Page 20 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

As the day wears on, I throw myself into my work, reviewing reports, making calls, and finishing my notes for the pack meeting. But through it all, thoughts of Lila linger at the edges of my mind, a constant, tantalizing presence.

By the time evening rolls around, I feel both exhausted and energized. I change into fresh clothes, straighten my shoulders, and head to the pack house.

Chapter 6

Torn Between Duty and Desire

Axel

I sometimes wonder if folks feel my presence before they see me. As soon as I enter the Crescent Moon Lodge, it's like I've hit a mute button on the world. Every chat, every whisper, every murmur dies away as I make my entrance. The air is thick with tension, and I can feel their stares and whispers as I approach the platform. Being an Alpha isn't always easy, but someone's got to do it.

I clear my throat and call the pack meeting to order. My voice echoes through the spacious room, bouncing off the walls like a pinball.

Finn speaks up hesitantly. "What about the rogues, Axel? They're still out there."

I nod, feeling my jaw clench at the thought of those pesky rogues terrorizing our territory. It's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands – frustrating as hell.

"I know you're all concerned," I begin, making sure my voice carries through the meeting hall. "As you're aware, there was another rogue sighting the other day. We're here today to address this."

A murmur ripples through the crowd, like a wave in a sea of worried faces. I hold up my hand, silencing them. Sometimes being an Alpha feels like being a kindergarten teacher, I swear.

"Unfortunately, the rogue eluded us and the woman he attacked hasn’t been found," I admit, gritting my teeth at the memory. It still stings. "He was fast and seemed to know our territory well. This confirms our worst fears – we're dealing with a coordinated threat, not just lone wolves."

I let my gaze sweep over them, making eye contact, showing them the determination in my eyes. Some nod grimly, others lean forward, hanging on my every word. It's like they're waiting for me to pull a rabbit out of a hat or something.

"I understand your fear. But remember, we are strong. We are united. And we will face this threat as we have faced every challenge – together, as a pack."

But even as I say these words, I can sense the undercurrent of doubt. It's like a prickle at the back of my neck. Through the pack bond their concerns start rolling in.

Maybe he shouldn't be our Alpha.

We need an Alpha to protect us from rogues.

Why is he just now telling us we have a problem?

He should be out there protecting us.

I feel my wolf surging within me, reacting to the energy in the room.

Show them your strength,he says.

And you know what? He's right. Sometimes you've got to remind them why you're the Alpha. I let a hint of my wolf bleed into my eyes, a flicker of power, of dominance.

"I am your alpha," I declare, my voice ringing with authority. "I will lead us through this danger. But I need your trust, your loyalty, your courage. We need to understand our enemies."

The tension in the room shifts. It's like watching a flock of birds suddenly change direction mid-flight. Fear gives way to determination, to readiness. That's more like it.

"Now," I say, my tone shifting to one of command. "Let's discuss our strategy."

Elena, one of our most experienced trackers, steps forward. "Alpha," she says, "Did you pick up any distinct scents on the rogue? Anything that might help us identify where they're coming from?"

I nod, appreciating her quick thinking. That's why I like Elena – always on the ball. "There was a faint scent of pine and something... industrial. Motor oil, maybe. It was hard to pin down during the chase."

Murmurs ripple through the crowd as pack members exchange theories. It's like watching a live-action game of telephone. I raise my hand for silence.

"This brings me to our first order of business. We need to expand our patrols, particularly in the areas bordering the industrial district to the east. Elena, I want you to lead a team to scout that area. Be cautious – we don't know how many rogues we're dealing with."

Elena nods, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Understood, Alpha. I'll assemble a team immediately after the meeting."

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