Chapter 92: Chapter 92 Alpha Takes Control
Julian’s POV
The quiet in this room felt wrong. Beyond these walls, chaos ruled everything.
Another child had come into my world. My daughter. A tiny, flawless being who should have filled every corner of my heart with joy. This moment should have crowned everything I had ever wanted.
Instead, it felt like dying.
No time existed for me to catch my breath. Someone had ripped her away. They stole her before Seraphina could even cradle her once. Neither of us knew her face or which parent she resembled. Nothing remained except an empty space where she belonged.
Weakness wasn’t an option for me now. I had no right to crumble. My family depended on me, but most importantly, this daughter I had never seen needed me. I would bring her back home.
My hands clenched into fists, my jaw set like stone. Under normal circumstances, I would turn to the trusted allies in this territory. Maxwell was a sharp neighboring alpha and valuable ally. But Maxwell shared connections with everyone I knew. While I trusted him and Roxanne completely, anyone could have ties to Dorian in this situation. This bastard hadn’t emerged from nowhere to target my mate, my pack, and my family randomly. He had support. He had inside information.
I needed assistance from people far removed from this place. People I could trust to keep secrets and maintain complete focus.
Leaving felt wrong with the pack suffering. But knowing I was departing for a life or death mission, not pleasure, would have to suffice.
My first move was summoning the Fang Council. Nearly every high-ranking pack member would attend. I included Roxanne and Seraphina because this would impact them both significantly. Having Seraphina already with me when I made the calls simplified things.
We gathered in the large office reserved for confidential meetings, tension thick in the air. I allowed Seraphina to enter first, watching her take the chair to my right. Before speaking a single word, I wanted to send a clear message.
Standing behind the desk, I leaned forward slightly. My voice came out low and unforgiving.
"Above all else," I began, scanning every face present. "I understand we continue mourning our lost children." My throat constricted, remembering that pain. "But to honor the promise I made to their families—to end this nightmare—I must leave town for several days." I paused only briefly.
"I have information about who might be behind these attacks."
Immediately, everyone erupted. Hands shot up, voices collided, demanding to know identities and destinations.
I brought my palm down hard on the wooden desk. The sound wasn’t thunderous, but it worked. Silence fell instantly.
"For the moment, this information stays classified," I ordered. "You’ll receive full details upon my return. I’ll explain everything then."
My position as Alpha made my word absolute, so no one dared challenge or voice unwanted opinions. They settled back, accepting the command. I valued their quick compliance, but that wasn’t the reason for this gathering.
"Now for the crucial matter." My eyes locked on Seraphina. Her complexion looked pale, but her posture remained unbreakable.
"Seraphina and I haven’t completed our mating ceremony yet." I stressed the word yet. "But she is the Luna. Ceremony or no ceremony. Therefore, she will lead in my absence."
Most faces showed little surprise. They recognized her as my mate. They had witnessed her strength.
Naturally, Roxanne had other plans. Always Roxanne.
"Excuse me?" Roxanne’s voice sliced through the heavy atmosphere like a blade. "You’re putting her in command? She knows nothing about pack operations anymore, Alpha! She abandoned her duties six years ago! She returns, receives instant forgiveness, and now becomes our leader?"
Roxanne rose from her seat, disbelief painted across her features.
I had no patience for this foolishness. Right now, every part of my being focused on locating my daughter. Ensuring her safety and bringing her home. Roxanne’s theatrics, regardless of our shared history, couldn’t occupy my time.
I held Roxanne’s stare, my expression completely neutral.
"Thank you for the history lesson, Roxanne," I replied, my tone frozen. "But those events don’t change the reality that Seraphina is my mate. She’s also the mother of my heir."
The entire room drew breath collectively. I swear the oxygen disappeared from the space.
Their shock puzzled me. Any wolf could identify Theo as my son through scent alone, even without considering physical similarities. If the scent surprised them, my declaration of him as heir certainly did more.
I loved Elena as my daughter, which she was, and would never create distinctions between my children. But ultimately, I refused to watch my daughter work twice as hard as any man just to prove her capabilities or leadership skills.
Elena possessed fierce strength equal to Theo’s. But certain attitudes would never shift, especially people’s biases. They would always question a woman’s authority in leadership positions. I wouldn’t force that unfair battle on my daughter. Theo would be my successor.
"Yes, for those who remained unaware," I stared directly at pack members who had previously disrespected Seraphina. "Theo is my son. I expect him to receive appropriate respect."
This pack’s cruelty toward Seraphina was something I had witnessed, and I knew she could defend herself. But regarding my son, I would tolerate no such treatment.
I looked at Roxanne, still standing in stunned silence.
"I’m certain you have additional comments, Roxanne. But I’ve delivered my message." I straightened completely, closing the discussion. "My commands are final. I expect compliance. Questions can wait until my return, and I’ll provide answers then. Right now, I must leave."
I turned without allowing arguments and exited the office. Seraphina followed immediately behind me.
Every wasted second meant another moment my daughter remained unsafe. I was bringing her home. Hell would burn before Dorian escaped justice.
