Chapter 5 In the Shadows of Betrayal

Upon seeing my brother, Lucas, alongside that human, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. It was the definitive proof that he was not fit to assume the role of alpha. Our father had crowned him before his death, but by right, that position should have been mine as the older brother.

Watching Lucas's coronation, a sense of injustice and revolt grew within me. I knew I had the necessary qualities to lead our pack, and Bruno's choice posed a threat to our stability and traditions.

However, instead of confronting him immediately, I decided to wait for the right moment to reveal my concerns to the clan. I planned to argue that tradition should be respected and that leadership could not be based solely on my father's preference.

As I prepared to present my arguments, I closely observed how Lucas behaved as an alpha. He seemed enamored with his new position, but he lacked the composure and instinct for leadership that I believed I possessed.

Over time, it became evident to other members of the pack that Bruno was struggling with his decisions and maintaining order. Internal conflicts escalated, and complaints about his leadership began to spread.

I seized this opportunity to gather support from wolves who shared my concerns. They also saw the importance of following traditions and having a leader who could guide the pack with wisdom and stability.

The day came when I presented my case to the clan. With eloquence and conviction, I expressed my concerns about Lucas's choice as alpha. I argued that as the older brother, I had the knowledge, strength, and leadership necessary to guide our pack through challenging times.

Many wolves heard my words and agreed that a change in leadership was necessary. After all, it was not just a dispute between brothers, but the survival and prosperity of our clan at stake.

The clan decided to hold a leadership test, where Lucas and I would undergo tests and challenges to demonstrate our abilities and competence as alphas. It was an opportunity to show my determination and prove that I was the true leader our clan needed.

But it wasn't necessary anymore; my brother, by falling in love with a human, handed me the alpha crown on a silver platter.

In the moment my brother, Lucas, decided to become romantically involved with a human, he violated our most fundamental code of conduct. As wolves, we have an ancient tradition of avoiding intimate relationships with humans to protect our species and preserve our traditions.

Upon discovering Lucas's forbidden relationship, I was shocked and disappointed. He had betrayed our pack and put at risk the security and harmony we valued so much.

"I devised a plan for my brother to be discovered and caught red-handed with the human he was in love with, so he would be removed from his position and I, as the beta and successor, would be crowned alpha."

I followed my brother for a few days until I decided it was time to put my plan into action. Taking advantage of the fact that some elder wolves agreed that the pack leader should not have been chosen solely based on influence but through tests to determine the most suitable candidate, they listened to me and asked for evidence. That's when I put my plan into motion.

I led some wolves to where my brother was meeting with a human and showed them that Lucas had violated our code of conduct. As soon as he was removed from his position as alpha, my name was raised. I couldn't contain my happiness, but I couldn't let my brother suspect that it was all a setup of mine to expose him and take the rightful place that was mine, not his by preference.

As I witnessed the disappointment on my brother's face, a bittersweet sensation washed over me. On one hand, I felt momentary satisfaction seeing him experience a taste of what I had felt when he was chosen as the alpha in our pack.

I was ready to take command and show everyone what I was capable of. I knew my brother, Lucas, would stand by my side as he believed I would be a fair and skilled leader. However, I kept the fact that I orchestrated his discovery with the human a secret. It was a burden I carried alone because I recognized that the betrayal had been a questionable act.

Although my ascent to the alpha position began questionably, I was determined to prove to myself and others that I was capable of leading with wisdom and integrity. The path ahead would not be easy, but I was willing to face any adversity to build a better future for our pack.

I decided to invite my brother, Lucas, to occupy a prominent position by my side as my right-hand man. Despite our troubled past, I recognized his skills and loyalty. Furthermore, I knew that having his experience and perspective would be valuable in making balanced and comprehensive decisions.

I called Lucas for a private conversation where I expressed my desire to have him as a fundamental part of my leadership. I explained that I recognized his worth and potential as a pack member and believed that together, we could bring stability and progress to the clan.

Lucas, initially surprised, listened attentively to my words. I sensed a mix of mistrust and hope in his expression. He questioned my intentions and whether I was willing to forgive the past and truly work as a team.

I assured him that my intention was genuine and that despite the differences we had faced, I saw him as a valuable partner. I explained that our clan needed unity and cooperation, and together, we could overcome the challenges that lay ahead.

After a moment of reflection, Lucas accepted my proposal. He acknowledged that he also desired the best for our pack and saw the opportunity to work side by side as an important step toward reconciliation between us.

I recognized the importance of keeping Lucas close, not only as my right-hand man but also as a way to keep a close eye on him. Despite our new partnership and commitment to working together, there was still a part of me that harbored distrust toward him.

My desire was to end my brother, but I had to be cautious with my actions and decisions regarding him.