AEGIS'S P.O.V

"You're a disgrace to the Alpha title." Mikeal’s voice dripped with arrogance as he leaned back in his chair smugly.

The tension in the room was unbearable for everybody but Alpha Brianna didn’t flinch.

"Mikeal might I remind you that this is a pack border meeting." She smiled, very calm, composed and far too collected for my liking. He wasn’t done.

“A woman Alpha? You’ve tarnished the position. Don’t worry, though. I’ll clean up your mess when it’s mine. I’ll show this pack what a real Alpha looks like.”

Brianna tilted her head, her voice smooth as silk. “I've been Alpha before you were even born Mikeal but please enlighten me, what exactly does that look like, Mikeal? And who are you to even judge? A man who’s already caused atrocities before even earning the title?” Mikeal's smirk faltered.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the thirteen girls you’ve impregnated,” Brianna said, her tone light but lethal. “Three of them forced into abortions. One of them dead because of you. Shall I continue?”

The room went silent. Everyone froze at the lethal wave of anger rolling of their Alpha. Even the air seemed to stop moving. But of course Mikeal wasn't any wiser. His face darkened. “At least I won’t ruin this pack like you. Better a man than a whore for an Alpha.”

I gripped the arms of my chair with the raw need to lunge at him. Beside me, Noah and Kara shifted uncomfortably, their eyes flickering between him and Brianna. Brianna chuckled so calmly it sent chills down my spine. She was amused. Amused.

“Is that what you think of me, Mikeal?” she said, leaning forward slightly. “Enlighten me. What makes me a whore, exactly?” Mikeal sneered

“You flaunt your title like it’s some kind of trophy. Your power? Undeserved. You probably slept your way to the top.”

I saw red. My body moved before I could think. In a flash, I had him by the throat, slamming him against the wall. His hands clawed at mine, his eyes wide with shock. “How dare you speak to her like that?” I hissed. “You’re nothing but a spoiled, entitled brat...”

“Aegis,” Brianna’s calm voice cut through my fury. “Let him go.” I hesitated. “Aegis.” She smiled at me, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. “It’s fine. Let him go.”

I reluctantly released him. Mikeal stumbled, back coughing, his face red with fury and humiliation.

“How dare you touch me,” he spat at me between coughs. “I’m the future Alpha of this pa...”

“Actually,” Brianna interrupted, her voice deceptively light as she leaned even deeper into her seat. "I don’t think you've met Aegis” She turned her gaze to him. “This is Aegis, my daughter. And my Heir.”

The room fell silent again. Mikeal froze, his jaw slack. “What?”

“You heard me,” Brianna said, her smile never faltering. “She’s my daughter. She’ll inherit the title when I step down.”

Mikeal’s face twisted with anger. “You can’t do that! That position is mine by right!”

"By what right?” Brianna said simply, leaning back in her chair. Mikeal glared at me, his chest heaving. “This isn’t over. I'll fight you for it. ”

“No, it’s not,” I replied coldly. “Bring it on.”

With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

---The room was quiet after he left. It finally sunk in to me. I stared at Brianna, my hands still shaking. “Whore, huh?” she said, breaking the silence without looking at me. Her tone was light and sad. “Funny. I haven’t been with anyone since my mate died. Where that boy got his ideas, I’ll never know.”

I clenched my fists. “Why do you let him talk to you like that?” Brianna looked at me, her smile fading.

“Because it doesn’t matter what he says. What matters is what I do.” I shook my head speechless.

“Everyone, leave us,” Brianna said suddenly. The others hesitated, glancing between us, but eventually everyone filed out.

When we were alone, she turned to me. “You’re angry.”

“Of course I’m angry!” I snapped. “He disrespected you. He disrespected me. And you just stood there. And then you announced me as your Heir. Just like that. You didn't tell me any of this.”

She nodded slowly and thoughtful. “And what would you have me do? Kill him? That solves nothing.” I stared at her, my mind racing.

“You need power, Aegis,” she said, her voice softer now. “You want revenge for your pack? For your family? Power will give you that. Power that comes with the Alpha position.”

“I don’t want your damned position,” I said through gritted teeth.

“It’s not about want,” she said. “It’s about need. You’ve shown every quality of a leader, Aegis. This pack needs you. And I need you.” I swallowed hard, her words settling heavily in my chest.

“At least pity us,” she said. “On this pack. Do you really think Mikeal will run it well? Look at what he’s done already. Do you want that for these people? I know you don't want this,you can just defeat him and abdicate. But I need you to help me. Please.”

I didn’t answer her. I didn't know how to.

-The door burst open suddenly and I flinched at the sound. Mikeal’s father stormed in, his eyes wild with rage. “You think you can just do whatever you want, Brianna?” he shouted. “You’re nothing but a slut, a whore, and a murderer.” I saw Brianna flinch, just slightly, but it was enough to buils rage in me all over again. The woman didn't deserve any of this.

She seemed to shrink under his words, her usual strength dimming.

“And you,” he said, turning to me. “You’re a monster. A thief. Trying to take what belongs to my son.”

“Enough,” I said, stepping between them. But he wasn’t finished. His gaze shifted back to Brianna, his eyes narrowing.

He suddenly laughed as his eyes shown with realization. “There’s no way she could be your daughter unless you cheated on my brother. You’re lying cheater—” He raised his hand to strike her.

Before he could, I grabbed his wrist, stopping him mid-swing. “Don’t,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “Don’t you lay your hands on my mother. ”

His eyes burned with fury. “My son is challenging you for the position. Do you accept?”

I let go of his wrist, stepping closer to him. “Yes,” I answered and Brianna's head swung to me in shock and appreciation. Keeping my gaze on him, I continued.

“And tell him this... he’s not ready for what’s coming. But don't worry I'll allow you be the one to bury him."

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