5

Liam. 

After I devoured my new plaything, I proceeded with my duties as the alpha. I trained my pack in the gruesome way possible. 

I wouldn't have become this powerful if my pack were weak. My strength as an Alpha is tied to their strength. 

"Come at me together!" I demanded as I was surrounded by dozens of my betas. 

"The first person to land a hit on me will have a wish of theirs granted!" I knew just how to motivate them. 

My tactics in war are an all-out attack, no mercy. 

I smirked when 5 of them charged at me at once. I would have been disappointed if they took turns. 

"Weak." I dodged their claws and swatted them away like flies. More surrounded me, but the result was the same. 

After going at it for nearly an hour, the omegas were all lying on the floor. 

Seeing that they were all exhausted, I decided to end the training session then. 

Exiting the training grounds, I stationed Kris in the hallway outside my office, flanked by Varis, my trusted head officer, and a stylish companion. 

"They're waiting," Varis informed me. Stepping out with my Beta and stylish companion trailing, I entered the office to find five senior wolves from the Council seated within. Seating myself with Varis and Kris by my side, I got straight to the point. 

"Why are you here, Elders?" I skipped pleasantries or extra talk. They had a purpose, and I sensed it.

The Council elders held high positions, respected among werewolves for their age and wisdom. This Council represented various supernatural beings, ensuring peace and protecting the interests of all kinds. 

"Your tone suggests we're unwelcome, Liam," Elder Body remarked. It was no surprise; we rarely saw eye to eye.

Without hiding my dislike, I met the Elder Body's gaze. Their presence hinted at trouble I wanted no part of. I gave a brief, cold smile. "Sorry, but I'm short on time. 

Tell me why you're here." Elder Ryu shifted in their seat, considering. 

"Alright, as you wish," I replied curtly, not wanting to bend further. "We've heard you've brought a new mate, Liam," an elder began.

"And you're treating her poorly." 

"Just like the last ones." 

How did they know that? I'm certain they have spies, those geezers! 

The word "mate" hit me hard. My jaw clenched, my hand balled into a fist, tension rising. But I kept a neutral face, watching each Elder closely. 

"We're here to make sure you won't leave her a lifeless carcus like the others. As an influential member of the supernatural world yourself, you should already know why that's important, no?" 

"My pack's business isn't yours, as long as we follow Council rules," I reminded them that they must also follow rules. 

The elderly aren't allowed to interfere in personal pack issues unless it involves an oracle. 

Despite their advanced age, the elders had no right to interfere in the affairs of my pack. Their voices reverberated in the chamber, each word weighted with a sense of authority and duty.

"True, but this matters to us," another elder interjected, their tone firm and resolute. "As elders, we have duties that extend beyond the confines of individual packs."

I bristled at their audacity, their unwelcome intrusion into matters that were none of their concern. The urge to dismiss them, to assert my authority as alpha, burned within me like a raging fire.

"This meeting is over," I declared, my voice cutting through the tense atmosphere like a knife. "You geezers have been warned. Stay out of my business!"

With a dismissive gesture, I turned on my heel, fully intending to leave the chamber and put an end to their meddling once and for all.

But before I could make my escape, their ominous warning hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over my resolve. The threat was clear, unmistakable in its implications.

"If you don't fully accept Maxine as your Luna," one of the elders proclaimed, their voice carrying the weight of authority, "as per the rules, we will declare your pack a rogue pack."

The words landed like a hammer blow, their implications sinking in with a sinking feeling of dread. The elders' ultimatum hung in the air, a stark reminder of the consequences of defiance.

The decision weighed heavily on my shoulders, the weight of responsibility bearing down on me like a suffocating blanket.

I might be a ruthless Alpha, but I still care about my pack. 

I furrowed my brows in confusion, I sat back down and rested a hand on the wooden table. 

"Are you threatening me?" 

"We're giving you an ultimatum. Announce her as your rightful Luna or become the target of every single werewolf." 

With that, they left me to myself. I felt like snapping their necks as I watched them leave.