Seven

TRISTAN’S POV:

As I stepped into the room, a hushed silence fell over the crowd. I could sense the covert conversations and plotting, but I chose to keep it to myself. I returned to my seat, my hands clasped, offering an apology for the interruption. Judgemental glares met my words, their grievances unsaid but palpable. In any case, I wasn't in the mood to get angry today.

Out of nowhere, Lucas, seated across from me, grunted disapproval. "Leaving a meeting without a proper reason isn't fitting, Alpha King," he admonished. I met his challenging gaze, but I had no intention of engaging in a power struggle. Instead, I apologized, maintaining eye contact. It was clear he was disgruntled, not expecting me to yield, yet he chose silence.

"Shall we continue?" I inquired, directing my attention to Alpha Odette, the acting female alpha of the Peak Ocean Pack. "Alpha Odette, please proceed with your pack's report."

"Yes, Alpha King," she responded swiftly, opening her file, and the meeting res