7

Ronan’s POV

The office felt suffocating despite its expansive design. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the bustling city below, but even the sight of progress and power couldn’t erase the tension gripping me.

Hilliard, my ever-efficient secretary, sat across the desk, meticulously jotting down notes. We’d just returned from the boardroom, the echoes of dry presentations and tedious negotiations still lingering in my mind.

“Sir, the finalized draft for the Lynton project is ready,” Hilliard said, his voice steady and professional.

“Good,” I replied, leaning back in my chair. “Send it to legal for review. I don’t want any surprises later.”

Hilliard nodded, but before he could respond, the door to my office opened, and Liam stepped inside. His presence was a stark contrast to Hilliard’s polished demeanor. Liam was all grit and loyalty, a man who thrived in the shadows.

“Sir Ronan,” he said, closing the door behind him. His expression was tight, his tone measured. “Your mother just arrived at the mansion this morning.”

My jaw tightened. A cold, unwelcome chill settled in the room.

“Why?” The question slipped out before I could stop it, my voice sharper than intended.

Liam shrugged slightly. “I wasn’t given a reason. But she’s there.”

I exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose. My mother and I had never been close. Her arrival was rarely a sign of anything good.

“Did she see Selene?”

Liam shook his head. “Not yet, but—”

“Make sure she doesn’t,” I cut in, my tone commanding. “Call the house. Tell Ivana and Lola to keep Selene out of sight. I don’t want her involved in whatever game my mother is playing.”

Liam nodded, pulling out his phone and stepping to the corner of the room to make the call.

Hilliard, who’d been silently observing, raised an eyebrow. “Trouble at home, sir?”

“You could say that.” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. “And speaking of trouble, what’s next on my schedule?”

“There’s a meeting at the townhouse this afternoon,” Hilliard said, flipping through his planner. “It’s hosted by the pack council. They’ve requested your presence.”

The pack council. I clenched my fists under the desk. Another thing to deal with.

“Fine,” I said curtly. “Finish the paperwork for the Lynton project and have it ready for my review tomorrow morning.”

“Will do, sir.”

I stood, grabbing my jacket from the back of the chair. Liam ended his call and approached me, his expression unreadable.

“The maids know what to do,” he said. “Selene won’t cross paths with your mother.”

“Good.”

I nodded to Hilliard, who remained seated, pen in hand. “Hold down the fort while I’m gone.”

Hilliard gave a small salute. “Always.”

The drive to the townhouse was meant to be a reprieve, but my phone buzzed before I could get a moment’s peace. I glanced at the screen, my father’s name flashing across it.

I let it ring once before answering. “What is it?”

“Where are you?” His tone was sharp, impatient.

“On my way to the townhouse,” I replied, already anticipating the lecture.

“You should already be here,” he snapped. “This meeting is critical, Ronan. They’re about to hand over the title of Pack Enforcer, and I don’t like the sound of it going to an outsider.”

Pack Enforcer. The title was one of power and influence, a role that required loyalty and strength above all else.

“Who’s the candidate?” I asked, my grip tightening on the steering wheel.

“They won’t say,” my father said, frustration lacing his voice. “Which makes me think it’s someone none of us would approve of.”

“I’m five minutes away.”

“You better be. If we lose this position to an outsider, it could jeopardize everything we’ve built.”

The line went dead before I could respond. Typical.

I pressed down on the accelerator, weaving through the city traffic. The townhouse loomed ahead, its classic architecture a stark contrast to the modern skyline surrounding it.

Parking the car, I stepped out and adjusted my jacket. Whatever awaited inside, it wasn’t going to be simple. But then again, nothing ever was.

___

Keiran’s POV

The hall was alive with murmurs of anticipation, every corner buzzing with whispers about the upcoming coronation. My father, Alpha Roderick, stood beside me, his imposing figure radiating authority as he exchanged pleasantries with the council members.

I could feel the weight of the room’s attention pressing down on me. This was my moment, the culmination of years of planning and maneuvering. The title of Head of the Clan was within my grasp, and by all accounts, it was mine to claim.

Ronan wasn’t here. That alone was my golden ticket. The laws of succession were clear if the next in line wasn’t present during the ceremony, the title would automatically pass to the next eligible candidate. And that candidate was me.

“Keep your head up, Keiran,” my father murmured, his voice low but firm. “This is your time. Don’t let anyone see you falter.”

I gave a curt nod, my jaw tightening. I wasn’t going to falter. Not now, not ever.

“They’ve sent word to Blackstone,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Ronan’s absence is confirmed. He’s too busy playing house with that girl of his to care about the clan.”

My father smirked. “Exactly. Which makes this all the easier. By the time he realizes what’s happened, it’ll be too late.”

I allowed myself a brief smile. For once, everything was falling into place.

But then the door to the hall swung open, and the air shifted. The murmurs quieted, replaced by a ripple of surprise that spread through the crowd.

I turned, and there he was.

Ronan.

Striding into the room with his usual air of arrogance, his dark eyes scanning the hall like he owned the place. His presence sucked the air out of the room, commanding attention as effortlessly as breathing.

My smile vanished.

“What is he doing here?” I hissed under my breath, my mood souring instantly.

My father’s expression darkened. “He shouldn’t be here. The reports said—”

“Forget the reports,” I snapped. “He’s here now, and he’s going to ruin everything.”

Ronan’s gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, the entire room seemed to fade away. It was just the two of us, locked in a silent battle of wills.

I clenched my fists at my sides, resisting the urge to bare my teeth. He had no right to be here, no right to interfere with what was mine.

Ronan’s lips curled into the faintest smirk, as if he could read my thoughts and was mocking them.

“Keiran,” my father said sharply, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Focus. This isn’t over yet.”

I straightened, forcing myself to appear calm even as rage boiled beneath the surface. “He’s too late,” I said through gritted teeth. “The council has already made their decision.”

“Then make sure it stays that way,” my father said. “Show them why you deserve this title more than he does.”

I took a deep breath, letting my gaze sweep over the room. The council members were whispering among themselves, clearly unsettled by Ronan’s arrival.

This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.

As the council called the room to order, I stood tall beside my father, projecting confidence even as Ronan took his place across the room. He was flanked by his entourage, including that irritating warrior of his, Elias.

Luka, the rogue alpha, lingered near the back of the room, his wild energy barely contained. He didn’t care about the politics or the ceremony he was here to watch the drama unfold, and his smirk told me he was thoroughly enjoying it.

The council elder stepped forward, his voice ringing out over the crowd. “Today, we gather to name the new Head of the Clan, a title of great responsibility and honor. This leader will guide our packs, protect our traditions, and uphold the unity of our kind.”

I glanced at Ronan, who was watching the elder with a calm expression that only fueled my anger. He had no idea how much I despised that cool, collected demeanor of his.

“By our laws,” the elder continued, “the title is to be given to the most qualified candidate present.”

I stepped forward, my head held high. This was it.

But before the elder could continue, Ronan spoke.

“Elder,” he said, his voice smooth but commanding. “Before you proceed, I believe it’s important to ensure all candidates are considered.”

The room fell silent.

“What is he doing?” I muttered under my breath, my fists clenching.

The elder hesitated, clearly caught off guard. “Alpha Ronan, you were not expected to attend—”

“And yet, here I am,” Ronan interrupted, his gaze never leaving mine. “I believe it would be... premature to decide without hearing from all parties involved.”

The audacity.

I could feel the blood pounding in my ears as I fought to keep my composure. He was deliberately undermining me, throwing a wrench into my plans at the last possible moment.

The elder exchanged a glance with the other council members before clearing his throat. “Very well. We shall hear from both candidates before proceeding.”

Ronan’s smirk deepened, and I knew then that this was far from over.