Chapter 464

Nathan

“On to the matters regarding the Graywind pack’s new trade route…”

“I propose we give them a formal warning. They should not be given such lenience; it is an unauthorized trade route, not even to mention the fact that it is impeding on several other trade routes.”

“I agree, Alpha Cyrus. Really, we must put our foot down on matters such as this. I fear that the smaller Alphas are becoming too comfortable with their movements.”

“Every pack has its place. Perhaps some Alphas should be reminded of that.”

I shifted in my seat as I listened in on the discussion, trying my best not to let my nerves get the best of me. As the youngest member—and the newest member—of the Alpha association, I still felt like I had to prove myself amongst all these seasoned Alphas who had been making pack decisions for decades.

So that was why, when the current motion for new interpack trade laws came up, I decided to speak my mind.

“If I may,” I said.

The other Alphas looked expectantly at me. “Go on, Alpha Nathan,” Dan said slowly, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly—a warning.

“I propose that we update the outdated regulations; it’s clear that the regulations are no longer suiting modern needs,” I suggested, clearing my throat. “It just doesn’t make fiscal sense anymore to limit the packs to certain trade routes. Maybe a standardized, communal trade agreement would be a better route to take.”

I heard a few murmurs echo through the hall and glanced around anxiously. My progressive ideas seemed to be ruffling the feathers of the traditional old Alpha males who were set in their ways, but this was my third meeting.

And I was ready to start doing more than just take notes.

Cyrus, once of the Alphas from the mountain region, scoffed loudly from across the table. “Those protectionist measures have worked for generations, boy. No need to mess with the tried and true for some youngling experiment.”

I bristled slightly at the condescending tone but tried to keep my argument reasoned and calm. “Other packs have successfully implemented free trade for years now. There’s substantial evidence it would benefit our own as well. I have the data—”

“Always in such a hurry for change, aren’t you Nathan?” Alpha Ridge from the eastern coastal region interjected, an amused glint in his eye. “But experience dictates a… cautious pace often serves us best.”

The other Alphas around the table murmured in agreement. I felt a flare of frustration. They waved off my points without even considering the facts, simply because of my age.

Suddenly, Dan raised a hand, his gravelly voice booming through the hall. “Take it easy, gentlemen. Nathan here just needs a bit more seasoning, is all.” He shot me a warning look. “He’ll learn in good time why we tread carefully.”

At the chorus of chuckles, something in me snapped. I looked at him abruptly.

“With all due respect, Alpha Dan, I must strongly object to being addressed like a clueless child,” I said, keeping my tone even. “I know I may be younger than all of you and less experienced, but perhaps my ideas aren’t completely unfounded. After all, even with the little experience I have had, I do believe that I’ve earned my place here.”

A stunned silence met my impromptu speech. The Alphas glared at me, their mouths agape in shock. Rarely did anyone address Dan, the de facto head Alpha, so boldly. Especially not a youngling such as myself.

Dan’s stare hardened, his bushy eyebrows casting a shadow over his eyes. “Mind yourself, Nathan,” he rumbled lowly.

Having been thoroughly chastised, I returned my gaze to my notes, my pulse hammering in my ears. God, what had I just done? I kept quiet for the remainder of the session, afraid to make my precarious position here even worse.

After what felt like eternity, Dan dismissed the meeting and I leapt up hurriedly to exit before any more discussion could take place. As I stuffed my papers into my briefcase, eager to make it to Olivia’s important appointment this afternoon, Dan’s voice suddenly rang out.

“A word, Nathan.”

I froze, then turned to see Dan approaching, his mouth set in a tight line. My stomach dropped. Clearly I was in for a scolding about my earlier insolence.

“Yes, of course, Alpha Dan,” I said, swallowing uncomfortably as he approached. “My sincerest apologies for speaking so bluntly before the council today. I meant no true disrespect. I only—”

“Enough, Nathan.” Dan studied me for a long moment with an unreadable expression on his face. Finally, he crossed his thick arms over his chest and sighed.

“Nathan, I know it’s… difficult being the young gun trying to shake things up around here,” he said, tone unexpectedly gentle. Almost fatherly, if I didn’t know better. “I got much of the same treatment when I first joined, years ago. Bit of a hothead, always chafing under the tight hold those old relics had on things.”

I peered up, surprised at this show of empathy from the typically stern Alpha.

Dan gave me a knowing half-smile. “The point is, I understand the desire to have your fresh perspective respected. But son, there’s a time and place for such things. You can’t just mouth off without thinking, no matter how justified.”

I nodded, shame creeping into my face. He was right—maybe I had acted rashly in the meeting.

“Of course, Alpha Dan. It won’t happen again,” I replied. Then I gestured to my watch. “Well, I should really be on my way to—”

“Hold on now,” Dan rumbled. “You know the drill. Our post-meeting gatherings are crucial.”

My gut twisted anxiously. As much as I wanted to smooth things over,Olivia and I had that critical ultrasound appointment today—the reveal of our baby’s gender I had privately been longing for. I couldn’t miss this; I had made a promise to my wife.

I took a deep breath. “My deepest apologies, but I cannot attend tonight.” Before Dan could react angrily again, I rushed to explain. “You see, I have to accompany my pregnant wife to a major prenatal appointment in” —I checked my watch again— “...less than an hour.”

Dan froze, his bushy silver eyebrows drawing together darkly. An almost threatening energy seemed to radiate off of the imposing figure.

“Excuse me? This gathering is non-negotiable, Nathan. Your presence is expected after council meetings.” Dan took one menacing step toward me. “Do you think refusing my direct invitation makes you appear reliable? Committed?”

I shrank back involuntarily at the Alpha’s show of dominance, but stood my ground. “Alpha Dan, please. My wife and unborn child must come first.” I met his stormy eyes. “Surely family matters supersede an informal social occasion?”

Dan scowled, looking deeply unimpressed by my plea. “Careful, boy,” he growled softly. “You walk the line with me. Another misstep regarding your… priorities and we may need to reconsider your coveted placement with this governing pack body altogether.”

My breath caught sharply. He couldn’t mean...

“Wait, are you suggesting stripping my council seat?” I asked incredulously. “Over missing one social gathering?”

Dan raised his massive shoulders in an indifferent shrug, but his granite expression spoke volumes.

Dread crept down my spine at the implicit warning. My hard-won position here now dangled by a fragile thread. All because I dared tend to my pregnant wife first.