Dust within ancient walls Miles Brooks 39

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

Jason’s POV

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Later that afternoon, I summoned Roy, my top warrior, and Henry, my trusted beta, into the war chamber.

Henry arrived first. I found him lounging casually against the edge of the map table, arms folded across his chest. “What is this about, Alpha?” he asked.

“Plans for the future,” I replied, and Henry nodded.

Roy arrived a few minutes later. We heard his heavy steps before he entered the chamber. His gray-streaked hair was combed neatly back, and he wore the black uniform of Shadowclaw’s chief warrior.

“Alpha. Beta,” he greeted.

I stood at the head of the table. “The warriors have been slacking,” I said flatly. “Daily drills will be reinstated immediately, double the frequency. Shadowclaw is preparing to rise, and we can’t do that with a lazy pack.”

Roy gave a single nod. “Understood, Alpha. I will see to it personally.”

I turned to Henry. He nodded firmly. “I will assist Roy to make it happen.”

“Good,” I said. “From now on, every patrol goes armed, and every border is reinforced. No more distinctions between rogues and spies. If anything moves, it gets reported. No exceptions.”

“And what of the alliance with Blood Moon?” Henry asked. “Alpha Nolan is a wildcard and is no friend of ours. Do you really trust him?”

I shifted my gaze between the two men, a slow smile tugging at my lips. “Trust? No. Nolan is blinded by his hatred of the Alpha King. He wants to see the crown fall so badly he can’t see anything else. While he’s busy tearing at the king’s throat, we keep our heads down – let them bleed each other dry. Once they’re weak enough, Shadowclaw will strike… and in the chaos, I’ll take the throne for myself.”/

Roy grinned in approval. “It is about time for a new order. Shadowclaw’s warriors stand with you, Alpha.”

“See to it they stay that way,” I ordered. “Anyone even looking like they are doubting me will be sent to the dungeon or banished. I’ll leave it up to your discretion.”

Roy dipped his head in obedience, but I caught a flicker in his eyes, a hesitation he did not voice. His silence lasted too long. Henry noticed too.

“Spit it out, Roy,” Henry barked.

Roy glared at Henry before saying, “There’s another matter I wanted to discuss, Alpha. I wanted to speak with you about the Luna Ceremony.”

“And what is your concern?” I asked.

“We need to hold it soon,” Roy pressed on, his tone implying that this wasn’t up for negotiation. My wolf growled within me at his insolence. Roy had always been arrogant. My wolf itched to put him in his place.

“And we will,” I said.

“Sooner than later, Alpha. The pack is restless. They need stability. They need to see Viki crowned and acknowledged as Luna. That ceremony will settle the doubts about leadership, doubts that have been festering since the fiasco with Talia.”

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

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He was right. Talia had made me look like a fool. Whispers of weakness had spread through Shadowclaw like wildfire. Some had already left us for other packs. If I didn’t crown Viki soon, more might follow.

Before I could answer, Henry scoffed. “You’re eager for that ceremony, Roy. Could it be because the future Luna is your daughter?”

Roy’s nostrils flared. “Watch your tongue, Beta.”

Henry retorted. “Why? Because I spoke the truth? You didn’t give a damn about Luna Talia. You never respected her. But now suddenly, Luna’s importance is sacred? You only care because it benefits your bloodline.”

“This isn’t about my daughter. This is about the pack. Shadowclaw cannot rise if our wolves believe their Alpha cannot secure a proper Luna,” Roy argued.

Henry pushed off the table, stepping forward with fury. “The pack had a proper Luna and your daughter got rid of her. The pack doesn’t need a Luna right this second.” He turned to look at me. “Alpha. What they need is an Alpha who doesn’t rush into stupid decisions because his top warrior is desperate to see his ‘little girl’ wear a crown.”

Roy’s face flushed. “Viki will make the whole pack proud. You’ll eat your words when you see her standing by Alpha’s side.”

“That’s enough!” I growled, my voice echoing. “I’ll announce the ceremony by the end of the week. The pack will have their Luna, and the doubts will end.”

Tension left Roy’s body. He bowed to me with satisfaction. “My daughter will not disappoint you, Alpha. I will take my leave now.” He shot a glare at Henry before leaving.

“Prick,” Henry muttered.

“yes, but he is our best warrior. Humor him,” I replied. I noticed Henry looked guarded. “Are you really that upset about him?”

“No, it’s something else,” Henry said.

“Something else?” I asked, walking toward the liquor cabinet.

He shifted uneasily. “I’ve been helping Viki with the ceremony logistics…”

“I completely understand if you don’t want to help her. That is what the omegas are for. I’ll tell her,” I said, cutting him off.

“No, that’s not it. There’s something odd going on with Viki.”

I poured myself a glass of whiskey. “Go on.”

“She’s been visiting the hospital frequently, more than usual. I overheard a nurse mention she’s been on prescription medication,” Henry explained.

I frowned and my grip tightened around the glass. “Medication? What kind?”

Henry shrugged. “I don’t know but the number of her visits doesn’t add up. And she’s been taking private cars, not the usual escorts.”

I drank the entire glass and poured another. Was there something wrong with the pup? Why would she hide this from me?

“Find out what she’s been doing there,” I ordered. “I need things clear with her before the Luna Ceremony.”