Chapter 41
Gregory POV (Lily’s father)
The scar that stretched across his face seemed to deepen more as he turned and our gaze met, making him look more threatening.
Kai’s gaze flickered from me to my daughter, his gaze lingering more on Vanessa before coming back to my face. There was something unreadable in his expression, a cool detachment that sent a chill down my spine. He said nothing at first, simply observing us as if he were weighing us in his mind.
The bastard!
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and even. “You’ve come a long way from Golden Moon Pack. That’s impressive!” he said taking my hand that I had stretched towards him since a minute ago.
I couldn’t also help but notice that he was the tallest among all the werewolves present including me. He towered over everyone else, his presence dominating the space even when he stood perfectly still.
I could also swear that he would be toughest to fight against among all the alphas I knew. I mean; I’ve encountered a lot of really good Alphas but something about Kai set him apart. A barely contained ferocity that simmered just beneath the surface. I was grateful that our packs would never meet on the battlefield.
I also had heard whispers regarding how the rose to power at such a young age. It is rumoured that he killed his own father just to get there. So, I believe that the ‘monster’ who had killed his own father in cold blood would show no mercy towards anyone.
Pushing aside my unease, we shook hands. His grip was firm and then he gave me what appeared to be a smile.
“Welcome Alpha Stone,” he replied, his voice a low rumble. “Please let’s move towards the cottage. I’m sure we have a lot to discuss p>
The cottage was warmer than the biting cold outside. We all took our seats around the large wooden table, the fire crackling softly in the background. It was a scene that would have seemed almost cosy if not for Kai’s presence. He had leaned back slightly in his chair, his broad shoulders barely fitting in the old, creaking chairs. His eyes were sizing me up as if he was trying to peer into my soul.
Liam was the first to speak. His tone was polite but direct. “So, Alpha Gregory Stone – may I call you Alpha Stone. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit p>
I forced a smile of my own noting that they didn’t bother to serve us refreshments. “Well, I’ve long to visit for the longest time. Our packs have been neighbours for years now and it’s a shame that we’ve never had the opportunity to meet. I thought it was high time I rectified that. I’m embarrassed it took me this long p>
But even as I spoke, I knew the real reason why we suddenly became neighbours. It wasn’t so in the beginning but Kai had spent the last few years expanding his pack borders and territory and he did that by absorbing smaller packs and tightening his grip on the region. It was a fact that made many of the neighbouring Alphas, including me, nervous.
“I see,” Liam nodded but didn’t bother hiding the disgust on his face as he stared at me. “But I imagine that’s not the only reason for your visit today, is it? I know you may not be used to this but here, we value openness and honesty here. So, Alpha Stone, let’s be straightforward p>
My smile faltered. I had prepared for this, knowing that Kai and his pack, wouldn’t appreciate any beating around the bush. But now, under Kai’s Intense scrutiny and open disdain from his Beta. I could feel my confidence begin to waver.
“Yes, well,” I cleared my throat as I chose my next words carefully. “There is another matter, truthfully. We’ve recently had an issue with a traitor in our pack. We believe that they may have crossed into your territory. So, we’d like to know if you’ve apprehended or perhaps, dealt with this individual p>
“Just for the sake of emphasis,” I continued again. “The person was an outcast in our pack and we had to drive them because of treason p>
The air in the room suddenly became cold. I could almost feel the temperature drop. Kai’s eyes locked onto mine with a force that nearly made me flinch. There was no further clarification; we both knew exactly what I was implying.
Kai’s spoke suddenly, his voice barely above a growl. “A traitor, you say? And you believe this traitor might have crossed into my territory p>
I swallowed hard. “Yes, it’s possible. We’re not certain, of course, but if someone crossed the border – our border, I wanted to ensure that our packs remain in communication. After all, we wouldn’t want any misunderstanding p>
“You’re talking vaguely, Alpha Stone,” he said with annoyance in his voice. “I think you should give us a detailed description. Is this person – the traitor a male or female? And what was the nature of his wolf’s treason p>
He leaned back slighting the tension in the room easing up just a bit.
“You know how I feel about traitors. From all the Alphas in this region, I deal with intruders swiftly and efficiently,” He continued, his voice cold. But I’ll need more information if you want my help. Like who exactly is this traitor, and what did they do to earn such a title p>
He asked again, repeating the same question from before.
I swallowed hard, fighting to maintain my composure. “She…she attempted to undermine our pack’s leadership. Spread rumours among the ranks, and sold useful information to rogues. It was a regrettable situation, but we had no choice but to cast her out as an example among the younger generation. So, they’ll understand that such attitude cannot be tolerated p>
Kai raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “You expect me to believe that you’re here out of concern for my pack’s safety? Or are you simply trying to cover your own tracks p>
I stiffened at the accusation, but before I could respond, Kai continued his tone cutting. “Because from where I’m standing, it sounds like you’re trying to clean up your mess on my land and that doesn’t sit well with me p>
I felt the blood drain from my face. This was not going according to plan. I had hoped to gauge Kai’s reaction, to see if there was any sign that the rogue had been captured – or worse killed. But he was too sharp, too experienced to fall for my diplomatic manoeuvring.
“I assure you, Alpha Kai,” I said, trying to regain my composure. “My intentions are purely in the interest of both our packs. I simply wish to ensure that no further harm comes from this unfortunate situation p>
Kai leaned forward, his frame seeming to loom over the table. “And this outcast – traitor or whatever it is you which to call her. Does she have a name p>
For a moment, I hesitated, I could feel Vanessa’s anxiety spiking through our bond. She was literally shaking. But there was no turning back now.
“Lily,” I said, the name falling from my lips like a stone. “Her name is Lily p>
Kai’s eyes locked with mine, in an instant like two daggers… That was when I knew, I had walked straight into his trap.