Chapter 9 A Mother's Delimma

Everett's POV

Everett stormed into his room, slamming the door behind him. His hands clenched into fists as he tried to control the anger burning inside him.

For months, he had ignored Scarlet, keeping his distance because he wanted nothing to do with her. But recently, something in him had begun to shift. He had started considering the idea of giving her a chance, of maybe letting things be different between them.

But now?

Now, she was acting like Bella's closest companion.

He exhaled sharply, trying to push the thoughts away. But the anger didn't leave him.

A knock at the door pulled him out of his thoughts.

"My Lord, the elders are waiting," came a voice from outside.

Everett frowned, realizing he had almost forgotten about the meeting. He straightened his shoulders, pushing aside his frustration for now.

When he entered the council chamber, he noticed that the elders were deep in discussion, their voices low and urgent. He wasn't interested in whatever they were debating. His mind was still clouded with thoughts of Scarlet and Bella. He barely paid attention to what was being said.

Then, silence filled the room.

Everett blinked, realizing the elders were staring at him.

"Well?" one of them asked.

He frowned. "What?"

The elders exchanged glances, clearly surprised.

"Alpha, we just asked for your approval," one of them said slowly.

Everett crossed his arms. "Approval for what?"

They looked at each other again, as if they couldn't believe he had just admitted to not listening.

Darius, the grumpy old wolf who always had something to say, cleared his throat and stepped forward. "We were discussing making Kyle the manager of the pack," he explained.

Everett arched an eyebrow. "A manager?"

Darius nodded. "Yes, my Lord. It would take some of the burden off your shoulders. It would also give Kyle more responsibilities and help him learn how to run a pack properly."

Everett let out a sharp laugh, the idea sounding ridiculous to him.

He leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "And why exactly would Kyle need to learn how to run a pack?"

Darius hesitated. "Well, Alpha, it's just..."

Everett cut him off, his tone sharp. "Are you suggesting that he needs to prepare for something? That he should be learning how to take over?"

The room fell into heavy silence.

Darius' face paled slightly. "Of course not, Alpha. No one is saying such a thing. We would never..."

Everett's gaze remained cold and unreadable. "Then tell me, Darius, why exactly do we need a manager? Am I suddenly incapable of leading my own pack?"

The elder struggled for words. "No, my Lord. It's only out of concern for the royal house. "We thought it would be wise to have someone handling the smaller affairs while you focus on more important matters."

Everett leaned back, studying him. "Concern for the royal house, or concern for something else?

Before Darius could answer, another elder spoke up.

Markus, one of the few council members Everett actually trusted, shook his head. "That's a lie," he said firmly. "This isn't about concern for the royal house." Darius' words hold something else beneath them.

Darius turned to Markus, eyes wide with shock. "What are you saying?"

Markus didn't flinch. "You know exactly what I'm saying." You've been pushing this idea of Kyle taking on more responsibility for a while now. But not because you care about the pack. "You're trying to plant seeds of doubt, make it seem like Everett needs help running things."

Everett smirked slightly, though his eyes remained cold.

Darius looked flustered, his hands clenching at his sides. "That's not true! I only suggested what I thought was best for the pack!"

Everett tilted his head. "And yet, you failed to bring it to me directly. Instead, you spoke about it among yourselves, expecting me to simply agree without question."

Darius swallowed hard. "I...

Everett stood up, his presence suddenly feeling heavier in the room. "I don't need a manager. And I certainly don't need anyone trying to put ideas into place without my approval."

Silence stretched across the chamber.

Darius finally lowered his gaze. "I meant no disrespect, Alpha."

Everett's voice was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it. "See that you don't."

Markus nodded in agreement. "I think we should move on from this topic." The Alpha has made his stance clear.

The rest of the elders murmured their agreement, though Everett could still feel the tension lingering in the room.

Deborah's POV

I walked into the living room where my mother was seated, her usual serious expression on her face. I didn't care if she was in the middle of something, I had something important to say, and I needed her to listen.

"I met someone," I said, crossing my arms. A rich guy. "He's everything I want, and I've decided that's who I want to be with."

I expected her to at least look happy for me, but instead, her face twisted with worry. She sighed heavily, rubbing her temples like I had just given her the worst news.

"You can't just end up with any man you meet, Deborah," she said firmly. You already have Kyle waiting for you. That's what has been planned."

I rolled my eyes. Here we go again.

"I don't care about Kyle," I snapped.I never agreed to anything. I never asked you to make any stupid deals on my behalf."

She gasped, like I had just insulted the entire family. "Watch your mouth, Deborah! Do you even understand what you're saying? Do you know what it means to go against Bella's words?"

I crossed my arms, unimpressed. "Bella this, Bella that. I don't care! I never asked to be part of whatever arrangement you made with her. That's your problem, not mine.

My mother's eyes darkened with fear, but I wasn't moved. "You're playing with fire," she warned. "Bella does not take disobedience lightly." If you go against what has been planned, there will be consequences."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Then deal with it. You're the one who made the arrangement without my consent, so figure it out. I won't let you ruin my life just because you're scared of Bella."

Her face hardened, and for a moment, I could tell she wanted to argue more. But deep down, she knew I was right. She had put me in this mess, not the other way around.

I turned to leave, but before I walked out, I threw one last sentence over my shoulder.

"You sort this out, Mom. I'm done listening to you."

And with that, I walked away, leaving her standing there in silence.

Hannah's POV

Hannah sat in her room when Deborah stormed in, her usual demanding expression on her face.

Hannah already knew this wasn't going to be a peaceful conversation. It was never when Deborah wanted something.

"I met someone," Deborah announced, crossing her arms. "He's rich, and I want to be with him."

Hannah's heart dropped. She stared at her daughter, unable to hide the panic that crept up her spine. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice sharp.

"I met a guy in school. He has money, he comes from a good family, and I like him. I want to end up with him."

She stood up quickly. "You can't just end up with anyone, Deborah," she said firmly. "You already have Kyle waiting for you."

Deborah scoffed. "Kyle? I never agreed to that. That was your arrangement, not mine."

Hannah clenched her fists, trying to stay calm. "You don't understand, Deborah. This isn't just about you. Do you have any idea what would happen if you went against Bella's words?"

"That's your problem, not mine," she said carelessly. You made whatever deals you made with Bella. I wasn't involved in any of that."

She stepped closer to her daughter, lowering her voice. "Deborah, you think this is a game? Bella is not someone you disobey. "If she finds out you're trying to go after some rich boy instead of Kyle, do you know what she'll do?

Deborah shrugged. "Not my problem. You figure it out."

Hannah's jaw tightened. "Deborah..."

"No," Deborah interrupted. "You should have asked me before giving details about my life." I never agreed to marry Kyle, and I'm not about to change my mind because you made a promise to me."

Hannah felt like the ground was slipping beneath her feet.

Deborah turned on her heels, flipping her hair over her shoulders. "I'm going to live my life, Mother. You clean up your own mess."

With that, she walked out, leaving Hannah standing there, frozen in place.

Her heart pounded as she slowly sank back into her seat.

What was she going to do now?

Bella wasn't going to be pleased. In fact, she was going to be furious.

And when Bella was furious, there were always consequences.

Hannah covered her face with her hands, dread settling deep in her stomach.

She had to find a way to fix this before it was too late.