Chapter 3 The Council's Demand

Chapter 3

The Council's Demand

BLACKTHORN PACK

Kieran stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his black shirt. The council meeting had begun minutes ago, and he had no intention of arriving on time.

He hated the council. A group of old men who believed their age gave them the right to question his decisions. As if he gave a damn what they thought.

His black trousers were perfectly pressed, and his fitted shirt accentuated his muscular build. His dark hair was neatly styled, with a few strands falling across his forehead.

He knew exactly how intimidating he looked. He had never needed anyone to remind him of the effect he had on people.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Derek, his Beta, stepped inside.

“The council is waiting for you.”

Kieran glanced at his wristwatch before reaching for his jacket.

“Then they can wait a little longer.”

He left the room with Derek beside him. He already knew what the meeting was about. The elders had been pestering him about the same issue for months, and he was tired of hearing it.

As they approached the council hall, their voices grew louder. The elders were already arguing.

Kieran stopped outside the door and gestured for Derek to open it.

“He always does this! He comes in and then—”

The elder fell silent as Kieran stepped into the room.

Silence followed.

Kieran walked to his seat at the front of the hall and settled into the heavy wooden chair, crossing one leg over the other. His gaze swept across the elders. One by one, they lowered their eyes.

He rested an arm on the chair and tapped his fingers against it.

“Well?” he asked. “Mark, you were saying something before I came in. Care to share?”

“No, Alpha.” The elder swallowed. “I was just conversing with my fellow elders.”

“Alpha!” Matthew called from across the hall. “We have important matters to discuss.”

“And what would that be, Matthew?”

“You know what we've been discussing for a while now, Alpha,” another elder said.

Kieran's expression hardened. He knew exactly where this conversation was heading, and he had no patience for it.

“You need to find your mate, Alpha,” Matthew said, rising from his seat. “The pack has been without a Luna for too long. It should never be said that the Blackthorn Pack has no Luna.”

“The position is too important to remain vacant,” another elder added.

“And it isn't vacant,” Kieran replied. “We have Valeria.”

“Valeria is no Luna!” Matthew shouted.

Kieran's fingers stopped tapping.

“Don't raise your voice at your Alpha.”

“My apologies.” Matthew lowered his head briefly before continuing. “But Valeria is your mistress, not your Luna. She's there for your bed, nothing more.”

“She's also taken too much power,” another elder added. “That needs to change.”

“And you don't tell me what to do!”

“Kieran Rodriguez!”

The hall fell deathly silent.

The elder who had spoken seemed to realize his mistake a moment too late. Addressing the Alpha by his name was a dangerous thing to do, especially in front of the entire council.

“My apologies, Alpha. I didn't mean to offend you.”

Kieran's eyes darkened. His jaw tightened as he stared at Matthew, who quickly returned to his seat.

“This meeting is over.”

He pushed back his chair and walked out without another word.

Kieran stormed down the hallway, with Derek hurrying to catch up.

“I'm never attending that damned council meeting again!” he growled, loosening the first two buttons of his shirt.

“You know that's impossible, Alpha,” Derek replied.

“Thanks for the reminder.”

“Those elders are relentless. It's enough to piss anyone off.”

“Then give them what they want.”

Kieran stopped and shot him a look.

“I can't, Derek. I want no mate, no Luna, and no visitors. Is that too much to ask?”

Before Derek could respond, Kieran walked away.

He reached his suite, slammed the door shut, and strode toward the table. He grabbed a bottle of wine, poured himself a glass, and drained it in one go.

His jaw remained clenched as he poured another glass and sank into a chair.

He was furious, though that was hardly unusual.

The door opened without a knock.

Kieran looked up as Valeria entered and closed the door behind her. She leaned against it, her gaze fixed on him.

She wore a fitted black dress that fell just above her knees, revealing her long legs. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and deep red lipstick accentuated her fair skin.

She approached him slowly, her heels clicking against the floor.

“You look angry,” she said.

Kieran took another sip of wine.

“I'm sure I explicitly told Derek I wanted no visitors.”

“I'm not a visitor, Kieran.”

His gaze lifted to hers.

“Kieran?”

Valeria immediately lowered her head.

“My apologies, Alpha.”

“Why are you here?” He rose from his chair.

“What did you discuss with the elders?”

Kieran ignored her and walked toward the mirror, reaching for the buttons of his shirt.

“I asked what you discussed with them.”

“Know your place, Valeria!” he snapped. “It's none of your business.”

“It's my business! Alpha—”

“Get out!”

Valeria stared at him, her expression hardening. Then she turned and stormed out, nearly colliding with Derek in the doorway.

“She doesn't look pleased,” Derek remarked, watching her leave.

Kieran turned toward him.

“What do you want?”

“Well, it's Mrs. Crane…”

Kieran's expression darkened.

“What's wrong with this damn woman? Is she here again?”

“No. Not this time.”

Something in Derek's voice made Kieran pause.

“Then what is it?”

Derek met his gaze.

“She's dead.”