A Dangerous Obsession
Chapter 36 - 35

Chapter 36: Chapter 35

My muscles were tense as I prepared myself, my wolf barely contained, when a voice rang out, stopping the guards in their tracks. It was a voice I hadn’t expected, calm yet commanding, with a hint of that old, seasoned authority that only time and experience could grant.

The former Alpha of the Neiborung pack stepped forward, his face lined with age, his gaze steady as he looked between me and the young guards holding their ground. He held up a hand, gesturing for them to lower their weapons. "Stand down," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. The guards hesitated, exchanging glances, but then they obeyed, slowly lowering their spears and swords, though their eyes never left me.

"Forgive my arrogant son," he continued, his voice calm but carrying a weight of disappointment that didn’t go unnoticed. "Alaric still has much to learn about strength and respect." He gave me a respectful nod, his gaze flicking to Chlorendia in my arms. "And I hope we can maintain our peace for a bit longer, Alpha Elaxdor. I know today’s events didn’t go as planned, but let’s not escalate things beyond repair."

I narrowed my eyes, still feeling the sting of betrayal, but I held back, listening. He stepped closer, his cane tapping against the ground with each step. "Just as you came without a guard, as a show of good faith," he added, "I trust the next time we meet, it will be under better circumstances. We all came here seeking peace, not bloodshed."

"Tell that to your son," I growled, struggling to keep my voice steady as I looked down at Chlorendia’s battered form. Every bruise, every drop of blood, was a reminder of Alaric’s cowardice and lack of control. "Your peace was broken the moment he laid a hand on her. What sort of alliance did you think this would be if that’s how he treats potential allies?"

He let out a sigh, looking away for a moment, his gaze heavy with the kind of sorrow only a parent can feel for a wayward offspring. "Alaric... has made poor choices, Alpha Elaxdor. I can’t excuse his behavior, nor would I try. He’s driven by anger and pride—traits that, left unchecked, turn strength into weakness."

I held his gaze, and for a moment, I could see the regret in his eyes. He wasn’t making excuses; he was acknowledging the truth. It was rare to see honesty from an Alpha, let alone one who was defending his own blood. "And what now?" I asked, voice rough with barely restrained anger. "You want me to walk out of here, pretend none of this happened?"

He looked at Chlorendia again, his expression softening. "Not at all. But there’s a way to end this without needless bloodshed. I’ll see to it that Alaric is held accountable. There’s no place in this pack—or any pack—for those who can’t control their strength."

I couldn’t help the scoff that escaped me. "Words are cheap, old Alpha. If your son were anyone else, he would be dead on the ground by now. You and I both know that."

He didn’t flinch, didn’t argue. He simply nodded, accepting the harsh truth. "You’re right. And if it brings any justice, Alaric will be stripped of his title. He won’t succeed me, nor will he hold any authority over this pack." His gaze hardened. "Consider it my own punishment for him."

For a moment, the fury inside me dimmed. Stripping an heir of his title was no small thing; in some ways, it was a fate worse than death for an Alpha’s son. No power, no status, and the shame that would follow him for the rest of his days. I didn’t want to feel satisfaction in that, but maybe, just maybe, it was enough.

"Fine," I said, my voice low. "But make no mistake—if I ever see him again, I won’t hesitate. I don’t care what title he holds or doesn’t hold. My pack comes first, and so does my last remaining blood."

He nodded, and glanced at the guards, motioning for them to move aside. They parted reluctantly, casting wary glances at me as I held Chlorendia tighter, adjusting her weight in my arms. Her breathing was shallow, her pain palpable even through her unconsciousness.

As I turned to leave, the former Alpha spoke once more. "Alpha Elaxdor," he called, his tone softer, almost pleading. "I trust that next time, we can begin fresh. A true alliance between our packs, free from the shadows of today."

I paused, my back to him, taking a moment to steady myself. "That will depend on you, old Alpha. You say you’ll strip him off his title as punishment, but trust is something that doesn’t come back so easily." I didn’t wait for a response. I walked away, each step heavy, each breath a reminder of the rage still simmering beneath the surface.

Chlorendia’s head lolled slightly against my shoulder, her eyes fluttering open for a moment before closing again. I felt a pang of anger, if she wasn’t a female and wasn’t so weak this insult wouldn’t had taken place. It was a bitter reminder that I’m left with this weak female as my only offspring.

I gritted my teeth, cursing under my breathe. I had trusted this alliance, let myself believe that I would at the very least gain a little honor and respect.

As I approached the exit, a few remaining guards stood to the side, watching, silent but wary. I ignored them, focusing only on getting out of this cursed place. The cold night air hit me like a slap as I stepped outside, and I felt some of the weight on my shoulders lessen, though my heart was still heavy.

When we finally reached my waiting carriage, I gently placed Chlorendia inside, settling her on the seat beside me. Her face was pale, her body limp, but her breathing had steadied. I brushed a hand over her forehead, feeling the heat radiating from her wounds.

You better be useful Chlorendia.