Chapter 5 V – Stop the Gossip

Arnold entered his and Regine's room, his steps steady as he closed the door behind him.

Regine had just tucked their one-year-old son into his crib. She smiled, her gaze soft as she watched Arnold pour himself a glass of wine. Her hand rested on her growing belly, a proud grin playing on her lips.

Walking over to him, she placed a gentle hand on his arm, her voice low but filled with excitement.

"Cassandra is really useless," she said, shaking her head. "She can't even produce an heir, unlike me."

Arnold smirked, leaning back in his chair. His eyes gleamed with confidence as he swirled the wine in his glass. "If Cassandra can't give Andrew an heir, the elders will have no choice but to look to me."

Regine's hand moved to caress her belly, her tone filled with anticipation. "So, if you become the new Alpha, does that mean I'll be your new Luna?"

Arnold chuckled, setting his glass down on the table. He reached out to touch her belly, his fingers gently grazing the curve. "Of course, Regine. Who else would it be?"

Her eyes sparkled as she imagined the possibility. "We'll be the ones in control of the pack," she said, her voice brimming with excitement. "Just like we were always meant to be."

Arnold nodded, his expression serious but determined. "Andrew is too sentimental. He lets his emotions cloud his judgment. That's why he can't see that Cassandra is holding him back."

Regine tilted her head, her tone thoughtful. "Do you think the elders are already doubting him?"

Arnold took a sip of his wine, leaning forward slightly. "They are. I've seen the way they look at him during meetings. They're frustrated, and they're running out of patience."

Regine placed her hands on his shoulders, her gaze intense. "Then we need to make sure they see you as the better option. You've always been the stronger one, Arnold. They just need a little... push to realize it."

Arnold's lips curled into a sly smile. "That push might come sooner than we think. Cassandra's failure to conceive is all the proof they need."

Regine laughed softly, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "And I'll be right by your side, showing them what a real Luna looks like. Strong, capable, and already carrying the future of the pack."

Arnold clinked his glass against her imaginary toast, his voice firm. "Exactly. Let's make sure everything falls into place. Andrew might have been chosen by our parents, but the pack deserves a leader who can secure its future."

Regine leaned down, her voice soft but persuasive. "You are that leader, Arnold. And I'll do everything I can to support you."

Arnold looked up at her, his smirk widening. "I know you will. Together, we'll make the pack stronger than it's ever been."

She smiled down at him, her confidence unwavering. "Let's not waste any time. We need to start planting seeds of doubt about Andrew's leadership."

Arnold raised an eyebrow. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

Regine's grin turned sly. "Let me handle the women in the pack. I'll make sure they see Cassandra's failures. You just focus on showing the elders your strength."

Arnold chuckled, pulling her into his lap. "You've always been the brains behind this, Regine. That's why we'll succeed."

She kissed his cheek, her voice low and determined. "We'll succeed because it's our destiny. The pack was always meant to be ours."

Arnold raised his glass, his tone final. "To our future. And to taking what's rightfully ours."

Suddenly, Regine's smile faltered, and a flicker of doubt crossed her face. She placed her glass down and leaned back slightly.

"But what about Beta Lucas?" she asked, her tone hesitant. "He's Alpha Andrew's best friend and second in command. If Andrew ever suspects anything, Lucas will defend him to the end. He's loyal."

Arnold's grin didn't waver. He took another sip of his wine and leaned forward, his voice calm and reassuring. "Don't worry about Lucas. Some of the elders don't like him anyway. They only tolerate him because Andrew insists on keeping him as Beta."

Regine raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "But why don't they like him? Lucas is strong. Isn't that what matters to the pack?"

Arnold chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Strength isn't everything, Regine. The elders care about lineage too. Lucas's father was just a pack guard-no rank, no legacy. If it weren't for Andrew, Lucas would have never been given the Beta position."

Regine crossed her arms, her lips pursed as she mulled over his words. "I still can't believe it sometimes," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness.

"You're Andrew's half-brother. The same blood flows in your veins, but he's the Alpha, and you're just a Gamma. It's not fair."

Arnold reached out, his hand gently caressing her face. His touch was firm but tender, his voice steady as he replied, "It's only temporary, Regine. Once I become the Alpha, things will change."

She tilted her head, studying him intently. "And what about Lucas? He won't just step aside quietly."

Arnold's smirk deepened, a glint of malice in his eyes. "Lucas won't be a problem. Once I'm in charge, I'll remove him from his position and send him back to where he belongs-just a pack guard, like his father. He'll have no choice but to accept it."

Regine's lips curved into a sly smile as she leaned closer. "You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

Arnold nodded confidently. "Every detail. Andrew's leadership is fragile. The pack needs someone with vision, someone who understands strength and legacy. That's me, Regine."

Regine's eyes glimmered with admiration as she leaned in and kissed him softly. Her voice was teasing as she whispered, "You've always been the one with the plans, Arnold. But do you have time for us now? Or are you too busy plotting your future?"

Arnold chuckled but pulled back gently. "Not tonight, Regine. You're due to give birth any day now. We need to be careful."

Regine frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Careful? Arnold, we haven't had a moment together in six months. I can't help but feel... neglected."

Arnold raised an eyebrow but remained silent as she continued, her tone laced with suspicion. "And it doesn't help that I overheard the maids, Sarina and Paula, gossiping. They said they saw you sneaking into Cassandra's room."

Arnold blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. "Regine, why would you listen to such nonsense? Cassandra and Andrew share a room, so if I went there, it was to speak with Andrew, nothing more."

Regine hesitated before wrapping her arms around him tightly. "I don't like hearing those things, Arnold. I just want us to be together."

Arnold smiled, patting her back, but his eyes darkened as he stared into the distance. "Don't let gossip get to you," he said, his tone firm.

Later that night, after Regine had fallen asleep, Arnold quietly slipped out of their room. His expression was cold and calculating as he made his way to the kitchen. He didn't hesitate as he opened the door to the maids' quarters, finding Sarina and Paula chatting in hushed voices.

"What are you doing here, Gamma Arnold?" Sarina asked, her tone nervous as she rose to her feet.

Arnold's smile was chilling. "Making sure there's no more gossip."

Before either maid could react, Arnold moved swiftly, his strength and speed overpowering them both in moments. He ensured their elimination was quick and silent, his expression void of remorse. He couldn't afford any loose ends, especially ones that threatened to expose his secret affair with Luna Cassandra.

As he left the room, Arnold wiped his hands clean and straightened his posture. He would do whatever it took to protect his plans and secure his position as the next Alpha-no matter the cost.