's room, his steps steady as

d, her gaze soft as she watched Arnold pour himself a glass of wine. H

gentle hand on his arm, her voic

said, shaking her head. "She can'

fidence as he swirled the wine in his glass. "If Cassandra can't giv

filled with anticipation. "So, if you become the

reached out to touch her belly, his fingers gently graz

the ones in control of the pack," she said, her voice brimm

is too sentimental. He lets his emotions cloud his judgment.

thoughtful. "Do you think the e

hey are. I've seen the way they look at him during meetings

ed to make sure they see you as the better option. You've always been t

sh might come sooner than we think. Cassandra's

I'll be right by your side, showing them what a real Luna looks li

ly. Let's make sure everything falls into place. Andrew might have been chos

suasive. "You are that leader, Arnold. And

ng. "I know you will. Together, we'll mak

g. "Let's not waste any time. We need to start p

brow. "And how do yo

the pack. I'll make sure they see Cassandra's failures

p. "You've always been the brains behind

ermined. "We'll succeed because it's our de

ne final. "To our future. And t

licker of doubt crossed her face. She plac

Alpha Andrew's best friend and second in command. If Andrew ever

voice calm and reassuring. "Don't worry about Lucas. Some of the elders don't like

ed. "But why don't they like him? Lucas is

lders care about lineage too. Lucas's father was just a pack guard-no rank, no lega

led over his words. "I still can't believe it somet

ood flows in your veins, but he's the Alph

h was firm but tender, his voice steady as he replied, "It's onl

intently. "And what about Lucas?

Once I'm in charge, I'll remove him from his position and send him back to where he

e as she leaned closer. "You've real

hip is fragile. The pack needs someone with vision, someon

r voice was teasing as she whispered, "You've always been the one with the plans,

Not tonight, Regine. You're due to give b

"Careful? Arnold, we haven't had a moment together

ed with suspicion. "And it doesn't help that I overheard the maids, Sarina

hy would you listen to such nonsense? Cassandra and Andrew share a r

und him tightly. "I don't like hearing those

arkened as he stared into the distance. "Don't

s expression was cold and calculating as he made his way to the kitchen. He didn't hesitate as

Arnold?" Sarina asked, her tone

lling. "Making sure th

moments. He ensured their elimination was quick and silent, his expression void of remorse. He couldn't

ned his posture. He would do whatever it took to protect his pl