Treason

As the tension in the hall simmered beneath the surface, my mother's disapproving glance crossed the room towards me, and I took a deep breath, forcing myself to swallow down the resentment bubbling in my chest. This was not the time nor the place to confront Cleo about her blatant disregard for my feelings.

Suddenly, Father's authoritative voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd as he stood, commanding attention with a single strike of his knife against the glass. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward him, awaiting his announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Father began, "as tradition dictates, the hunting festival is upon us once again. It is a time-honored tradition where each pack showcases their best hunters, and this year shall be no exception."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "For our pack, we have always been proud to present Cole and Alexander as our representatives. However," he added, his tone taking on a note of finality, "in the spirit of fairness and competition, I have decided to introduce a twist."

My heart sank at his words, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach as I braced myself for what was to come.

"Asking for the consent of the other alphas present," Father continued, his gaze sweeping across the room, "I have chosen another participant from our pack. Ezra, step forward."

A murmur rippled through the crowd as Ezra hesitantly rose from his seat, casting a nervous glance in my direction before making his way to Father's side.

"To showcase the new talent in our pack," Father declared, placing a firm hand on Ezra's shoulder, "it is my prerogative to ensure a fair competition. And so, I have selected Ezra and Alexander to represent our pack."

I clenched my jaw at Father's words, frustration bubbling up inside me as I struggled to maintain my composure. It was clear that Father's decision was a deliberate attempt to reduce the stack of the odds against me, to ensure that I would emerge victorious in the hunt.

Cleo's eyes flickered with judgment as she glanced in my direction, but I refused to meet her gaze. I couldn't afford to let her see how much Father's decision affected me, how it fueled the flames of resentment burning within.

Instead, I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to adopt a facade of indifference as I turned my attention back to Father, awaiting his next command.

"Tomorrow morning," Father announced, his voice echoing through the hall, "the hunting competition shall commence at dawn. May the best hunter emerge victorious."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Father took his seat once more, signaling the end of the announcement. 

"Coward," Cleo suddenly blurted out in my head. "Where is the male in you, Alex? You are having your father do your dirty work. Cole should be part of the hunt but because he knows he would destroy you like always, you have plotted to take him out."

Suddenly, I slapped the desk, the sharp sound cutting through the tension in the room like a knife. All eyes turned to me, startled by the sudden outburst. My mother's disapproving gaze intensified, and Cleo's expression twisted into a smug smirk.

"Enough!" I snapped. "I've had it with your constant belittling and accusations, Cleo. You have no idea what you're talking about."

The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Cleo's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of surprise and indignation.

"You think you're so superior, criticizing and undermining me," I continued, my voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "But you have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes, to carry the weight of expectations and responsibilities that come with being a part of this pack."

Cleo opened her mouth to retort, but I held up a hand, silencing her before she could speak.

"No, I'm not done talking," I declared, my tone firm. "I won't let you or anyone else dictate my worth or my actions. I'll prove myself on my own terms, without your judgment or interference."

With that, I turned away from Cleo and faced everyone else, "It has always been Cole and me in the hunt-"

"Sit down, boy!!" My father's bellowed command rang throughout the hall and my head whipped round, the angry expression on his face causing my blood to run cold with guilt.  

"Let the pup finish speaking." Alpha Hale stated calmly and settled his dark gaze upon me.

"And so it will be Cole and I who hunt the morning tomorrow," I uttered, meeting Cole's calm eyes as he stared at me indifferently. His expression didn't waver and I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous, hoping that he would turn down my offer.

Breaking eye contact with me, he rests his gaze on Cleo. The way his gaze hardened at her, and yet, the was still this glance of softness between them, told me everything I needed to know.

"Fine. We can hunt tomorrow." He calmly said, and I looked at Cleo to see a faint smile tugging at her lips, a glint of amusement lighting up her dark irises. 

"Cole!" My father lashed out. "Does your Alpha word not bear any weight for you to go against it before so many people!" 

That was a threat and everyone in the room knew it. My father's words carried an accusation of treason within it, and if Cole was to defile his order any further, he risked severe consequences, not only for himself but possibly for his entire family. The tension in the room escalated as all eyes shifted between Cole and my father, waiting for the situation to unfold.

Cole remained composed, his expression unreadable as he faced my father's wrath head-on. "Alpha Ashur," he spoke with a steady voice, "I understand the gravity of your command, but I cannot in good conscience disregard Alex's request."

My father's face contorted with rage, his fists clenched at his sides as he glared at Cole. "You dare defy me... Your Leader? After all I've done for you?"