Chapter 5 A Small Gift is waiting for you

The ceremony was on the brink of commencing, and I found myself decked out in lavish attire, surveying the bustling werewolves around me, my spirits soaring.

The surge of power and prestige exhilarated me as I lounged, humming a tune. However, my elation was short-lived when Dane strode in, clad in attire way fancier than mine, soaring with manly energy.

My heart sank at the sight of him. Despite being a mere Gamma, today he exuded an aura of authority far beyond his station.

"Stand up straight," Dane admonished me with disdain.

I complied, greeting him cautiously.

"Starting today, you assume the role of Alpha. I trust you'll discharge your duties with diligence and not succumb to distractions," Dane stated, patting my shoulder.

His words carried weight, a veiled warning against challenging his authority.

"I'm aware of my obligations and indebtedness. Rest assured, I'll honor your contributions," I responded, forcing a smile.

But inwardly, I seethed with resentment. The Alpha position rightfully belonged to me, and Dane's grip on power was an obstacle to reclaiming what was mine.

"Good. Do not entertain any notions of deceit. I'll be keeping a close watch," Dane warned before departing.

Alone, I vented my frustration by toppling a nearby trash can. Dane's calculated affront during such a crucial event was no accident; he underestimated me.

But I resolved to prove him wrong. This "puppet" would assert his agency.

As my subordinate approached cautiously, I sank into a chair, exasperated. "What now?"

"We got Lila," he reported in a hushed tone.

"Excellent," I exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Strip Lila and prepare her for Prince Damien's chambers," I ordered, envisioning the repercussions of this scheme.

Although she was a lowly slave, Lila was still a beautiful girl.

Giving her as a gift to the prince would not only give him a good impression of me, but that damn she- wolf would also learn her lesson.

Imagining this plan in my head was enough to put me in a better mood.

"But sir, aren't you going to sleep with her first? Lila is probably still a virgin. It must be a wonderful experience."

The subordinate smiled obscenely, but was careful not to maintain eye contact with me.

However, my subordinate's lewd suggestion incited my ire. "Are you daft? I won't gift the prince a used toy. Have you a death wish?" I reprimanded him sharply.

Despite my reservations, the prospect of Prince Damien's treatment of Lila unsettled me. If he repeated his prior atrocities, I'd forfeit my chance with her.

"Sir, Prince Damien has arrived," my subordinate announced, snapping me out of my reverie.

Observing Prince Damien's imposing figure, clad in a bespoke silver suit, I approached him with obsequiousness.

"Welcome, Prince Damien. I'm Shawn Pearson, the forthcoming Alpha of the Black Moon Pack," I greeted, hoping to curry favor.

However, Prince Damien's response was tepid, his icy gaze betraying indifference.

Undeterred, I gestured toward a seating area. "Please, take a seat. You must be weary after your travels."

Though my attempts at pleasantries yielded little, I persisted, endeavoring to ingratiate myself with the prince. After all, power was paramount.

As the banquet drew to a close, I approached Prince Damien once more, suggesting a personalized accommodation.

"Prince Damien, I've arranged a room to your liking, with a small, but pleasant gift awaiting you," I hinted, hoping he'd comprehend my insinuation.

Yet, his stoic demeanor remained unchanged. "I trust you'll enjoy your evening," I concluded, resigned to my role in the courtship of power.