Chapter 11 Eleven

Calista’s POV

"I have been looking for you everywhere." She walked closer with a smile, but her eyes turned curious the moment they landed on me.

Curious and Cold.

"And who is this?" she asked and Zane finally took a step back.

My eyes didn't leave him. A part of me wanted to know what he had to say.

"Let's go back inside." He turned to her after giving me one last look.

She latched onto his arm like he belonged to her.

I didn't miss the cold look she gave me.

My chest squeezed slightly as I watched him leave with her.

He didn't answer when she asked who I was.

A low laugh left my lips. What did I even expect?

I let out a sigh. My chest felt heavy. My gaze stared at the path they’d taken.

Why did it hurt when everything was already clear?

Isla didn't make a sound, but I knew she was hurt.

I was hurt as well, but I couldn't let that get to me. I had something more important to worry about. Darius was already making his moves, and without enough backing, the pack might fall into his hands.

Five years of ruling would turn into nothing but a waste if the pack fell to him.

My father never told me anything about him, but I knew the kind of man he was the moment I saw him in the house.

The pack would not be safe in his hands; therefore, I wouldn't hand it to him.

The Crystal Pack was built on my family's blood, from generations back.

I headed back into the hall.

Alpha Stephen walked back to me with his charming smile the moment he noticed me.

Mariam and Zane stood by one table, and throughout the night I tried my best to ignore them.

Thanks to Alpha Stephen of the Night Pack, I had a decent night with him by my side.

He was mateless. Hadn't found his mate, and he claimed that was the main reason he honored Alpha Thomas's invitation. To find a mate.

I didn't know why he told me all that, but I enjoyed his company.

The night slowly wore off.

Alpha Thomas sent his beta to get me early in the morning so we could discuss the alliance.

I was surprised when I saw Zane in Alpha Thomas's office.

I sat down after he offered me a seat.

Did the rumors get it wrong?

They say Zane Bluemede never shows up for any gathering aside from Alpha meetings, even though he barely shows up. It was mostly his beta who stood in his place.

"I have reviewed your pack's current status and I must say it's not bad." He looked up at me.

"It's impressive, I must say." He placed the file back on the table.

"Your impact on the pack is massive, and I would love to form an alliance with a pack like yours, but I have to review further and know more." He stated and I nodded.

It was obvious he was hesitating because I was a female alpha.

"Thank you for hosting me in your pack." I got up on my feet.

"My beta and I will take our leave. I hope to hear from you." I shook hands with him before turning to leave.

I walked out of his office without glancing at Zane, even though I felt his hot gaze on me throughout my chat with Alpha Thomas.

Ray was already waiting beside the car. He pulled it open the instant he saw me walking toward him.

"The Night Pack isn't a bad choice," Ray suggested, looking at me through the front mirror.

"Yeah, it isn't," I agreed.

The drive back from the south felt longer, even though it took only a few hours.

A few hours after we arrived in the pack, a message came from the pack elders. They wanted a meeting.

I didn't object to their time, even though they set it without consulting me.

I went straight home and took a quick shower before heading to the conference hall.

The elders were already there, waiting for me.

Darius Rukers, my uncle, was also present.

I sat in the seat that used to belong to my father.

The same seat I had occupied for the past five years.

"This meeting was called on short notice and we appreciate you honoring it," one of the elders spoke. Elder Nako.

"This gathering is simple. We, the elders, have seen the good you have done for the pack over the past five years." He paused for a few seconds.

"Your hard work is acknowledged. That is why we, the elders, have decided to relieve you from all alpha duties." One elder shifted in his seat and Nako cleared his throat.

"We, the elders, have thought it over and concluded that you should hand the alpha position to your uncle. You are a woman, and you are supposed to be with your mate instead of bothering yourself with pack issues," he finished.

"Leave pack issues to the males. Darius is here and will take over from where you leave off," another elder said.

I already knew what this meeting was about, but I still couldn't help the loud growl that sent a wave of fear through the elders in the room.

Five years, and they think I would step back for someone else?

"Crystal Pack isn't just a pack to me. It's my home. My father's legacy. Hence, I won't step back without a bloody fight," I declared. Darius jumped to his feet.

"You are a woman!" he growled.

Ray immediately got up from his seat beside me as if shielding me, which he knew he didn't have to.

I was a silver wolf.

Only a fool would think I was weak and easy to tame.

I possessed all the abilities of the moon goddess herself.

I could heal from any injury and my wolf barely bowed to anyone.

A single bite from me could kill a wolf. Only pure alphas were safe from my deadly poison.

"Your father was my brother, and you know what that means, Calista," Darius said with an oblivious smile."This pack is mine to rule." He declared, his beast of a wolf showing in his eyes.

"You will only rule if I allow it," I reminded him.

His eyes darkened.

He could only be alpha if I stepped down.

"Until then, I'm still the alpha of this pack," I growled and the room went silent.

If he thinks I would let him take the pack from me, then he was mistaken.