Chapter 4: Pressure and Politics

Edwin stood on the training ground, watching warriors spar. His thoughts were elsewhere, far away from the training ground.

"Alpha," Elder Leonard approached cautiously. "The pack is restless. Rumors spread quickly."

"I am doing everything I can so as to make an announcement soon," Edwin muttered, jaw tight.

Garrett’s voice sliced through the growing crowd. "If I may, Alpha."

He stood beside Vanessa—tall, poised, dangerous. Her eyes gleamed with ambition.

"My daughter has trained for this role her whole life," Garrett said, loud enough for all to hear. "She is Luna material."

"Luna material?" Edwin scoffed, not believing his ears.

Edwin’s shoulders stiffened. "Need I remind you, Garrett, this isn’t a political campaign."

"The people need strength and assurance," Garrett pressed. "Not sentiment."

"And the way you suggest a way forward is for me to ditch my mate and settle for your daughter whom you have trained for the position of Luna over the years?" Edwin roared, anger visible on his eyes.

"I implore you to calm down, alpha," Leonard suggested.

"Your subordinates are watching, and if you continue to argue with Garrett in public, this way, I am afraid that matters might get out of hands." 

" It is always about what is best for the pack, for everyone. No one ever thinks of what is best for me," Edwin stated, his eyes raging with anger.

"Do you think that the moon goddess made a mistake? Giving me an omega as my mate? Do you all now question her works?" 

A low murmur rippled through the warriors. Doubt. Edwin could smell it like rot in the air.

"Right!" Edwin muttered before walking away, unable to stomach the murmurs and the sight of Garrett.

Later, in the hallways of the Alpha's mansion, Vanessa cornered Edwin. Her smile was razor-sharp.

"You are slipping," she whispered, close enough that he could feel her breath. "A true leader does not let his emotions blind him."

"I don’t recall asking for your opinion," he snapped.

" And I will really appreciate it if you do not shove your face in mine or creep me out, "

"But you will remember it," she purred. "Because soon, I’ll be standing beside you... whether you like it or not. So I suggest you get used to seeing me this up close and everywhere," she seductively said.

"You must have had this in mind for so long," he replied, with no sign of surprise.

"I have always dreamt and fantasized what it would be like to be the Luna, to stand by your side, all the through the rest of my life," Vanessa dreamily said.

"I just do not seem to understand how sloppy the moon goddess can get for her to have fated Tiara, a lowlife crawling maggot to such a powerful man like you, Edwin." Twisting her face with so much disgust as she spoke.

"I would be careful of whatever it is that comes out of my mouth if I were you, Vanessa." Edwin warned, tightening his fist.

"Good thing we are not the same, alpha." She replied.

She walked closer to him, " you are a strong man, a good and upright leader, Edwin, and I am so sure that you do not want to throw it all away for a worthless omega who has nothing to offer you or the pack," 

" I get to decide what is best for the pack, Vanessa," he sharply replied.

" Neither you or your father has a say in this and I will suggest that you behave yourself,"

" We shall see about that, alpha." She turned and walked away, hips swaying as she walked away with triumph.

"Such a pathetic situation," he scoffed, running his hand through his hair.

But in the shadows above them, Tiara watched—silent, hidden.

She had crept in after feeling something gnawing at her instincts. And now she knew why.

Moments earlier, she had overheard Garrett and Vanessa in a private alcove.

"I cannot believe that the moon goddess would make such a grave mistake," Vanessa muttered, under her breath.

"Careful of what you say, darling." Her father replied, playing with his beards.

"Now, you sound like Edwin," she rolled her eyes.

" You should be careful of what you say around or to him, Vanessa. We do not want the tiniest dent on the plans that I have already set in motion." He advised.

"I do not think that he would ever accept me or get rid of that thing," she complained.

" The thought of it alone makes me sick," 

"You should know that I will never allow that to happen to you, sweetie," Garrett encouraged.

"I do not mind instigating the whole pack against him but I hope it never comes to that," 

"So what do you propose, father?" Vanessa impatiently asked.

"Once the hunt ceremony is complete," Garrett whispered, "we will finish the job. A little sleeping potion the Alpha’s wine, and you know what to do. He would have no choice but to dance to our tune. No more softness. No more weakness."

"But do you think that our plan will succeed?" She questioned.

"Are you doubting your father now? Need I remind you that I am the Beta of this pack and whatever it is I envision falls into place." Garrett replied with so much pride.

"Forgive your childish daughter, father." Vanessa playfully apologized.

Tiara’s blood froze.

They are planning to take advantage of the alpha—

And no one will even see it coming.

Her mind raced. She needed to get to Edwin—needed to tell him everything.

"Edwin Stone??" She muttered, under her breath

" Edwin Stone is the alpha, you dummy!" She finally fixed the puzzle.

She slipped quietly toward the side entrance... but before she could reach it, a hand shot out of the shadows, grabbing her wrist so firm and strong like iron.

A rough voice sneered into her ear.

"And were do you think you are going, you sneaky little rat?"

Tiara’s heart thundered. She struggled, but the spy only grinned wider.

She was trapped.

And the real battle was only just beginning.