Chapter 6: Jace

Jace

My beta was right. The situation was spiraling out of control, and I knew something had to be done. Bringing the other packs together was meant to be a step towards peace, but instead, it seemed to have only fueled the fire. My pack found itself in the eye of the storm, caught in the middle of a conflict that wasn't ours, as always. Alpha Jamie and Alpha Nick's rivalry had reached a breaking point, and their packs were ready to tear each other apart. I couldn't let that happen. Stepping forward, I raised my voice above the growing chaos.

"Enough!" The force of my command surprised even me, and the room fell silent. All eyes turned to me, and I knew this was my moment to make a stand. "We did not come here to continue this pointless feud. Our packs are stronger together, and we will not let petty differences divide us. We are here to build a bridge and find a solution to our problems."

The tension was palpable, but I stood my ground. Slowly, I felt the shift in the room as my words sank in. This was about more than just our packs; it was about our survival.

"What started it this time and so help me if any of you say because you're hungry." I eye everyone down before settling on the two Alphas. "I just found my mate; I was gone twenty minutes tops, and you too can't be left alone?"

At least they have the good sense to wince. Mates are sacred and they ruined the first time I was able to  see her and talk to her. After a few minutes where no one said anything. I lost my temper.

"WELL!?" I roared. Many wolves hit their knees adding a tilt of the head bearing their necks. Even those who swore loyalty to a different Alpha. Speaking of, I look back to Jamie and Nick and see they themselves are having trouble keeping up right.

"Jamie was keeping the servers from serving my pack, taking the food for himself." Nick says with tight lips. Is he fucking serious right now.

"Tha-" Jamie goes to come up with some reason why that didn't happen.

"Enough of your excuses," I continued, my voice steady, despite the anger boiling within me. "Nick, Jamie, you both know better than to let a trivial matter escalate to this level. We are here, in my territory, as guests, and I will not tolerate such behavior."

I turned to Nick, my gaze unwavering. "Your accusation about the servers is petty and unfounded. There is more than enough food for all, and your pack was never deprived. This is a non-issue and certainly not a reason to start a pack war." Jamie shifted uncomfortably under my intense stare, and I could see the shame in his eyes. "As for you, Jamie, trying to keep resources from Nick's pack is unacceptable. We are stronger when we share and support each other. Your actions only serve to create division and hostility."

Taking a deep breath, I surveyed the room, ensuring my message was clear. "We are here to unite, not to bicker and fight like pups. Our survival depends on our unity and strength as a whole. I will not stand for this senseless rivalry any longer. You will settle your differences, or you will face the consequences." Neither of them say anything.

The room hung heavy with anticipation, every wolf present holding their breath as they awaited the response of the two rival Alphas. I stood tall, my eyes never wavering from Jamie and Nick, challenging them with my unwavering gaze.

"Your constant bickering and petty grievances put everyone in this room at risk. Do you not value the lives of your mates, your families, and your packs? There are women here tonight, mates to warriors. They do not fight, and they would be vulnerable if your packs decided to settle your differences here and now. Is that what you want? To put the ones you are meant to protect in harm's way?"

I could see the weight of my words hitting home, especially with the other warriors, who glanced at their mates, worrying about creasing their brows. Jamie and Nick shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet my intense stare. I pressed on, knowing this was a pivotal moment.

"Your rivalry is not worth the potential bloodshed. We are here to unite, to find peace and strength in our numbers. If you cannot put aside your differences for the greater good, then you are a liability to us all. I will not allow your selfishness to endanger the lives of those present, nor will I tolerate it any longer." My voice carried an authority that bloomed from the depths of my being, and I knew my words resonated with the other wolves. This was about more than just pack politics; it was about the safety and well-being of everyone in the room, and I intended to ensure their protection, even if it meant calling out these two Alphas.

"Fuck." Nick finally says looking around. Jamie's eyes are full of shame.

It isn't easy for an Alpha to admit they are in the wrong. So I guess this is as close as I will get.

The room remained silent, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. I took a moment to let my message sink in, knowing that the other wolves were witnessing a pivotal moment in our packs' history. As the tension escalated, I knew I had to act quickly to prevent further conflict.

"Please, take your seats," I said, gesturing to the tables that had been prepared for our gathering. "We will discuss this matter further, but for now, let us break bread together and remember why we are here."

The wolves began to move, finding their places at the tables, the tension still palpable but slightly eased by the prospect of a peaceful meal. As the other Alphas and I sat together, I looked them both squarely in the eye. "Your packs have been at odds since you took leadership," I stated calmly. "My pack has borne the brunt of your rivalry, caught in the middle of your crossfire. Tell me, what started this feud so that we may finally put it to rest?" I leaned forward, awaiting their response, determined to get to the bottom of this conflict once and for all. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as everyone awaited the Alphas' response. It was time to uncover the truth and, hopefully, find a path to peace.

Before they could say anything else, I heard a crash coming from the kitchen and the smell of sour honeysuckle hit my nose. I was up and there before I even thought about it and the site I was greeted with? I saw red.