Chapter 151
I watched Tristan’s expression darken, the temperature in the room plummeting several degrees as his eyes narrowed. The familiar sense of danger, that always surrounded him intensified, his Alpha aura expanding outward in silent warning.
Oh god. No, no, no. My brother had just openly humiliated an Alpha–not just any Alpha, but Tristan Wolfbane, the most feared wolf in seven territories. Even I knew better than to push Tristan this far, and I’d been married to the man.
“He shouldn’t have said that,” I whispered to myself, anxiety clawing up my throat. “Not like this. Not in front of
everyone.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. A. Alphas never risked their lives for other packs–it went against every survival
instinct.
When Tristan made that offer—n Alpha personally committing to fight for another pack, that was unheard of. When one Alpha offered military support, it usually meant sending expendable soldiers, not putting their own neck on the line.
I expected Alaric to at least consider it. The proposal was objectively superior to anything else presented today. Even with my limited business experience, I recognized its value.
Tristan’s officials rose from their seats in a synchronized motion, faces tight with controlled fury. Beta Varian let out a low, threatening growl directed at my brother.
Around the table, other Alphas and their representatives froze, eyes wide with disbelief. No one spoke. No one dared move. The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on.
Kieran was on his feet instantly, responding to Varian’s challenge with a snarl of his own. “You dare growl at my Alpha?”
“Tell your Alpha to watch his tongue,” Varian snapped back, fury radiating from every word. “Has he forgotten who he’s speaking to?”
I glanced at Tristan, genuinely afraid of what he might do. To my surprise, he remained seated, his posture relaxed despite the chaos erupting around him. His face was a perfect,mask of cold indifference, betraying nothing of the rage I knew must be boiling beneath the surface.
With a single raised hand, Tristan silenced his men.
“Sit down,” he commanded quietly. “Let Alpha Alaric finish.”
His officials hesitated, clearly reluctant to back down, but they obeyed, returning to their seats with obvious displeasure. The room fell silent once more, all eyes now fixed on Tristan.
“Alpha Alaric clearly has great confidence in his abilities,” Tristan said, his voice unnervingly calm. “But true strength isn’t about fighting alone. It’s about making wise alliance choices. Even the strongest packs benefit from allies.”
Alaric stood, squaring his shoulders. “What do you want to hear from me, Alpha Tristan? That your proposal is the best? That I should be grateful for your generous offer?”
My brother stood perfectly straight, his gaze sweeping across the table before settling on Alpha Kael from Crystalcrest Pack. Meanwhile, Tristan hadn’t risen to the bait. He leaned back in his chair, looking almost bored.
“This alliance goes to Crystalcrest Pack,” Alaric announced firmly. “Congratulations, Alpha Kael.”
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Chapter 151
The silence that followed was deafening. No one moved: No one breathed. Alpha Kael himself looked surprised, his eyes darting between Alaric and Tristan as if uncertain whether to celebrate or prepare for bloodshed.
After a moment, Tristan rose gracefully, straightening his already impeccable suit. Despite what had just happened, his face remained composed, though the authority emanating from him was palpable.
“According to Moon Ring Council traditions, I have the right to question this decision.” he said, his voice low but powerful.
“This isn’t a court,” Alaric snapped back. “This is my pack’s meeting, and I make the decisions-
“Your decisions should be based on what’s best for your pack, not personal feelings,” Tristan cut in, his analysis cold and precise. “What’s your rationale?”
“I don’t like your proposal,” Alaric replied simply.
Tristan didn’t flinch. “I’m willing to renegotiate terms.”
I rubbed my temples, completely baffled. Why did Tristan want this alliance so badly? Why not just walk away after Alaric’s obvious hostility? What did he stand to gain that would be worth enduring this level of disrespect?
“Why do you need this alliance so desperately?” Alaric asked, echoing my thoughts.
Tristan’s response was carefully measured. “Every Alpha has their considerations.”
I shook my head, massaging my forehead to ease the building pressure. “What are you doing, Tristan?” I murmured under my breath. His strategy made no sense, yet I couldn’t help but be impressed by his composure under fire. The Tristan I
remembered would have exploded by now, possibly literally broken something.
“We will never ally with your pack,” Alaric declared harshly.. “You’re not good enough. Half the Alphas in this room could
kill you in battle. You’re only where you are because you inherited your position, not because you earned it. What makes
you so special?”
Alaric glanced around, seeking validation from the other Alphas. They stood awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with the escalating tension, but their eyes betrayed a reluctant/respect for Tristan that contradicted Alaric’s assessment.
“Inheritance and capability aren’t mutually exclusive, Alpha Alaric,” Tristan replied evenly. “Those achievements were earned through strength, not surname.”
Alaric’s expression twisted. “You’re delusional. You can’t even maintain a successful marriage. You treated your ex–wife terribly. You’ve never publicly announced an engagement or marriage to your current girlfriend. Perhaps there’s something
wrong with you?”
Varian stepped forward, his expression dangerous. “Alpha Alaric, mind your words. This has gone beyond normal business
discussion.”
I looked away in frustration, tugging at my hair. I tried reaching out through our pack mind–link to Alaric and Kieran, hoping to stop them before this got worse, but found both connections closed off. They’d deliberately shut me out.
Throughout this entire exchange, I couldn’t help noticing how Tristan maintained remarkable restraint. Despite severe provocation, he hadn’t lost his composure once. This controlled, strategic version of him didn’t match my memories of the quick–tempered husband I’d known.
With a slight gesture, Tristan instructed Varian to stand down. “I understand your concerns, Alpha Alaric,” he said, his
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