Ex-Alpha's Regret: Siren's Comeback novel Chapter 58

POV: Damian

Sylvie's suggestion was a masterstroke of political cunning. It was ruthless, but it was also strategically sound. The Thorne assets, particularly their silver mines, were a prize too valuable to be left in the hands of a disgraced family. Leaving them in a state of limbo invited chaos. Seizing them outright, however, would make me look like a tyrant.

But if another pack, a loyal ally, were to petition for control… that was a different matter entirely.

It seemed the scent of weakness had already traveled on the wind. Two days later, I received a request for an audience from Alpha Fenrir of the Ironfang pack. I agreed to meet him.

Fenrir was a hyena walking in wolf's skin. He was a creature of opportunity, known for his cunning and his brutality in equal measure. He entered my study with a performative bow, his posture one of exaggerated deference, but his eyes missed nothing. They darted around the room, assessing, calculating.

"Alpha Damian," he began, his voice a low, gravelly purr. "I came to offer my loyalty and my sword. The news of the Thorne family's treason… it is a stain on the honor of our great alliance. A disgrace."

I listened, my face impassive, as he delivered a long, rambling speech about loyalty and the sanctity of our alliance. He condemned my father-in-law with a righteous fury that was almost comical in its insincerity.

"An example must be made," Fenrir declared, slamming a fist on his chest. "To allow such a betrayal to go unpunished would be to invite chaos! My warriors and I, we are prepared to march. We will enact your justice for you, Alpha. We will crush these traitors and cleanse the alliance of their stain."

I didn't say yes. I didn't need to.

I raised my glass. "The purity of the alliance must be maintained, Fenrir," I said, my voice cold and clear. "Any family that dares challenge my authority will be wiped from the map."

I watched him over the rim of my glass as I drank. A slow, triumphant, predatory smile spread across his face. He had his permission.