Chapter 45:
“The Alpha’s word is law. Trust is earned through strength, not words.”
There had been no room for debate under his rule, no room for the kind of discussion I was now allowing. I had admired his clarity, his confidence. But his strength had come at a cost. His authoritarian approach had alienated those who questioned him, creating fractures that I was now tasked with healing.
I wasn’t my father. I wouldn’t lead with the iron certainty that had defined his rule. My leadership had to be different—softer in some ways, but no less resolute. The pack needed unity, not fear. And I would build that unity, one step at a time.
Back in the council room, Miriam’s frown deepened.
“But can we trust that his loyalty extends to the pack, and not just to you? Some of us worry that his bond with you might cloud his judgment.”
I straightened in my seat, letting my authority fill the room.
“Dante is loyal to Talon Pack, and to me as its Alpha. If you doubt his intentions, then I suggest you spend more time observing his actions and less time speculating about his motivations. I will not tolerate baseless accusations, nor will I allow anyone to question my decisions as Alpha. Is that understood?”
A tense silence followed my words, but no one spoke. I could see the conflict in their expressions—some still skeptical, others visibly swayed by my conviction. Celia broke the silence, her voice gentle but firm.
“Elara is right. We cannot afford division, not with Silas preparing to strike. If Dante’s actions support the pack, then we should focus on that, rather than dwelling on the past.”
Osric leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.
“Very well. But trust is earned, Elara, not granted. If Dante is to be part of this pack, he’ll need to show the others that he’s here for them, not just for you.”
“I have no doubt that he will,” I replied. My tone left no room for further debate.
“Now, unless anyone else has something to say, we have more pressing matters to discuss.”
After the council meeting, I stepped outside, the cold air biting at my skin. The pack had gathered near the training grounds, their murmurs quieting as I approached. They were waiting for me to speak, their doubts and questions hanging in the air like a storm cloud.
I stood tall, letting my gaze sweep over them.
“Talon Pack,” I began, my voice carrying across the clearing.
“I know there are questions about Dante’s return. I know some of you have doubts. And I won’t pretend those doubts aren’t valid.”
“Valid. But let me remind you of something: this pack’s strength comes not from any one wolf, but from the bonds we share, the trust we build.”
I paused, letting my words sink in.
“Dante is here because I believe he can help us face what’s coming. He has fought for this pack before, and he is prepared to fight for it again. But trust is earned, not given. He knows that, and so do I.”
I took a step closer to the gathered wolves, meeting their gazes.
“We stand on the edge of a storm. Silas is coming, and he will do everything in his power to tear us apart. But I will not let this pack fall. Together, we are stronger than any enemy. Together, we are Talon Pack. And as your Alpha, I will lead us through whatever lies ahead.”
The pack stood in silence for a moment, and then, one by one, heads began to nod. It wasn’t unanimous, but it was enough. The first stirrings of unity, fragile but real. As I stepped down, I felt the weight of their eyes on me—not with suspicion, but with something else. Hope.
The road ahead would not be easy, but I had made my choice, and I would stand by it. This pack was my responsibility, my legacy, and I would lead it with the strength and determination my father had instilled in me. But I would also lead it with the compassion and resolve he had lacked.
Dante was part of this pack now, and together, we would face whatever came next.
POV: Elara
