Page 125 of The Alpha's Fated Destiny

Chapter 29

Sophia

"We’re going to have to return that money." I rest my chin in my hand as I look at the elders of the Cross River Wolf pack and the other Alphas of the North Alliance.

“That money belongs to Queen Karina…" One of the elders begins, and I roll my eyes, feeling like we're simply going around in circles. "That was the money Karina stole from the humans after killing them and their families. Those businesses have to be returned to the human governments, as does the money that Karina stole."

“You don’t have any proof that she stole it. Those humans donated all their businesses and properties to her…"

The air crackles around me with magic as my frustration peaks. "The Cross River Wolf pack will not keep that money, nor any assets that were acquired through means that can endanger the three alliances. We cannot afford to have the humans as our enemies.”

“But …” For some reason, these old men thought I would be easier to convince than my mate.

“Karina kidnapped humansand forced them to sign over their properties, their bank balances, and their successful businesses.She did her research on every target. We have files. She would then murder the remainder of that human’s clan, or family, whatever you would like to callit, simply to make sure nobody questioned her control. Do you want to start a war with the humans?”

I snap at the elders who are all just fussy old men, determined to retain some of their control.

“Queen Karina…” one of them began, and I slammed my hand down on the table before me. “Stop calling her that! She was a traitor to all three alliances!”

“You are the traitor!” the elder retorts, his eyes flashing with venom. “Queen Karina would have taken us to great heights. It was time we ruled over the humans instead of cowering in fear from them…”

“Somebody get this man away from me before I make him explode.” I rub my temples. “This conversation is done with. There is no debate, and if anybody tries to argue with me, their lands and money will also be seized and handed over to the humans. And this time, it’s just because you’d be annoying me. Alex is the one dealing with this, not me, so stop showing up here and wasting my time.”

Brian has his people usher the elders of the Cross River Wolf Pack out of the conference room and I sink back into the chair. “Stop letting them in. It’s bad enough I’m being forced to deal with all these other problems.”

None of the Northern Alphas look insulted. “The North needs a leader. You are the Silver Wolf and you saved the North Alliance. This is your rightful place.”

“According to the pack laws,” I begin, not for the first time, “It was Alex who killed Karina. He took her life, so he could become the next King of the North Alliance. And let’s be honest here, it was his position all along. I don’t know why you think having me wear that title is going to magically transform the North into something special.”

“If you rule the North, Alex Stone will be right by your side,” Another one of the Alphas argues.

“Maybe we should just…” I begin, but I don’t get the opportunity to finish my sentence, because the doors of the conference room are thrown open, and Nathan barges in.

I am on my feet before I even realize it. “What’s wrong?”

Nathan isn’t one to barge in like this unless something has happened.

“Your parents,” Nathan says quickly. “You have to come with me.”

I thrust the files in front of me into Brian’s hands and leap over the table, hurrying after Nathan. I hear Brian sigh heavily just as the doors close behind.

“What happened to my parents?” I demand as I run after Nathan.

“They’re awake.”

***

I was so desperate for my parents to wake up, but as I stare at them, it’s awkward. I still have a hard time imagining Logan asmy father. When I enter the room, my mother is leaning against him, the two of them speaking in hushed voices.

“Logan…” I begin, only for my mother to stop me.

“Caleb.”

Her eyes are clear. I don’t see a hint of the person I recall from the banquet. "Your father’s name is Caleb, Sophia.”

I open my mouth to say something, but my voice gets stuck in my throat. What am I supposed to say? How do I start a conversation with them?

But it turns out I don’t have to speak. My mother gets to her feet. She looks at my father expectantly, and he helps her walk. She’s not quite steady on her feet yet, but with his help, she manages to walk across the room to me. Her hands cup my face as she watches me. “Look at you. You’re so beautiful. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you, Sophia.”

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