Chapter Fifty Six
CHRIS
The tormenting dream that had plagued my nights still continued but I had learnt to bear its weight without letting it consume me. It was a constant reminder of the danger that loomed over me.
The alpha summit was at hand and I had been summoned by the council of elders through my guard. It was time for me to be briefed on the preparations they had made on behalf of our pack towards the summit. As much as I hated to be summoned by those vile men, I understood that it was a crucial meeting to attend and to gather support for the actions I was planning.
In the council chamber, the elders sat in solemn deliberation. Their eyes fixed on me as I took my place at the table. From their expression, I could tell that their attention was focused on the impending summit and the role I was expected to play.
“Chris, the alpha summit is by the corner and it is important that you attend as our new alpha. As you know, we need the support of other packs to ensure that our main objectives are met,” one of the elders said.
“What have you done to ensure the pack is safe in your absence?” Kazmir said, his voice laced with scorn.
“Lothar will be in charge of keeping this pack safe in my absence. You elders also, are meant to do the same. We must maintain secrecy about our movement, we don’t want our enemies to catch wind of our plans,” I said.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
The elders nodded in agreement, acknowledging the necessity of discretion.
“We will rely on your leadership, Chris. Do what you must to ensure the success of this summit,” the first elder said.
After the meeting with the council, I knew my time was running short, and I had to say goodbyes before I departed for the summit. I immediately sent my beta, Glen, to deliver a message to Lucy, requesting her presence. Since the tragic revelation of her father’s death, we had been apart, and I longed for her with each passing day and once more before my departure.
Later that evening, Glen came to inform me of Lucy’s arrival. My heart raced as I rushed to the tree house to meet her. Our reunion was charged with emotions and an air of uncertainty that hung over us like a mist.
“It’s been too long, Lucy. How have you been?” I asked.
“I know. I needed time to think on my own. The news of my father’s alleged killer shook me completely,” she said. “I’ve missed you, but that is not why I am here,” she added.
I stared at her in confusion. Why else would she be here if not to see me and bid me farewell on my trip? Could there be something crucial that needed my attention?
“Is everything the matter, Lucy?” I asked, my voice filled with a mixture of concern and determination.
“Cade knows about the summit and he is planning to attack in your absence,” she explained.
“How did he know about this?” I asked.
“Cade has allies from other rogue packs and they have been feeding him with useful information. But you need not worry, I have sorted it out,” she said.
“Sorted it out? What did you do, Lucy?” I asked, concern written all over me.
“I lied to him. I told him that the date had been shifted, this will give us enough time until you return,” she said. I listened carefully, understanding the dangerous game we were playing.
“Lucy, you took a huge risk by doing so. What if his allies confirm that you’ve been lying to him?” I asked once more.
“He wouldn’t find out and even if he does, it’ll be that you didn’t trust me enough and gave me the wrong information,” she explained, her voice filled with so much confidence.
I was surprised as to how she was able to come up with such a plan on short notice. I feared that she was leading herself into danger and I wouldn’t be there to protect her.
“Lucy, you’ve taken a significant risk. Be careful while I’m away. Stay out of my pack’s territory to avoid being captured,” I warned.
As the weight of our separation bore down on us, we held each other, seeking solace in one another’s arms. In the midst of our emotions, we shared a passionate moment of love, a bittersweet gap before the impending challenge and uncertainties that lay ahead.
The first light of dawn kissed the shy as I bid Lucy farewell. The air hung heavy with anticipation and unease as I retraced my step back to my pack, preparing for the journey that awaited me. As I got to the pack, I sought out my mother and Lothar to share my plans and plead doe their vigilance in my absence.
“Mother, Lothar, as you know, I’m leaving for the alpha summit. I need your support and protection in my absence,” I said with concern written over my face.
My mother embraced me tightly with a mix of pride and concern. “Be safe, son. We will be here, awaiting your return.”
Lothar nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the task laid on him. “I’ll look after the pack and your mother, Chris. You have my word,” he said.
After discussing with my mother, I led Lothar into my chambers to have a private exchange with him, away from prying eyes.
“Lothar, there’s more you need to know. Lucy was here and she told me about what she did with Cade. She took a risky step to deceive him and I fear for her safety. Can you send someone to watch over her discreetly?” I pleaded.
Lothar nodded in acknowledgment. “I’ll make sure she is safe, Chris. You focus on the summit, and we’ll handle things here.”
Relieved, I embarked on my journey to the summit with my beta by my side. The path ahead was uncertain, I feared for my pack, my mother, and Lucy.