Chapter 8 Elder Marcus' Anger

• Marcus
• NB: This chapter is written from Elder Marcus' point of view.
• I stepped into the house, slamming the door behind me so hard the walls seemed to shake. The scent of lavender from the candles my wife always lit wafted in the air, but instead of calming me, it only irritated me further.
• I can’t believe that stupid son of mine was asking me for money to go to Crewwood. He was even trying to blackmail me, saying I have not sent him any money like I promised. So he’s going to come to the council and tell them he is my son. That twerk!
• If only the woman in my house gave me a son, I wouldn’t have gone outside. But no. She couldn't do that simple job of bearing me a son. It would have been easy to put my son on the alpha chair, especially when ….
• "Marcus, you are back" Serena greeted softly, interrupting my thoughts. It seems she was coming from the kitchen as she was wearing an apron. The same one with little sunflowers on it, that I had bought for her years ago. Back then, I thought it was endearing; now, it felt like a mockery of the weak woman she is.
• “What is it, Serena?” I barked, shrugging off my jacket and tossing it carelessly onto the nearest chair.
• She didn’t say anything but looked at me like I’d hurt her with the way I spoke to her.
• “Don’t stand there gawking at me like some fool. Have you cooked dinner, or do you intend for me to starve tonight?”
• She flinched but nodded. “Yes, I’ve made stew. Your favorite …”
• “Don’t care what it is,” I snapped, brushing past her. “I have something far more important to deal with.”
• Her expression faltered, but she followed me into the sitting room. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
• I spun around to face her, and the anger that had been boiling within me all day spilled over.
• “What’s wrong?” I thundered. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Your useless, insubordinate daughter is what’s wrong!”
• “Have you found her?” she asked with excitement in her voice.
• “Not yet. But I will soon enough. And when I do she will wish she never tried this stupid game of hers.”
• Her face fell, disappointment written all over.
• “Marcus, she is missing. This isn’t a game,” Serena pleaded nervously.
• “Really! She left this pack by herself, she ran away!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the house. “And for what? How many times did I tell her that the baby in her womb is very precious to me? I’ve been waiting for the birth of that child. But what did she do, carry her pregnant self and run away.”
• “Marcus please?” she begged me.
• “That brat of yours has the audacity to think she can challenge me. ME! Does she not understand who I am? You, do you know who I am?”
• “Elder Marcus, the honorable leader of the pack,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
• I smirked broadly. “Exactly. The honorable leader. A man whose reputation is unblemished, whose word is law. And yet, your daughter, your foolish, rebellious daughter, dares to think she can humiliate me?”
• “She’s your daughter too, Marcus,” Serena said, her voice firmer now. “And maybe if you tried to …”
• “Don’t you dare lecture me!” I roared, taking a threatening step toward her. “You think you have the right to speak to me like that? After all I’ve done for you? For this family?”
• Her eyes filled with tears, but she stood her ground. “You treat her like she’s nothing, Marcus. And me too. We’re not your enemies.”
• “Not my enemies?” I laughed bitterly. “You’re worse than enemies. You’re weak. Both of you. A disgrace to my name.”
• “You’re cruel,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “And that’s why she fights you.”
• The slap came before I even realized I’d raised my hand. The sharp crack echoed in the room as Serena stumbled back, clutching her cheek. Her wide, disbelieving eyes looked up at me, and for a brief moment, something akin to regret flickered inside me. But it was quickly buried under my fury.
• “How dare you,” I snarled, towering over her. “What has gotten into you, Serena? When did you start believing you could speak to me this way?”
• She didn’t answer, only stared at me with tears streaming down her face.
• “You’re lucky I don’t throw you out right now,” I hissed. “But don’t think for a second that I won’t punish you for this insolence. You’ve grown too comfortable, Serena. Perhaps it’s time you remembered your place.”
• Her lips trembled, but she still managed to whisper, “I won’t let you destroy her.”
• I grabbed her by the arm, pulling her close enough that she could feel the venom in my words.
• “You won’t let me?” I mocked. “You won’t let me? Let me tell you something, Serena. I will squash that girl if she tries to defy me. And anyone who dares to stand with her will meet the same fate. That includes you. Do you hear me?”
• She didn’t reply, just turned her face away, and it enraged me further. “Look at me when I’m talking to you!” I demanded, shaking her roughly.
• Finally, she looked up, her eyes filled with something that made me pause. Was it defiance? Fear? Resignation? I couldn’t tell, and it made my blood boil.
• “Now,” I said, releasing her with a shove. “Go and make sure dinner is on the table. I’ve had enough of your nonsense for one evening.”
• She staggered back, clutching her arm where I’d grabbed her, but she nodded and disappeared into the kitchen without another word.
• As I sank into my armchair, I could hear her quiet sniffles from the other room. They annoyed me, but they also reminded me of something important: control. Control was everything, and I would not lose it. Not to her. Not to her daughter. Not to anyone.
• And most importantly - power. I was so close to it. My plan would have been done and dusted by now if Lyra hadn’t run away. But I’ll find her and bring back my grandson. With that thought, I poured myself a glass of whiskey, the burning liquid sliding down my throat like fire. No one would ruin me. I’d make damn sure of that.
• Just then my phone rang and I picked up the call.
• “Garret. Any news?”
• “He’s on his way to Crewwood.”