Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves
Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Chapter 45

The Return of the Usurper

The night was eerily silent as the forest concealed a dangerous presence lurking within its depths. Richard, the disgraced former Alpha of the Silver Claw Pack, stood atop a rocky ledge overlooking the pack’s territory. His expression was a twisted mix of hatred and determination as the memories of his fall from power surged within him.

"That throne is mine," he thought bitterly. "Eric may have won this battle, but the war is far from over."*

Banished, stripped of his title, and defeated in combat by his own son, Richard had spent months in the shadows, licking his wounds and rallying the remnants of his forces. Yet his desire to reclaim what he believed to be his birthright burned hotter than ever.

Gathering His Forces

Richard’s temporary camp was hidden deep within the mountains, far beyond the reach of Silver Claw patrols. Inside a dimly lit cavern, a council of rogues and outcast allies gathered. Among them were former mercenaries from the Crimson Fangs, disgruntled former Silver Claw pack members loyal to Richard, and lone wolves who saw opportunity in his promises.

"Eric is weak," Richard declared, his voice echoing in the cavern. "He leads with compassion, not strength. He surrounds himself with fools who coddle the pack instead of preparing for war."

The crowd murmured in agreement, their eyes reflecting the desperation and anger Richard had stoked in them over the months. He continued, pacing before them like a predator circling prey.

"We may have lost the last fight, but now we have an advantage," he said, his lips curling into a menacing smile. "They think we are defeated. They think we are gone. But we will strike when they least expect it."

"How?" one rogue dared to ask. "The Silver Claw Pack is strong, and their borders are heavily guarded. Eric has rallied them since your defeat."

Richard’s eyes flashed dangerously, silencing the rogue. "They are only as strong as their Alpha," he said, his voice low and venomous. "And Eric is nothing without the pack’s loyalty. We will sow discord, exploit their trust, and break them from within."

The Plan Unfolds

Richard’s strategy was as cunning as it was ruthless. He knew brute force alone wouldn’t be enough to reclaim the throne. Instead, he focused on subterfuge and manipulation, using his intimate knowledge of the pack’s weaknesses to dismantle Eric’s leadership.

1. Sabotage and Distraction

Over the next few weeks, Richard’s rogues carried out calculated attacks on Silver Claw’s borders. Small skirmishes and traps kept Eric’s warriors on edge, spreading their resources thin and forcing them into a state of constant vigilance.

One night, a supply caravan was ambushed, leaving vital medical supplies destroyed. Another evening, an explosive trap set near the training grounds injured several young warriors. The pack grew restless, questioning Eric’s ability to protect them.

2. Spreading Mistrust

Richard deployed spies within the pack, wolves who had feigned loyalty to Eric but secretly served Richard’s cause. These infiltrators whispered poison into the ears of the pack members, questioning Eric’s decisions and reigniting fears about Richard’s prophecy.

"Eric’s too young to lead," one spy murmured during a training session. "His compassion is a weakness, just like Richard said. Can he really keep us safe?"

3. Turning Allies into Enemies

Richard’s most devious move was targeting Jason, Eric’s closest friend and trusted Beta. Using forged letters and intercepted messages, Richard planted evidence suggesting that Jason was secretly working against Eric.

When Eric confronted Jason, the tension was palpable. "Why didn’t you tell me about the missing supply reports?" Eric demanded, his tone sharp.

Jason bristled. "Because I thought I could handle it myself. What’s this really about, Eric? Do you not trust me anymore?"

"It’s not about trust—it’s about accountability!" Eric snapped. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and the once-unbreakable bond between the Alpha and his Beta began to fracture.

A Calculated Return

As the pack struggled with internal strife and relentless attacks, Richard prepared for his grand return. He had saved his most loyal and dangerous ally for this moment: an ancient rogue known only as Malak, a wolf with unparalleled strength and a reputation for brutality.

In a secluded part of the forest, Richard stood before Malak, his voice smooth and persuasive. "Join me, and you’ll have power beyond your wildest dreams. Eric is nothing compared to the two of us combined."

Malak smirked, his golden eyes gleaming. "And what do I get in return, old Alpha?"

"When I reclaim my throne, you will be my enforcer, my right hand. You’ll have free reign to crush our enemies as you see fit."

Malak nodded slowly, sealing the deal. With this alliance, Richard knew he had the muscle to challenge Eric directly.

The Pack Fractures

Back in the Silver Claw Pack, the tension reached a boiling point. The patrols were exhausted, the council meetings were fraught with arguments, and Eric himself was stretched thin trying to hold everything together.

Aria noticed the strain in him one evening as they sat alone in the war room. "You can’t keep carrying this weight on your own, Eric," she said softly.

"I don’t have a choice," Eric replied, his voice tight. "Every time I think we’re making progress, another attack or betrayal sets us back. It’s like he’s always one step ahead."

"Then let me help you," Aria insisted. "We’re stronger together, remember?"

Her words gave Eric a glimmer of hope, but deep down, he knew Richard was exploiting every weakness. The question was how to stop him.

Richard chose the night of the pack’s annual Harvest Moon Festival to make his move. Under the cover of darkness, his forces infiltrated the pack’s territory, cutting off key defenses and surrounding the main packhouse.

Inside, the pack was gathered for the celebration, their spirits temporarily lifted by the festivities. Eric stood at the head of the gathering, addressing the pack with a rare smile.

But the moment was shattered when the doors burst open, revealing Richard flanked by Malak and a dozen heavily armed rogues. Gasps of shock and fear rippled through the crowd as Richard stepped forward, his presence commanding.

"Hello, my dear pack," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Did you really think I would disappear so easily?"

Eric’s eyes blazed with fury as he stepped down from the dais. "You don’t belong here, Richard. This isn’t your pack anymore."

Richard laughed, a harsh, hollow sound. "Isn’t it? I built this pack with my blood and sweat. You’re just a boy playing Alpha, Eric. But don’t worry—I’ve come to relieve you of that burden."

The tension was palpable as the two Alphas faced off, their wolves stirring just beneath the surface. The pack stood frozen, torn between loyalty to Eric and the fear Richard still inspired.

Malak snarled, stepping forward, but Eric raised a hand to stop him. "This is between us," he said, his voice steady. "No one else needs to get hurt."

Richard smirked. "Very well. Let’s see if you’ve learned anything since our last fight."

Father vs. Son

The battle between Eric and Richard was brutal, their wolves locked in a vicious struggle for dominance. Richard’s experience and cunning gave him an edge, but Eric’s determination and newfound strength kept him in the fight.

Around them, the pack watched in silence, the outcome of the duel determining their future. Aria stood at the front of the crowd, her fists clenched as she silently willed Eric to prevail.

Despite his injuries, Eric refused to yield. "This pack isn’t yours to take," he growled, his voice filled with conviction. "It never was. It belongs to the wolves who fight for it, who love it. Not someone who only sees it as a throne."

Richard snarled, lunging for the final blow, but Eric dodged and countered with a move that sent his father crashing to the ground. With his claws at Richard’s throat, Eric paused, his chest heaving.

"Yield," he demanded.

Richard’s eyes blazed with defiance, but he finally nodded, his voice a low growl. "You’ve won this time, boy. But this isn’t over.

The Aftermath

The pack erupted into cheers as Eric stood victorious, his leadership reaffirmed in the eyes of his people. Richard and his remaining allies were captured, their fate to be decided by the council.

As the celebrations continued, Eric retreated to a quiet corner of the packhouse with Aria. His body ached from the fight, but his heart felt lighter.

"You did it," Aria said, her voice filled with pride.

"No," Eric replied, looking out at the pack. "We did it. Together."

But even as he celebrated this hard-won victory, Eric couldn’t shake the feeling that Richard’s parting words were more than just a threat. The battle for the pack’s future was far from over.