Chapter Two: Heavy is the head that wears the Crown

KAEL’s POV.

I sat on my throne, my eyes scanning the faces of the wolves seater in front of me. My pack gathered before me, their faces filled with fear and respect. I leaned forward, my voice low and menacing.

"Any weakness will be dealt with swiftly. I will not tolerate disobedience."

My gaze was on a young wolf, cowering in the corner. "You, Ryker, have failed me for the last time. You're banished from the pack."

I watched as Ryker brought his hands together, as a sign of him begging me, but I showed no mercy. I signaled to my guards, who dragged him away.

After each wolf went to his den, my beta, Zephyr, approached me. "Kael, may I have a word?"

I nodded, and Zephyr came near. "What is it, Zeph?"

"Your brother, Kieran... he's growing stronger. His pack is expanding, and his influence is spreading."

My eyes narrowed. "What are you saying, Zeph?"

Zephyr's voice was low and measured. "I'm saying that Kieran is a threat to your rule, to our pack's safety. He's ruthless, Kael, and he won't hesitate to destroy us. I also heard… he is planning on getting a mate soon, which means he wants an heir to solidify his throne.”

My face twisted in rage. "I'll never let that happen. I'll crush him before he can even try."

Zephyr placed a hand on my shoulder. "Kael, listen to me. You're not invincible. You have fears and doubts. You can't face Kieran alone. I am here for you .”

I gritted my teeth at Zephyr's words, but I knew he was right. I was afraid of Kieran, afraid of his power and his influence, he was no ordinary wolf, he was a hybrid. But I couldn't show weakness, not even to Zephyr.

"I know, Zeph," I said finally. "But what choice do I have? I can't show weakness, not even to you."

Zephyr's expression softened. "You can trust me, Kael. I'm your beta, your friend. Together, we'll face Kieran and protect our pack."

I looked at Zephyr, and for a moment, I felt he was right. Maybe, just maybe, I didn't have to face this alone. Maybe Zephyr could help me defeat Kieran and secure my throne.

But I have a reputation to live up to. "Very well, Zeph. Let's prepare for war."

The anger in my heart grew, raising my determination to destroy Kieran and secure my rule. But at what cost?

Zephyr's eyes darted to mine, and I could sense his hesitation, he knew something. "Kael, there's something else. Something you need to know."

I raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Zeph?"

Zephyr's eyes scanned the room. "It's about the pack's history, Kael. About the secrets we've kept hidden for so long."

My curiosity got a hold of me, I leaned forward. "What secrets, Zeph?"

Zephyr's voice dropped to a whisper. "About the murders, Kael. The ones that happened when your father was alpha."

My eyes narrowed. "What about them?"

Zephyr's eyes darted away from kins. "Kael, your father didn't just kill rival wolves. He killed our pack members. Wolves who threatened his power, wolves who knew too much."

My mind reeled as I processed Zephyr's words. I had always known my father was ruthless, but I had never imagined he was capable of such evil deeds.

"Why are you telling me this, Zeph?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zephyr's expression was grim. "Because, Kael, I think Kieran knows about the murders. And I think he's using that knowledge to gather support among the other packs. So it is best if you also know…”

My heart raced as I realized the implications. If Kieran revealed the truth about our pack's dark past, it could mean the end of our rule. The end of our pack. Killing a pack member for a reason like this is enough to start a war within the pack.

"What do we do, Zeph?" I asked, feeling desperation slowly rising.

Zephyr's eyes met mine, and I could see the determination there. "We need to stop Kieran, Kael. Before he can reveal the truth."

I nodded, my mind racing with strategies and plans. I knew that this would be a fight to the death, but I was ready. I would do whatever it took to protect my pack, my rule, and my secrets.

"Zeph, gather the guards," I said finally, my voice firm and leaving no room for arguments. "We'll need to take care of Kieran once and for all."

Zephyr nodded. "I'll get them ready, Kael. But we need to be careful. Kieran is cunning, and he won't go down without a fight."

I nodded, my mind already racing with strategies and plans. I knew that this would be a dangerous mission, but I was ready. I would do whatever it took to protect my pack, my rule, and my father’s secrets.

Just as Zephyr was about to leave, a commotion was heard at the entrance of the chamber. The doors burst open, and a figure strode in, their eyes fixed on me.

"Kael," the figure growled, their voice dripping with malice. "We meet again."

My heart sank as I recognized the figure. It was Ryker, the same wolf I had banished from the pack just hours before. But now, he was back, and he looked more braver than ever.

"Ryker," I snarled, my hackles rising, ready for attack. "You're supposed to be banished. How did you get back in?"

Ryker sneered. "I have my ways, Kael. And I've come for revenge. I have teamed up with a better alpha and we will take you down.”

"Ryker, you're not welcome here," Zephyr growled, his teeth bared. "Leave now, before things get ugly. Trust me, things get ugly real quick with the likes of you.”

Ryker laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "I'm not going anywhere, Zephyr. I've come to help the right person take away your alpha title, and I won't let anyone stand in my way."

My eyes narrowed, my heart racing. I knew that this was going to be a fight to the death, and I was ready. But just as I was about to attack, Ryker's eyes darted to something behind me, and a sly smile spread across his face.

"Ah, Kael," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I think you'll want to see this."

And with that, he gestured to the entrance of the chamber, where a figure stood, their eyes fixed on me.

My heart sank as I recognized the figure. It was Kieran, my brother, my enemy. And he looked more dangerous than ever.

“Hi, brother.”