Two

Thane's POV

I scoffed, but didn't get a chance to say anything before Luna Mirabel approached me and set a flash drive right on the table In Front of me before settling back in her seat.

I just stared down at the drive in distaste, not bothering to touch It or even ask of Its purpose.

"That drive contains Intel on the potential brides we've already picked for the bride choosing ceremony."

They've already made the arrangements and have chosen the potential brides? Alpha Nathaniel probably had this all planned and ready to execute at the right time when I least expected.

"Are you done?" I grab the flash drive and pocket It before facing him, my expressionless face not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me helpless and angry knowing he had the upper hand in this situation.

"We were informed that your recent personal trainer just quit. He said you were missing training, you were not following up on the regime, and you bluntly showed signs that you were not ready to train," I made to speak but he continued, a hand raised in the air to stop me. "This is the 3rd personal trainer for just this month and you thought we wouldn't have to take the bull by the horns and take matters into our own hands? Do you not think Mortema has enough Intel on us like she did with our late parents to know that you're the easiest target of all of us… "

"I've got enough pack guards and a tight patrol game. She'd think twice before apprehending me or my pack."

Everyone in the meeting suddenly laughed. Except Alpha Monica and some others who remained solemn and quiet, the others laughed at me with scorn and amusement.

I turn and grab my coat off the back of my chair, swinging It over my shoulder before walking out of the meeting room.

"Thane, get back here!" Alpha Nathaniel roared, but I didn't halt in my steps, moving outside with precise determination to get away from them.

My sneakers squeaked noisily in the empty hallway leading outside as I walked away, the sounds of their laughter growing farther away from me.

"Thane… "

I turned to see Alpha Ryker standing a few feet behind me before he slowly began making his way towards me.

I felt my wolf trash within me, burning in rage from the humiliation I just faced, and without thinking, my eyes turned bloodshot red as I let out a growl.

"Stay away, Ryker. You're just like the others. I don't need another pep talk from you."

Alpha Ryker was 25, thus making him the second youngest but that didn't mean we were friends because we happened to fall in almost similar age grade. Or so I thought. His mate, Luna Emelda happened to be the youngest and the same age as me. Alpha Ryker was tall and muscular, with dark hair and a rugged, undeniable handsome face. His eyes were a deep brown and there seemed to always be a glint of mischief in them. He had a confident and relaxed demeanor, but It was clear he could be fierce and be decisive when the situation called for It. He had the power and natural authority of an Alpha but sometimes he acted like an annoying big brother and It was fucking nerving.

"Come on. Are you mad that you said something completely ridiculous and we had a good laugh over It?"

"Fuck you."

"The meeting isn't over and Alpha Nathaniel wants you in there immediately. I won't be responsible for whatever happens after If you decide to Ignore me."

"Are you done? Yes? Then leave me alone. I'm fucking tired of being treated like inconsiderate trash just because I'm 'too young'. And to make matters worse, you guys are already making decisions for me.. and… " my eyes cleared, returning to normal as I extended my hand towards the meeting room I had just left, frustration written over my face. "and that annoying hag keeps calling me child. I'm fucking 21. I'm an adult!"

"Thane, calm down."

"My life is being controlled and I can't do anything about It. How am I supposed to calm down? Do tell me! And you can never relate… because you fucking snake can't stand up for me. I thought we were friends. How could you just stand there and watch them make a decision without my knowledge!"

"I didn't join in the vote." He quietly said and I stopped, slowly lowering my hand with etched brows.

"What?"

"I was around for the meeting but not everyone actually voted for this. Some thought It was a bad Idea to conduct a bride finding ceremony.. "

"Alpha Nathaniel had one vote obviously, who were the others… I'm sure Alpha Elara…"

"Didn't you hear the surprise in her voice on hearing about the bride finding ceremony? She wasn't around for the meeting either. It was Alpha Nathaniel, Alpha Amos and Alpha Ethan who voted for the Idea."

My brows shot up in realization.

The vote had to be more than three. It can't take legal action against me If not.

I knew Alpha Ethan may think he harbored good intention voting, because he was genuinely a good man and I saw him as a father figure, but he just didn't know how wrong this was.. making decisions like this.

Ethan was 29. He was tall with a strong jaw and piercing green eyes. He had a confident air about him, but he was also approachable and easy to talk to. His intelligence was clear to anyone who spike to him and I was a clear witness to that. He was a man of action, always ready to take on a challenge. But he also had a soft side which reminded me a lot about my father.

"Alpha Monica was against the Idea.. so that leaves us with one more vote to make It legal…" Ryker said before we both raised our heads, locking eyes.

"Alpha Elara."

I suddenly sighed and slapped my hand over my face, a bitter smile over my lips.

"Forget It. She hates me. I'm sure the only reason she'd agree to this is to see me helpless without having to do anything."

"I have to go back to the meeting, Thane and I'll update you on what's going on… that is… if you plan on not coming back, but I'd advise you. Mortema might really come back, and goddess knows, If anything happens to you… "

"Nothing will happen to me." I cut in, before turning and walking away, leaving him standing there while my heart pounded loudly in the confinement of my chest.

I go out and Valerie, my Beta and Best friend are waiting for me in the driver's seat of my car.

"I'm guessing the meeting didn't go well again." She said, turning on the Ignition the moment I get in and bang the door beside me.

"I heard six belly dancers from north Lupusia would be present to perform in the club downtown…" I said, already on my phone without answering her previous question.

"... And you want me to get one for you to spend the night with and fuck all your frustrations away rather than actually having a conversation with me and clearing the air our like a normal person." She replied, a sarcastic tone to her voice, but she was very aware of what I wanted so I just let her have her little laugh.

"She'd better be good."

"When have I ever disappointed you, Thane." She rolled her eyes with a smirk.