Chapter Nineteen: THE BAIT(I I)

Alpha Kael’s POV.

I frowned, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "What about the Council, Elder? What's going on?"

Elder Thorne's expression turned grave. "An emergency meeting has been called, Kael. Your presence is required."

I stood up, feeling a pit form in my stomach. What now? I had enough on my plate with the missing females and the pack's security.

“Shall we?” He said and I gave a curt nod.

Elder Thorne led me to the Council meeting room, the tension between us palpable. As we entered, I saw the Council members seated around the table, some twitched their lips on seeing me but I could not care less.

"Alpha Kael," one of them began, "we've called this meeting to discuss the recent... happenings in your pack."

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "What's happening?"

The council members exchanged looks before one of them spoke up again. "The missing females, the lack of patrols, the general disarray of your pack. It's unacceptable, Kael."

I tried to explain, but the q