Chapter 0344


    Today, during a particrly important meeting with other pack leaders, I find myself distracted.


    The conversation revolves around alliances and trade agreements, but my mind keeps drifting to Abby


    and the challenges she’s facing.


    I try to refocus, but it’s a struggle.


    One of the businessmen, a rival pack’s representative, takes notice of my distraction. He smirks and


    leans forward, addressing me with a condescending tone.


    “Karl, it seems like you’ve been more interested in your personal lifetely than in pack matters,” he


    says, his words dripping with sarcasm. “Perhaps you’re too focused on women to pay attention to


    what’s truly important.”


    I bristle at the usation, my jaw tightening. “Pardon?”


    He shrugs. “We all know what happened with your ex-wife. It’s obvious you’re too worried about her to


    think about your pack.”


    “That’s ridiculous,” I say with a scoff. “My pack alwayses first. I’m offended that you’d even


    suggest that.”


    The others at the table exchange knowing nces, and I can sense their skepticism. The businessman


    who called me out smirks again before leaning back in his chair.


    “Actions speak louder than words, Karl,” he says, his tone mocking. “Maybe it’s time you prove your


    Before I can say anything else, he stands and grabs his briefcase, walking out. I’m too shocked to


    speak as the other businessmen file out, shooting me disapproving nces and muttering under their


    breaths.


    I’m left alone in the room, seething with frustration. I clench my fists, resisting the urge to punch the


    wall.


    This is not how I envisioned my leadership, and I refuse to let anyone undermine my authority.


    …


    Ethan regards me with a sympathetic expression as he sits across from me. We’re sitting in my garden


    out back, having coffee.


    “Karl, I heard about what happened in the meeting,” he says gently.


    “Did you, now?” I ask, trying not to scoff.


    He nods. “Karl, you know it’s okay to be worried about Abby, but as an Alpha, you have to maintain


    your focus on pack matters.”


    I sigh and run a hand through my hair, a bit put off by my brother’s words. “I have it under control,” I


    say, a little more harshly than I intend. “You don’t need to worry.”


    Ethan looks at me for a moment as he sips his coffee. “I’m sorry, Karl,” he says, “but I’m not seeing it.


    You’re distracted, and no matter how much you try to hide it, it’s obvious.”


    “What are you really getting at, Ethan?” I find myself asking.


    His suggestion hits me hard, and I stand so abruptly that my chair scrapes on the stone patio. “You’re


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    joking,” I hiss.


    “Ethan,” I say slowly, trying to contain my rage, “I’ve been leading this pack tirelessly for years, and I


    can’t just step down so easily.”


    Ethan studies me for a moment, his gaze searching. “Then how about this,” he suggests, extending his


    hand. “Let’s hold an election. Let the pack decide.” Co?tent of Drаmа?ovels.cоm


    An election. It’s an interesting idea, and maybe, just maybe, it’s not so bad.


    I grasp his hand firmly, sealing the agreement. “Very well, Ethan. Let’s do it. We’ll let the pack decide


    who should lead.”