Chapter 8

A grand bouquet has been arranged in the pack. In order to maintain and talk about the pack territory, they invite different alphas from nearby packs to discuss the critical issues going on. 

Particularly, the rising threat of outside impacts from crossing the alphas’ bother. 

They arrange the hall greatly, everywhere boozed with energy, as packs leaders dressed in their finest attire. 

They fill the long wooden table that was set across the room. Their conversation was obvious in the air. Their laughter evident in the eyes. 

Some conversations were friendly. They talked and joked about parties that they attended, while some were tense with teasing. 

At the top of the table, Jayden and Kale stood at the head of the room. Their presence was commanding, and it was impossible to ignore. Jayden leaned against the table. His sharp eyes were scanning the crowd as if looking for any signs of trouble. Kale was beside him. His arms were crossed on his chest. His eyes sat in a straight, focused line.

The meeting began smoothly but enough, with the alphas expressing their concern about the increased boldness of the visitors that wouldn’t let their pack have a peaceful breathing space.

“They cross our border as if it’s a playground to them,” one of the alphas said, his fist clenched on the table. “We need a strict patrol if we should talk about it.”

“I agree,” another alpha chimed in. “They are testing our strength and patience, and if we don’t respond swiftly, they will take advantage of us.”

Jayden nodded his head. His voice was steady and authoritative as he replied to the man with the same resolve. “We understand your concerns, and that’s exactly why we are at this gathering. This is not just a matter for one pack. It affects all of us.” He emphasized his words. His eyes beamed with sovereignty.

As the conversation continued, the tensions began to ripple throughout the room. An older alpha, with a grey hair and sharp eyes, stood suddenly. His voice was laced with contempt, as if he were speaking to a junior one.

“And why should we listen to you?” he sneered. “Two young alphas, barely out of their first century, trying to dictate things to those of us with decades more experience?”

The room suddenly fell silent. All eyes turned to the twins, their hybrids crackling like a live wire. Kale’s expression mirrored his anger.

“Experience without ability is useless,” Jayden said. “The fact remains, we are the ones dealing with this intrusion first-hand. Did you think your wisdom entitled you to undermine our leadership? You are mistaken.” His voice roared through the room, shocking each one of them. 

“Bold words, boys,” the older alpha mocked. “Let’s see if you can back them up.”

It didn’t take long for chaos to erupt. Voices rose from every corner of the room. Aggressions flew like a stream of water, and it seemed as if the carefully planned meeting would descend into outright violence. Jayden and Kale exchanged a glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. Only a few of the alphas could see it.

“Enough!” Jayden slammed his hand on the table. His sharp voice cut through the noise. “I said enough!” he barked again, his voice filled with the authority of an alpha not to be trifled with. “We won’t tolerate any more interruptions. You are here because you are part of this alliance. If you can’t respect that, you are free to leave. But don’t expect our protection when the outsiders come for you.”

Kale stepped forward, his voice calm but deadly. The room fell silent. The alphas begrudgingly fell in line. The twins had made their point, and the meeting continued without further incident. Though, the tension still lingered beneath the tongues of people.

****

The next morning, Jayden was done taking his bath. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. With a deep breath, he decided to go to Kale’s room. 

When he got there, he knocked on the door, and the door burst open without even waiting a second. 

“You are here? Anything?” Kale remarked, running a hand through his wet hair. Without anyone saying anything, one would know that he was just coming out of the bathroom.

“I’ve been thinking. Maybe it’s time we visited Emma’s family,” Jayden said, leaning against the door frame. His expression was thoughtful enough for Kale to see beneath his trouble.

“You think they will tell us anything useful?” Kale paused, considering the suggestion for a moment.

“Maybe, or maybe they will slip up and give us something unintentionally,” Jayden replied. “Either way, it’s worth a shot,” he added.

After a moment of thought, Kale nodded. “Alright, let’s do that,” he said. “But you have to give me a brief second. I can see that you’re already dressed up, but as you see me, I’m just dressing up for the day.” He walked to his closet. 

“I’m waiting downstairs,” Jayden replied before stepping away.

Kale searched through his closet and found a suitable outfit. Once he was done, he went downstairs to meet his brother. The two went to the parking lot and drove to Emma’s house. 

When they got there, the house felt so quiet, and they doubted if someone is inside. But fortunately, when they knocked on the door, it burst open.

“Alphas,” Emma’s father said immediately, setting his sights on the twins. “To who do I owe this visit?” He bowed slightly.

Jayden wasted no time. “We’re looking for Emma. Have you heard from her?” he asked.

Emma’s father hesitated and then launched into a rambling explanation, his voice trembling. “I-I haven’t seen her in days. She’s always been independent, but she’s probably out there, needing help like the rest of us. Surely, you strong alphas could track her down, save her, even….”

“Enough. You are her father. If you don’t know where she is, just say so. Don’t try to shift responsibility onto us.” His statement was cut off by Kale’s sharp voice.

The man bristled but did not argue. Instead, he tried a different tactic. “You know, my other daughter, Ever, is quite a catch, smart, strong, beautiful. She would make a fine match for an alpha like one of you.”

“We’re not here for matchmaking,” Jayden’s expression turned cold.

“We asked about Emma, and since you clearly have nothing useful to say, don’t waste our time with anything else,” Kale added, stepping closer. His presence was intimidating.

Emma’s father flinched in fear as his manipulative words fell flat. The twins turned and left, their frustrations palpable as they walked away.