Chapter 4: ⁴: can’t be an Alpha

Not believing what I had just heard, I looked around the council room until my eyes landed on Harry, who looked like he was about to say something. But the moment his gaze met mine, I could see the surprise flash in his eyes before he called my name.

"Athena? How—why are you here?" he asked, making everyone else in the room turn toward me in shock.

I was still shaken by what had been discussed here about me behind my back, people questioning me, the very same people who had once lamented on how much proud of me they were, who once praised me proudly as Alpha Steven’s daughter.

But I decided not to make any decisions still, not before giving them a chance to rectify their mistake.

"You all are discussing the succession, I assume?" I asked calmly, deliberately ignoring the fact that I had heard Beta Logan claim I was unfit to become Alpha.

I looked around the room, waiting for someone to answer me, perhaps even falter under my gaze.

But nobody spoke.

Nobody even tried to deny it.

The silence itself felt like betrayal.

A humourless chuckle escaped my lips before I slowly turned toward Beta Logan.

"It has only been a few days since my father left us," I said coldly, "and all of you are already trying to defy the will he left behind?"

My voice sharpened dangerously.

"Is this what you call loyalty, Beta Logan?"

I was seething, seething with anger as I saw Beta Logan still not answering my questions, I could practically feel my wolf clawing beneath my skin, wanting to come out and tear this traitorous man’s heart out with her bare hands.

"So tell me," I continued, my eyes sweeping across the council members, "is Beta Logan the only one trying to defy my father’s wishes, or are others involved as well?"

Most of the elders lowered their heads instantly, refusing to meet my eyes.

Cowards.

"Answer me, Beta Logan." My voice echoed through the hall. "I am Athena Roosevelt, heir to the Alpha seat—not some random she-wolf you can insult and then assume you will get to keep that head on your shoulders."

I took a step closer.

"If you have forgotten your place, then let me remind you. Challenging the late Alpha’s chosen successor is considered treason under pack law."

The room became deathly silent.

"I am giving you just one final chance to explain yourself."

That finally did it.

A visible shudder passed through several council members, but what satisfied me most was seeing Beta Logan’s trembling hands.

"Athena—"

Before Logan could speak again, Harry suddenly stepped forward and gently grabbed my wrist.

"Athena," he said softly, lowering his voice as though trying to calm me, "why are you here right now? You must still be shaken by the late Alpha’s death right?"

His grip tightened slightly.

"You don’t need to force yourself to handle this. I’m here for you. I’ll take care of everything, so please... go back and rest."

I slowly pulled my hand away from his grasp.

"I know you’re worried about me, Harry," I replied quietly, "but let me do this, I can handle this myself."

I moved forward again, determined to destroy the seed of doubt Beta Logan had planted before it could grow any further.

But Harry stopped me once more.