Their hunger for power was insatiable, undeterred even by the looming threat of vampires, always seeking to gain the upper hand over us.
Damienâs voice came in a low mutter.
âI Inbelievable, their greed knows no bounds.
Donât they fear our might?â
My response was a cool smile.
âTheir thinking is rudimentary at best.
They wonât get the upper hand.
Weâre bolstering our numbers not just for strength, but for vigilance against any mischief.
â
As I surveyed the gathering, the mixed array of expressions did not escape me.
âItâs settled then.
But rest assured, dissent wonât be met with cordiality.
â
My declaration was met with strained smiles from the Alphas.
Their discomfort was palpable, and one in particular maintained a stoic silence.
âAlphas.
â As the murmurs settled, Carlos rose with a placating grin.
âCalebâs temper is legendary.
I wouldnât dwell on it too much.
As his second, you have my assurance of his loyalty and protection.
â
Their expressions eased at his words.
Seizing the moment, he extended an invitation.
âLetâs celebrate your arrival to the Thorn Edge Pack.
Weâll host a feast in your honor, a gesture to ensure your stay is a pleasant one.
We look
forward to your presence.
â
âSuch hospitality from the Thorn Edge Pack,â echoed through the room, lifting the earlier tension.
My pointed remarks were momentarily forgotten.
Carlosâ subtle wink, hidden from the rest, didnât escape me.
I allowed myself a brief, triumphant blink.
The event was unfolding as hoped.
Awareness of the delicate balance between force and diplomacy was key.
Harsh measures alone invited defiance.
It was the nuanced interplay of incentives and consequences that would keep the Alphas aligned.
Calebâs POV:
The meeting finally concluded.
After ushering the troublesome Alphas out, Carlos stretched and exclaimed, âThese Alphas are quite a hassle.
Theyâve involved me in so much, and I suspect theyâre scheming something.
â
I sighed and rubbed my temples wearily, resigning myself to the reality.
âThe two worlds have just merged not long ago, and this is only the beginning.
There will be more and more troubles.
â
Carlos groaned, âItâs so annoying.
â
I remained composed and advised him, âMake sure to arrange for someone to keep an eye on these Alphas.
We canât afford to give them the opportunity to cause trouble.
â
âGot it,â Carlos responded quickly, though he was still grumbling.
âBy the way, when is the banquet scheduled?â