Chapter 45

“The Alpha’s word is law. Trust is earned through strength, not words.”

There had been no room for debate under his rule, no room for the kind of discussion I was now allowing. I had admired his clarity, his confidence. But his strength had come at a cost. His authoritarian approach had alienated those who questioned him, creating fractures that I was now tasked with healing.

I wasn’t my father. I wouldn’t lead with the iron certainty that had defined his rule. My leadership had to be different—softer in some ways, but no less resolute. The pack needed unity, not fear. And I would build that unity, one step at a time.

Back in the council room, Miriam’s frown deepened.

“But can we trust that his loyalty extends to the pack, and not just to you? Some of us worry that his bond with you might cloud his judgment.”

I straightened in my seat, letting my authority fill the room.

“Dante is loyal to Talon Pack, and to me as its Alpha. If you doubt his intentions, then I suggest you spend more time observing his actions and less time speculating about his motivations. I will not tolerate baseless accusations, nor will I allow anyone to question my decisions as Alpha. Is that understood?”