Chapter 19

Laura P.O.V

We stepped into Elder Magnus' conference room and the chatter in the room went silent.

As expected, Elder Magnus spoke first, "So kind of you to finally join us Alpha", he glared, "It's not like we've been waiting for you for about 30 minutes now or anything" he added, tapping at his wristwatch.

"Greetings to you too, Elder Magnus" I fixed him a pointed glance to show I was not scared of him. Evil people like him feasted on the fear of others.

"Welcome Alpha", Elder Lucina greeted bowing her head. She's a kind elder, one of the very few of them who still remained loyal to the pack instead of their pockets. Then Elder Axels, and others in the room followed suit.

"Thank you elders, I apologize for keeping you waiting" I told them as I headed to the seat at head of the table. The meeting room was designed and arranged just like a normal conference room, with an oval shaped table in the centre, I could count 6 chairs on each side, some of which were unoccupied. Max took his seat on one of those chairs towards the end of the table.

I settled in, facing all of them, traitors and allies alike. Speaking of traitors, I noticed Sonia seated by my right side and the thirst for her blood struck me, that it took all of my restraint not to dip my fangs into her neck. "Sonia, would you kindly move to where Maxwell is, and Maxwell, come over here." I commanded.

"But I got here first" she whined, reluctant to get up. "Stupid bitch", she murmured under her breath.

"Same darlin'" I whispered low enough for her to hear, then said loud enough to other's hearing, "Maxwell is to be the beta soon, his rightful place is by my right side." I ignored the shock on her face probably due to my earlier comment and beckoned on Max to take his rightful place.

She looked at Elder Magnus, but he only rolled his eyes and looked away. She sulked and whined for few seconds but nobody paid her any attention.

"Sonia, go seat over there or leave this room, we have more pressing things to attend to than this nonsense you're doing" I snapped calmly, she's not worth me loosing my cool over.

She headed over to the seat as instructed and Max took his seat beside me, smiling discreetly. I toyed with the pen in my mouth a bit then faced them, my face void of any emotions.

"Now that that is over, this meeting was put together so we can discuss the way forward. The beast of the east has sent over a messenger, whom we all met in the throne room days ago. So, I believe we all understand how paramount and vital it is that we find this spectre as soon as possible. I have a very important announcement to make, and that's the reason I came late. It is regarding how we would find the missing spectra, I have found a way." I paused my speech to let my words sink in and observe everyone's reactions.

Elder Lucina was smiling, Elder Draco's face was unreadable, Elder Axels just looked slightly relieved, Sonia was still sulking, I doubt she even heard anything I said. Elder Magnus looked unhappy, reasons of which I can't fathom.

"Beta Maxwell and I shall be heading to the Stone Pack tomorrow in search of a key person who will aid us in discovering the location of the spectra.p" I said.

"You need us to give us more information Alpha, you are the leader of the pack now, not just a mere member that can take off on vacation whenever she likes" Elder Magnus spitefully stated, Elder Draco snickered behind his hands.

I don't know what these two have against me & m family but he definitely needs to take a chill pill and stop talking to me like I'm a child. "Well, if only you were more patient like the elder you're meant to be" I retorted, then turned to others.

"I spoke to Niandra before coming, that's why I was late to the meeting, it was during our discussion that she gave me instructions on finding the spectra. The first step is to go to the Stone pack, there we shall find an old wise man, who will help us in our quest." I noticed Elder Draco raise his eyeballs in question.

"That will be all. Are there any questions or additions from anyone?" I asked, because it was obvious they had questions, and maybe some snarky additions.

"Can I go with you to the Stone pack?" Sonia asked, "You know, just to be the eye of the elders and make sure it's not a vacay-cay" Sonia can be really smart, I give her that, but even the height of her smartness is still dull compared to mine.

I watched Elder Lucina and Axels whisper among themselves, and Axels raised his hands as he spoke, "Who will be in charge of the pack when you both leave?, How long do you think you'll be gone for and the issue with the invading rogues, what do we do about that?"

Elder Draco nodded in affirmation to his question, and Elder Magnus simply said, "All the necessary questions have been asked, if there are any others, we will get in touch with you."

"Maxwell?" I called his name in question, noting that he has not said a word since the meeting started.

"Laura" he called my name, nodding in acknowledgement, "I don't have any questions either, and the elders have said all that they want to. I do have a little contribution though."

"Go on" Elder Lucina encouraged.

"In our absence, I think the council of elders should take the reins of the pack. Then we should go with atleast six of our strongest warriors in case we run into any other rogues." The elders all nodded in agreement and I beamed at him with pride; I found myself really impressed with his input. I've noticed he's someone who likes to observe before speaking which is a very commendable trait, unlike Sonia.

"I believe Maxwell has spoken well and those bases should be covered. He would select the warriors to go with us himself, and Elder Draco should ensure a letter is sent to the Stone Pack to inform them of our visitation so we would be properly welcome." I instructed, while Max wrote some things on the paper in front of him.

"The warriors guiding the perimeter of pack lands should be tripled. Sonia should stay back as earlier decided to organize warriors with the Gamma and Elder Axel" I told them, each of those mentioned nodding their heads, except Sonia who looked like could strangle me.

"Then Lucina should ensure that the safe houses are properly stocked in case of another impromptu attack, and also see to the needs of the women & children."

"Noted, Alpha" she smiled. She's so kindhearted and soft, which was why I put her in charge of women and children.

"And what am I to do in your absence, dear alpha?" Elder Magnus asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"I mentioned something about being patient earlier, Magnus. Anyways, you're to oversee the others and the pack in general." I replied him. The meeting already tired me out. I just needed the whole thing to end so I can leave.

"Any objections?" I asked them, and they all shook their heads in the negative. "Then that will be all, this meeting is dismissed. Relay information to the necessary quarters, and Draco, please remember to send the letter to Stone Pack." He turned at the sound of his name, then nodded and left. Maxwell and I closely following behind.