Chapter 66

Asher pov

"I know what you've been doing, elder vincent," I said, my voice firm. "I know you've been working with Sophia behind my back."

Elder Vincent's eyes widened, and he took a step back. "Alpha, I...I can explain," he stammered.

"Explain?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You've been betraying me, vincent. You've been working with my enemy. How can you explain that?"

Vincent looked down, his eyes avoiding mine. "I was just trying to protect the pack, Alpha," he said. "Sophia promised me that she would help us, that she would make sure our pack was safe and prosperous."

I laughed, a bitter sound. "You believed her?" I asked. "You believed Sophia, of all people?"

Vincent looked up, a hint of defiance in his eyes. "I did what I thought was best for the pack, Alpha," he said. "And I would do it again if I had to."

I shook my head, feeling a sense of disappointment and betrayal. "You're no longer a member of this pack, vincent," I said. "You're banished, effective immediately."

Vincent's eyes widened, and he took a step back. "Alpha, please," he said. "Don't do this. I'll do anything to make it right."

But I just shook my head. "It's too late for that, vincent," I said. "You've made your choice, and now you have to live with it."

"My alpha, this is not how to handle this problem," he said, his voice low but filled with anger.

"Excuse?" I asked, turning to him with anger. "How dare you?"

"Yes, you heard me right, alpha," he continued, his voice unwavering. "The way you are behaving, it wouldn't be long before the rest of the elders turn their backs on you."

I felt a surge of anger at his words, but I knew he was right. I had been acting impulsively, letting my emotions guide my decisions. But I was the alpha, and it was my responsibility to make wise and informed decisions.

"Go on," I said, trying to keep my anger in check. "What do you suggest I do?"

He took a deep breath before speaking. "We need to gather more information, alpha. We need to know what's really going on with Sophia and why she's behaving this way. And we need to do it without alienating the rest of the pack."

I nodded, considering his words. He was right, as much as I hated to admit it. I had been so focused on confronting Sophia and putting an end to her schemes that I hadn't stopped to think about the bigger picture.

"Alright," I said finally. "I'll listen to your plan. What do you suggest we do?"

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "First, we need to gather more information about Sophia's plans. We need to know what she's after."

"I agree," I said. "But how do we do that?"

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I have a few contacts within the pack who might be willing to help us. They're loyal to you, alpha, and they're not happy about Sophia's behavior."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on." I said.

He nodded and said. "I'll reach out to them and see what they can tell us. In the meantime, I think it would be a good idea for you to lay low for a while. Avoid confronting Sophia directly and let's see if we can gather more information before we make our move."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time in days, I felt like I had a plan, like I was taking control of the situation.

"Thank you," I said, turning to him. "I appreciate your advice."

He smiled and said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, alpha. We're in this together." 

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. It was clear that he had my best interests at heart, and I appreciated his loyalty.

"Keep me updated on what you learn from your contacts," I said, standing up to leave.

He nodded, standing up as well. "I will, alpha. And in the meantime, be careful. Sophia is not to be underestimated." He said.

I nodded, feeling a shiver run down my spine. I knew that Sophia was a force to be reckoned with, and I was determined to stop her before she could do any more harm.

As I left his room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. I knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but I was ready to face whatever challenges came my way.

I walked back to my quarters, my mind racing with thoughts of Sophia and her plans. I knew that I had to stay one step ahead of her if I was going to stop her.

As I entered my quarters, I was greeted by the sight of house maid, who was sitting on the couch, looking worried.

"Alpha, I've been looking for you," she said, standing up as I approached.

"What is it?" I asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.

"It's luna Sophia," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just received word that she's planning something big. 

Just before I could say a word, my phone rang. It was my mother. "Hello, Asher, what is going on?" she asked. "I want you to lay down all investigation about Sophia. She is carrying your baby, for crying out loud! Do you know what this means to the pack? The disgrace you are about to bring to the pack," she said, her voice heavy on the other end of the call.

"Mother, Sophia is...," I said, but before I could finish, she interrupted.

"I don't care what you have to say! Leave Sophia in peace, don't disturb her until after she has given birth," my mother said, her voice loud.

"For eight months, Mother?" I yelled.

"Don't mother me, that is my final conclusion," she said.

I stood there, my phone still pressed to my ear, as I tried to process the conversation I had just had with my mother. I couldn't believe what she was asking me to do - to just drop the investigation into Sophia's activities and let her continue to manipulate and deceive the pack.