Page 72 of Wolf's Endgame

Alone in the study, I had no choice but to respect my mate and go back to the books. I hadn’t lied to her. We really could be exiled and shunned from pack life if things went badly.

Within all packs, the Council held sway, a body of thirteen esteemed members entrusted with the governance of our community. Their authority was absolute, their decisions binding, as they upheld the ancient laws passed down through generations. Our pack’s existence revolved around these time-honored laws, which shaped everything from resource distribution to conflict resolution and the preservation of harmony. To challenge the Council was to challenge the very foundation of our pack’s unity, a risk few dared to take lightly. Yet, beneath the surface of said unity, I’d heard whispers of discontent, fueled by suspicions of corruption and manipulation, and I hadn’t paid them any mind, too intent I had been on wrestling control of this pack from my father.

As I explored the history records, I felt even more determined to uncover the secrets hidden in the Council’s meetings. I knew that revealing these secrets was crucial for securing our pack’s future. Not just my pack, but all packs.

When the first rays of daylight pierced through the night’s darkness, I leaned back in my seat, feeling the exhaustion wash over me. The path in front of us was a long one. Or, I could bypass all traditions and openly challenge them. It was a crude method, but it meant I could get results quicker.

Or banished quicker.

The outcome wasn’t guaranteed.

But then when did a fight ever have a guaranteed outcome?

The door to the study slid open, and I watched quietly as the shaman walked into the room, closing the door behind him.

“You smell of rebellion.”

I didn’t hide my grin. “I should, I’ve been planning one all night.”

The old man nodded as he took a seat. “What have you planned so far?” When I hesitated, I saw his frown. “My loyalty is to the packs,” he reminded me.

“It wasn’t your loyalty I was thinking of,” I answered honestly. “It was whether or not I was ready to share my rather desperate plan.”

“Saying it out loud makes it real,” he said with a knowing smile.

“You know it.”

“Try it anyway,” he encouraged.

“I need to overthrow the Pack Council. I was merely going to highlight their corruption, but it needs to be more than that.” When the shaman nodded, I continued. “To overcome the power of the Pack Council, I need a comprehensive strategy. My first task is to gather evidence of the Council’s corruption and manipulation. This must be irrefutable. Next, I need to build alliances with other packs. Knowing who else thinks like I do is crucial. If I can rally them behind a common vision for change, I think others will be more receptive to my message. A strategic communication plan is necessary to effectively address the Council’s misconduct and call into question its legitimacy, highlighting their wrongdoing.”

Seeing the shaman was still listening, I continued. “I’ll talk to influential pack members who agree with me and get their help to push for change from inside the packs. I’ll also need to have contingency plans ready to tackle any resistance that may arise, which may mean mobilizing support from nearby packs and asking them to fight.” I sighed loudly. “And to navigate this effectively, I need to demonstrate transparent and accountable leadership, which I thought I had until the moment you put a white-haired female in front of me, and then I become irrational.”

“Sounds like a good strategic plan.”

“But?”

“A plan like that takes time.” The shaman may be hindered in sight, but still, his gaze felt piercing.

“Time we don’t have.”

“Agreed.”

Running my hand through my hair, I sighed loudly. “I have an alternative plan.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“We go in, take out Bale’s pack, gather whatever evidence we can find, and when the Council comes asking for answers, we deal with them then.”

“Risky.”

“Yeah.”

“I like it.”

I grinned. “So do I.”

In the early hours of the morning, I joined my mate in bed. Feeling the warmth of her body against mine brought me a peace I never knew I needed. While Kezia slept in my embrace, her muttered words about me cheating couldn’t dampen my contentment as I held her close. She nuzzled against me, seeking comfort, and soon returned to her deep slumber.

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