Chapter 7: ⁷: breeding vessel

The entire hall froze.

Even the guards looked tense now.

"We only care for the future of the pack," Kayden continued boldly. "According to the laws of the Great Starlight Pack, even the Alpha must do his utmost to produce an heir."

His next words made the atmosphere turn deadly.

"Not even the Alpha stands above pack law."

Rage exploded through my veins instantly.

My hands clenched at my sides so tightly that my nails nearly pierced my skin.

If I were not the Alpha bound by those same laws, Elder Kayden’s head would already be rolling across this floor.

"You have quite the nerve speaking to me in that tone, Elder Kayden."

My voice dropped dangerously low.

Immediately, the old wolf dropped to his knees.

"This subject only worries for the future of the pack, my Alpha," he said quickly, bowing lower.

I stared at him for several long seconds before finally laughing softly.

"Good."

The hall tensed further.

"Then let me give all of you an answer today."

I slowly turned toward the gathered crowd.

"A decision fully in accordance with pack law."

Every eye locked onto me instantly.

"I am willing to take a mate-less she-wolf to bear an heir for this pack."

Gasps spread throughout the hall.

For a brief second, I caught the victorious smile appearing on Elder Kayden’s face.

Mayla looked equally thrilled.

Idiots.

"But," I continued smoothly, "there are conditions."

The excitement in the room immediately weakened. I took a moment before continuing because I knew the next thing i say is going to break a lot of people’s hopes in an instant

"That woman will never become my Luna."

Silence crashed over the hall.

"She will exist for one purpose only."

I smiled coldly.

"To serve as a breeding vessel for my heir."

Shock spread across every face in the chamber.

Elder Kayden’s smile disappeared instantly.

And I was not finished yet.

"If she successfully does get pregnant with my child," I continued calmly, "then her purpose will end the moment the heir is born."

I let the next words settle like poison.

"And on that same day, I will personally execute her so that she won’t be used against our pack."

Outrage erupted immediately.

"Alpha, that is absurd!" Mayla stepped forward furiously. "How can the mother of the future heir be killed instead of becoming Luna?"

I smiled slightly.

Just like that, her dream of becoming my Luna had shattered.

"I do not recall any law stating that I am required to take a Luna if I do not find my rightful one," I replied lazily. "You all wanted an heir."

I spread my arms slightly.

"So I am giving you a solution."

Then I looked across the hall, fully aware that no she-wolf would ever volunteer now.

Because the only reason anyone would tolerate a man like me was the possibility of becoming Luna.

But with that dream destroyed...

And death awaits them at the end...

No sane woman would ever agree.

I smirked coldly.

"Now then," I said, looking at the crowd, "good luck finding someone crazy enough to give her life just to live beside me."