Conrad POV
I go into this meeting with the West to meet Alpha Ethan, Brianna’s Father, for his review but have called Alpha Bernard as well. I need to know where these two idiots have landed regarding their pack business.
I’m short and blunt as I need to get this process finished. “Shall we start with the obvious question. Are you two still planning on killing each other“.
They both look at the ground and mumble, “No“.
“So do we have a solution then“.
Alpha Ethan speaks up first, “That will depend on the rest of the meeting“. I pause to indicate for him to go on. “I don’t want to lose my status as a councilman and pack Alpha at the same time. I know it might not be avoidable but I’m not sure where I stand currently in the grand scheme of things“.
“Let’s discuss the disciplinary charges then. I have recordings of you participating in an interview with Lady Lewana in which you blamed her for being raped as a pup and implied she enjoyed it“.
Alpha Bernard was horrified. “You did WHAT“.
Alpha Ethan immediately starts pleading. “I didn’t know that was going that happen. We had a meeting with Alpha Anthony before her interview and he made it clear that she couldn’t be Luna Queen because of her rogue status. We discussed the risks of having her on the throne and how other rogues might try and flood our packs trying to get in because of her. I didn’t want my pack to be at risk so agreed to score her lower than the others. I had no idea he was going
to bring up…. the other stuff“.
“And yet you sat there and watched it happen without saying anything“. I don’t even try to hide my disgust.
“I am ashamed of my actions and I should have intervened“. He looks at the ground unable to meet my eye.
Now for my main question. “What changed your mind. Why did you vote for her in the last elimination“.
Both men turn and look at each other. Alpha Bernard fills me in. “The fact she has the wolfsbane vaccine. We have both had many pack members die because of its toxic effect on us. It grows wildly in both of our territories. Both of our packs have strict rules about where to go for safety reasons which adds to our division. A vaccine or treatment options would change everything for us“.
Alpha Ethan agrees. “We both have a grandpup on the way. To have that child never have to worry about being poisoned. Or myself being worried that my daughter will pass away during birth like her mother did. I am truly sorry about what happened to Lady Lewana and how I didn’t stop it but I know now she is the one who can support us in this modern world. Not just because she is a blessed wolf but because of her education“.
I think about what he said. He seems sincere but I feel I still need to send a message because of how he treated my girl his daughter.
“You can remain on the council on a probationary basis for six months. This way you can work out what is happening in your packs and Lady Brianna will give birth during this time while she is under my protection here. Donovan is under the same restrictions. During this time you will need to show that you support the crown and the people and not just your interests. If you fail this period, you will be removed from the council and an election in the West will be held“.
1/3
I can see the wave of relief that passes over them both. “Thank you, Alpha King. Thank you“.
“You are both excused“. They practically run for the door. It doesn’t surprise me that they didn’t have much to do with Alpha Anthony. They share no borders with him so it was more likely a weak will that made him easily swayed.
Make me question though. I have evidence he brided the North and Alpha William of the South has been the most complicit. I mull this over and decide to move his hearing up til right now. I have a plan.
A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts and I call him in.
“You wanted to see me, Your Highness“.
“Sit down Alpha William. As I will be busy tomorrow I have decided to move your disciplinary hearing up until right now“.
“Oh, I see“. Strange. He doesn’t seem remotely concerned.
“I have evidence that you rigged the interview of the candidate to discredit Lady Lewana and protected someone who had caused her harm. How do you defend yourself“.
“I apologize if this is the way it came across but I do not believe I acted outside the scope of my role as councilman. I understand you are concerned and will endeavor to serve you better“. Now this has been rehearsed.
“During the council meeting, you also acted very poorly but did not contribute to the discussion and just agreed with whatever the vite was. Do you have no independent thoughts“.
“I was acting within my role as councilman and did what I thought was best at the time“.
Same line as before. I’m not tolerating this.
“My ruling is that you are to be kicked off the council immediately. We have Lady Valerie who can step in for the remaining voting for this ceremony so we no longer need you. As you no longer have a role you are to be escorted off the territory tonight. You may go now“.
He sits there stunned processing what I have said. Trying to find words to understand. “But the others got six months‘ probation. Wouldn’t that be more suitable“.
“You claimed a pup moaned with enjoyment in the breeding stock. You disgust me. You are a disgrace to the South. A disgrace to your pack. A as far as I am concerned a traitor to your King“.
“But he said…….“. He quickly stopped talking before he said any more and I could see the panic in his eyes. I mind–link the guards to come get and escort him.
When the guards arrive he starts shaking. “Please my Alpha King don’t do this. I will lose everything“.
His words don’t sway me. I look at the guards and give further instructions.
“Search every item on and in his possession. He is only to leave with clothes. Everything else is to be considered council- related work and is to go directly to Councilwomen Valerie“.
He gasps and his breathing hitches. I knew this bastard was hiding something. And now I knew where to find it.
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Chapter 117
Conrad POV
