Chapter 316
Chapter 317
Seeing us, the head of the council came sauntering over. He should have been down in the crowd, but he always did have ideas and hopes of grandeur. I guessed I shouldn’t have been surprised that he would have turned so quickly against ine.
I wondered what Tony and Olivia offered him to make him so happy to betray me.
He walked toward us with a smile on his face, like he was planning on reuniting with an old friend.
I could be polite – cordial, even – but I wasn’t going to pretend he was anything but a traitor. This man was leading the group that was keeping me from seeing my sick mother, and was allowing the scenario in which Tony could continue to poison her.
“Alpha, I’m pleased you decided to come,” the head of the council said. “There are those that doubted didn’t think you would have the nerve to face Tony in a manner like this p>
you. They
“I’d remind you that this entire debate was my idea,” I said. “I wouldn’t suggest something to just back out of it p>
The head of the council simply shrugged. “Tony is exceedingly popular. You cannot blame the people for thinking it p>
Amber inched closer to me, pressing her side against my arm, offering her silent support while I faced down this villain. It gave me strength, knowing I had her beside me, even if she was choosing to stay quiet for my sake.
With her support and her love, I felt like there was nothing I couldn’t achieve.
“I’m proud of you, Julian,” the head of the council said. “Most Alphas would be tempted to take an authoritarian hold over their pack, but you are here, ready to speak with the people directly. I truly hope they like what you say p>
I didn’t believe him.
“If you truly feel that why, then why have I been denied the right to see my ailing mother?” I asked, unable to withhold my anger anymore. “You say you are proud of me, but all I see in you is a traitor making a power grab p>
The man’s face went very pale as he blustered, making several inarticulate noises that could have been outrage.
“That is an insult, Alpha, and I would advise you to be more careful with your words p>
“I’m done listening to your advice p>
The man grumbled more. “We on the council are simply trying to maintain the peace until these disputes can be resolved p>
“What does that have to do with keeping me from seeing my mother?” I demanded.
“There is evidence that you have been purposefully confusing your mother to get her to lie for you,” the head of the council said. “That’s egregious. She is your mother, and after all she has done for this pack –
“I’d like to see that evidence,” I snapped. “Let me guess, Tony presented it p>
1/2
“Why… yes, but – ”
“Maybe you hadn’t considered that Tony is the one guilty of what you are accusing me of p>
As the man continued to sputter, Tony himself came storming over. “Keep your accusations for in front of the camera, cousin p>
“Don’t worry, Tony. I will,” I told him.
“Gentleman,” said a nearby crewman. “Please take your places. We are about to open the curtain p>
Good. I couldn’t wait to start this debate and tell the world what Tony had been up to.
His betrayal had cut deep.
But now it was time for me to take my pack back.
Amber’s POV
As the curtains drew back to the applause of the crowd, I glanced around, taking in the faces of many people that
I knew, and many that I had treated. While it wasn’t clear which of the two they were cheering for, I could only hope that Julian had more friends than enemies here.
But then, I spotted her.
In the back of the auditorium, Olivia’s figure was undeniable.
I felt her watching me, mocking me.
Was she planning something?
Too long had she had everything her way. Now was the time to finally confront her.
2/2
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.