had given up a crown without a second thought, was now fidgeting like a schoolboy.

Until Corvine made his intentions known, his voice low and hopeful. "Alpha King, don’t you think Kael is deserving of the title of Alpha? He has been with you for long." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Honestly, Liah and I plan on spending more time in Paris, so you know, the beta position is okay for us."

Voren did not know whether to laugh or cry, the absurdity of the request hitting him like a physical blow. "So, you want to leave pack responsibilities on my shoulders and go have fun?" His voice carried a note of incredulity.

"It’s work," Corvine’s gaze squinted slightly, his expression defensive. Voren’s heated gaze made him uneasy, the weight of the Alpha King’s displeasure pressing down on him.

But Voren suddenly shrugged, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "Well, it’s either you or nobody else." He paused, his voice softening. "And don’t worry. Once things settle, we shall all take turns to have vacations. I’m not vile."

He knew the reason for Corvine’s request, understood it in a way the others couldn’t. The guy had never had a release all his life, had spent years denying himself, holding back, waiting.

It was normal for him to want to be away with his wife, to finally explore the desire that had been simmering between them.

Corvine sighed with relief, the tension draining from his shoulders. He was grateful that Voren wasn’t all work and no fun. "Thanks, Alpha Ki—" He didn’t finish when Voren’s voice cut through, sharp and warning.

"Call me that again, and I’ll punch you in the face." His eyes flashed with mock anger.

Corvine laughed hard, the sound genuine and warm. "Come on, big bro, you are too stern."

Voren finally loosened up, a smile curling the corner of his lips. The tension between them dissolved, replaced by something lighter, something warmer. "It’s scary when you mention wanting to leave." His voice was quiet, almost vulnerable. "Can you not do that again?"

Corvine was moved by how much he mattered to Voren, and vice versa. The depth of their bond was something he had never expected to find, something he would treasure forever. "I will make sure to consider your feelings next time." His voice was sincere, a promise.

Suddenly, Voren remembered something, his expression darkened, and looked around eagerly, his gaze scanning the auditorium. "Where is Alpha Jaron?"