Chapter 136: The Shadows of Ambition.
Alessandro’s POV
As the council room emptied, quiet whispers filled the air. Some of the elders went to Alpha John to show their respect, while others left silently, looking unsure.
I stood still, watching Father as he was carefully guided to a chair by Elder Tobias.
His posture remained upright, regal even in his weakened state, he carried the weight of the pack like a crown that could never be taken from him.
Leonardo stormed out without a word, the doors slamming behind him.
I didn’t need to follow to know what was on his mind. The look in his eyes before he left… it wasn’t surrender. It was a warning.
Gabriel moved to stand beside me, whispering just loud enough for me to hear.
“You think he’ll accept this quietly?”
I shook my head.
“No. He’s already planning his next move.”
Gabriel exhaled heavily.
“We need to be careful. If he feels like he’s losing his chance, he might do something reckless.”
“Or dangerous,” I added.
Just then, Elder Marco turned to me.
“Alessandro,” he said.
“A word.”
I followed him to the far corner of the chamber where the other elders had begun to regroup.
“You handled yourself well,” he began, his face expressionless.
“But be careful. Family connections don't mean much when people want power.”
I nodded slowly, his words settling in my chest like ice.
“I understand.”
He looked toward the doors Leonardo had stormed through.
“Your brother is not a fool… but pride makes wise men reckless.”
“Which is why we must stay ten steps ahead,” I replied.
Elder Marco gave me a rare approving nod.
“Then you’re already thinking like a true leader.”
As the council began to disperse again, I made my way back to Father.
His eyes met mine there was exhaustion there, but also clarity.
“You’ve grown,” he said quietly, his voice more gentle than before.
“I had to,” I replied.
He reached out, gripping my arm lightly, his hand trembling but firm with intent.
“The truth is,” He began, his voice a rough whisper,
“I can’t handle pack affairs from a hospital bed. Not like this.”
He looked me dead in the eyes, something raw and urgent behind his gaze.
“But I need you, Alessandro… to handle it in my place.”
I held my breath and listened silently.
“This doesn’t leave this room,” he added.
“No elders, no council, not even your brother. This is between me and you.
Understand?”
I nodded slowly, my heart feeling heavier with the trust he was placing in me.
“Yes, Father. I understand.”
“Good.”
He exhaled, letting his hand fall back down.
“Then make me proud… and protect this pack with everything you have.”
I nodded, the weight of his words settling deep in my chest.
Without another word, I moved to his side and gently supported him as we turned back toward the hospital room.
His steps were slow, unsteady, but he held his head high.
As we reached the doorway, the pack’s doctor was already waiting, concern evident on his face.
“Alpha, you shouldn’t be out of bed for too long,” the doctor said gently, stepping forward.
“He needed to speak,” I replied quietly, helping Father ease himself back onto the bed.
The doctor didn’t argue. He simply nodded and began checking over his vitals while I stood nearby, watching in silence.
I just didn’t understand why Leonardo had changed all of a sudden.
Was it because of me and Aurora?
Was it the fact that I stood up to him… that I challenged what he believed was already his?
He used to be different. Arrogant, yes but not like this.
Not... spiteful.
Somewhere along the way, something in him had snapped.
Maybe it was the pressure of the title, the weight of expectations, or maybe... it was jealousy.
I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled slowly.
Whatever the reason, I knew this wasn’t just about leadership anymore.
It was personal now.
And that made it even more dangerous.
Just then, Rafael and Gabriel walked into Father’s hospital room and came to me where I was standing.
“How is he?” Rafael asked, his voice low, cautious.
I looked at them both before answering.
“Awake. Tired.
But still sharp.
He’s going to oversee things from here… at least until he recovers fully.”
Gabriel let out a breath of relief.
“That’s something. Honestly, we were all starting to worry he wouldn’t make it.”
“He also asked me to take over the pack's daily affairs quietly.
Just between us,” I added, my voice dropping.
Rafael raised a brow.
“You mean, unofficially?”
I nodded.
“Yes.
No titles.
No drama.
He wants me to hold things together until he’s strong enough to return.
No one else can know not even Leonardo.”
Gabriel let out a low whistle, rubbing the back of his neck.
“That’s going to be a problem. You know how he gets when he’s not in control.”
“I know,” I said, looking toward the door, as if I expected Leonardo to burst through at any second.
“Which is why we need to be smart. Keep things quiet, move carefully.
The last thing we need is him causing more division.”
Rafael looked uneasy.
“And Aurora? Where does she stand in all this?”
I hesitated.
“Right now, she doesn’t know. And maybe it’s better that way. At least until I figure out how deep this goes.”
Gabriel crossed his arms, his voice firm.
“Well, whatever happens, we’ve got your back. You’re not doing this alone.”
I met both of their gazes and gave a small nod.
“Thank you. We’ll need to be united if we’re going to keep this pack from falling apart.”
Rafael nodded, his expression turning serious as his gaze shifted to Father, who lay quietly while the doctor continued checking his vitals.
“But first,” Rafael said, his voice low, “we need to ask Father who the last person was that entered his office before he got poisoned.”
I turned to him, tension prickling down my spine.
“Whoever came into his office must be the one responsible,” Rafael continued.
“And we need to find that person fast before it happens again.”
Gabriel stepped closer, lowering his voice.
“You think someone’s trying to kill him… for power?”
Rafael’s jaw tightened.
“I think someone is trying to end Alpha John’s reign in order to take over the pack.
But the question is who?”
Silence fell for a moment, heavy with unspoken names and suspicions.
I looked toward Father, wondering if he even remembered who it was if he could remember.
And if he did, whether he’d be willing to say it aloud.
My fists clenched at my sides.
“We’ll ask him,” I said, my voice firm.
“And if he knows, we’ll get to the bottom of this. No matter who’s behind it.”
Gabriel gave a grim nod.
“Even if it’s someone within the pack.”
“Especially if it’s someone within the pack,” I corrected, already preparing for the worst.