Chapter 4 A SACRIFICE FOR STRATEGY

MICAH'S POV

The crack of the whip echoed in the Alpha's study, the sting biting into my back. I gritted my teeth, refusing to make a sound. My father, Alpha Gregor, stood behind me, his eyes cold and filled with fury. The tension in the room was suffocating.

"Why?" he growled, his voice sharp and commanding. "Why would you make such a decision without consulting me?"

I didn't answer immediately, focusing on keeping my breathing steady. The lash marks on my back burned, but I kept my composure. After a moment, Gregor tossed the whip aside, frustration evident in his movements.

"Stand up," he ordered. "Explain yourself."

I rose slowly, my broad shoulders straight despite the pain radiating across my back. Meeting his gaze head-on, I kept my voice calm and deliberate.

"I know what you're planning, Father," I began. "You want to expand our territory by absorbing smaller packs. But the truth is, the larger the pack grows, the harder it becomes to manage. We're already stretched thin. There have been complaints from the outer regions-rumors of unrest."

His expression hardened, but he didn't interrupt.

I continued, "The shadowfang pack is small and strategically placed between our territory and Xander's pack. Your plan was to use a marriage alliance to secure their loyalty and to create a buffer against potential attacks from Xander. But that strategy has flaws."

Gregor's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

"If the shadowfang pack were attacked, it would likely be by Xander. And when that happens, we would have no choice but to intervene. A marriage alliance wouldn't change that. Instead, I proposed a mutual aid contract. With the agreement in place, both packs are obligated to support each other, regardless of the circumstances. It's a stronger bond than a marriage could provide and ensures loyalty without unnecessary entanglements."

His expression remained unreadable as he leaned back in his chair. "And the girl?" he asked, his voice cold.

I hesitated but didn't waver. "Elara..." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "At first, I intended to reject her. She's an outcast, not the Luna anyone expected. But then I realized she could be an asset. Many of our pack members come from other packs-wolves who lost their homes during the pack wars. They've always felt like second-class members, like they don't belong. By accepting Elara, a warrior and an outcast, as my mate, I'm sending a message. It shows that every wolf in this pack has value, no matter their past."

Gregor's gaze sharpened, his tone skeptical. "So, you're sacrificing your happiness to appease the pack?"

"If that's what it takes to maintain unity," I said firmly, "then yes. This isn't just about me. It's about the pack and what's best for all of us."

For a long moment, the room was silent. His piercing gaze bore into me, searching for any sign of weakness. Then, unexpectedly, he stood and walked toward me.

"You're my most capable child," he said, his voice low but carrying a note of reluctant admiration. "That was a clever move-better than I expected. But you acted without consulting me, and that's a mistake you won't make again."

I nodded, keeping my expression stoic.

He placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "If you ever find a she-wolf you truly love, come to me. Elara won't dare to refuse if it means keeping peace within the pack. But remember this: you don't act without my approval. Understood?"

"Yes, Father."

"Good. You've earned that whipping, but we'll consider the matter settled. You can go."

I turned and left the study, the door closing softly behind me. As I stepped into the hallway, one of my men approached, concern etched on his face.

"Alpha, are you all right?"

"I'm fine," I replied briskly. "The wounds will heal."

But my mind wasn't on my injuries. I was thinking about Elara.

---

Later that evening, I stood on the balcony of my quarters, looking out over the pack's sprawling territory. The cool night air did little to soothe the storm brewing inside me.

"Keep a closer watch on Elara," I had instructed my Beta earlier. "She's bound to attract trouble, and I won't tolerate anyone threatening her."

My Beta had nodded, but I could sense his confusion. Why was I so protective of a mate I claimed to have chosen out of necessity?

I didn't have an answer-not one I was ready to admit, even to myself.

My thoughts drifted to the girl who had turned my carefully ordered world upside down. She was strong, resilient, and infuriatingly stubborn. But beneath her guarded exterior, I sensed a vulnerability that called to me. My wolf, ever restless, growled possessively in my mind.

"She's ours," the wolf reminded me.

I clenched the balcony railing, my jaw tightening. I couldn't afford distractions. Not now, when the pack's future was on the line.

But even as I tried to push thoughts of Elara aside, I couldn't shake the image of her storm-gray eyes or the quiet strength she carried. She was a mystery I couldn't ignore-a puzzle I was determined to solve.

As the moon rose higher in the sky, I made a silent vow. Whatever it took, I would protect her. And one day, I would uncover the secrets she was hiding.

For now, though, I had to tread carefully. My father's approval might have bought me time, but the storm was far from over.

In the shadows of the night, I felt the weight of my choices-and the uncertain road that lay ahead.