Chapter 14: Concerns

"Are you sure, Alpha? You're leaving the pack?" Beta Albert asked again.

Kael nodded. "Yes. And I need you to take care of Blackmoon while I'm gone."

Albert sighed, looking away for a moment before turning back to Kael, who was sitting behind his desk.

"I understand that this is for our Luna, but is this really the right time? The pack might be facing war soon."

Kael exhaled slowly, finally meeting Albert's gaze.

"I know. But I can't let Lyra go alone. She needs me."

"And so does the pack, Alpha. The council won't be happy about this," Albert insisted, his voice laced with concern.

Kael stood up. "I don't care, Albert. I finally have my mate, and I won't abandon her. I won't stop until I've helped her."

Albert sighed again, knowing there was no changing Kael's mind. His Alpha had waited years for his mate—nothing would keep him away now.

"Fine. I'll inform the council."

"No need. I'll speak to them myself."

At the meeting hall, the council and elders had already gathered, waiting with anticipation. Kael stood in front of them, silent, as he carefully thought through his words. He knew many wouldn't understand, but he couldn't let Lyra go on this journey alone—especially when he knew she was in danger.

"What is this about, Alpha?" Elder Maxwell asked. "You've been calling meetings too frequently lately."

Kael looked at him. "I have an important announcement," he said, then turned to Albert.

Albert stepped closer and whispered, "Everyone is here, Alpha."

Kael gave a brief nod, then cleared his throat. The room fell silent, all eyes on him.

"I understand your concerns, but I need everyone to hear this," Kael began. "I'll be leaving for a while—days, maybe even months."

Gasps echoed through the hall. The murmurs started immediately.

"But where are you going, Alpha?" one of the council members, Rowan, asked.

"Is this because of the recent attack on our pack?" Mae added.

Kael shook his head. "No. My mate needs me. She has a journey ahead of her, and I want to be there for every struggle she faces."

A sudden laugh broke through the tension.

Everyone turned to the far end of the table, where a woman sat, amusement clear on her face.

Kael frowned. "Is something funny, Laura?"

Laura shook her head, but her mocking smile remained.

"Nothing, Alpha," she said. "But don't you think you're being selfish? You have an entire pack depending on your leadership, yet you're leaving because your 'mate' needs you? You're an Alpha, not just some ordinary wolf."

Kael's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. A low growl rumbled in his chest. The room fell into uneasy silence.

Albert cleared his throat. "I believe Alpha Kael is simply ensuring our Luna's safety, sister," he said, emphasizing the word Luna.

Laura scoffed. "And what? She can't handle it herself? I'm just thinking about the pack, brother."

"She has a point, Alpha," another council member spoke up. "What if we're attacked again?"

"We're not prepared, Alpha."

Kael took a deep breath, then addressed them firmly.

"I understand everyone's concern. But our pack is strong—we know who we are," he said, his voice steady. "And to ensure stability, my Beta will take over in my absence. He will act as Alpha until I return."

Albert's eyes widened. The sudden announcement caught him off guard.

"I… I will do my best to protect the pack, Alpha Kael," he said, still processing the weight of the responsibility.

Kael nodded. "I trust you." He glanced around the room. "I hope that settles everything."

Silence followed. Some still looked hesitant, but they knew there was no stopping their Alpha.

With an annoyed roll of her eyes, Laura stood up and walked out of the room.