Chapter 2 Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown

• KAEL’s POV.
• I sat on my throne, my eyes scanning the faces of the wolves seater in front of me. My pack gathered before me, their faces filled with fear and respect. I leaned forward, my voice low and menacing.
• "Any weakness will be dealt with swiftly. I will not tolerate disobedience."
• My gaze was on a young wolf, cowering in the corner. "You, Ryker, have failed me for the last time. You're banished from the pack."
• I watched as Ryker brought his hands together, as a sign of him begging me, but I showed no mercy. I signaled to my guards, who dragged him away.
• After each wolf went to his den, my beta, Zephyr, approached me. "Kael, may I have a word?"
• I nodded, and Zephyr came near. "What is it, Zeph?"
• "Your brother, Kieran... he's growing stronger. His pack is expanding, and his influence is spreading."
• My eyes narrowed. "What are you saying, Zeph?"
• Zephyr's voice was low and measured. "I'm saying that Kieran is a threat to your rule, to our pack's safety. He's ruthless, Kael, and he won't hesitate to destroy us. I also heard… he is planning on getting a mate soon, which means he wants an heir to solidify his throne.”
• My face twisted in rage. "I'll never let that happen. I'll crush him before he can even try."
• Zephyr placed a hand on my shoulder. "Kael, listen to me. You're not invincible. You have fears and doubts. You can't face Kieran alone. I am here for you .”
• I gritted my teeth at Zephyr's words, but I knew he was right. I was afraid of Kieran, afraid of his power and his influence, he was no ordinary wolf, he was a hybrid. But I couldn't show weakness, not even to Zephyr.
• "I know, Zeph," I said finally. "But what choice do I have? I can't show weakness, not even to you."
• Zephyr's expression softened. "You can trust me, Kael. I'm your beta, your friend. Together, we'll face Kieran and protect our pack."
• I looked at Zephyr, and for a moment, I felt he was right. Maybe, just maybe, I didn't have to face this alone. Maybe Zephyr could help me defeat Kieran and secure my throne.
• But I have a reputation to live up to. "Very well, Zeph. Let's prepare for war."
• The anger in my heart grew, raising my determination to destroy Kieran and secure my rule. But at what cost?
• Zephyr's eyes darted to mine, and I could sense his hesitation, he knew something. "Kael, there's something else. Something you need to know."
• I raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Zeph?"
• Zephyr's eyes scanned the room. "It's about the pack's history, Kael. About the secrets we've kept hidden for so long."
• My curiosity got a hold of me, I leaned forward. "What secrets, Zeph?"
• Zephyr's voice dropped to a whisper. "About the murders, Kael. The ones that happened when your father was alpha."
• My eyes narrowed. "What about them?"
• Zephyr's eyes darted away from kins. "Kael, your father didn't just kill rival wolves. He killed our pack members. Wolves who threatened his power, wolves who knew too much."
• My mind reeled as I processed Zephyr's words. I had always known my father was ruthless, but I had never imagined he was capable of such evil deeds.
• "Why are you telling me this, Zeph?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
• Zephyr's expression was grim. "Because, Kael, I think Kieran knows about the murders. And I think he's using that knowledge to gather support among the other packs. So it is best if you also know…”
• My heart raced as I realized the implications. If Kieran revealed the truth about our pack's dark past, it could mean the end of our rule. The end of our pack. Killing a pack member for a reason like this is enough to start a war within the pack.
• "What do we do, Zeph?" I asked, feeling desperation slowly rising.
• Zephyr's eyes met mine, and I could see the determination there. "We need to stop Kieran, Kael. Before he can reveal the truth."
• I nodded, my mind racing with strategies and plans. I knew that this would be a fight to the death, but I was ready. I would do whatever it took to protect my pack, my rule, and my secrets.
• "Zeph, gather the guards," I said finally, my voice firm and leaving no room for arguments. "We'll need to take care of Kieran once and for all."
• Zephyr nodded. "I'll get them ready, Kael. But we need to be careful. Kieran is cunning, and he won't go down without a fight."
• I nodded, my mind already racing with strategies and plans. I knew that this would be a dangerous mission, but I was ready. I would do whatever it took to protect my pack, my rule, and my father’s secrets.
• Just as Zephyr was about to leave, a commotion was heard at the entrance of the chamber. The doors burst open, and a figure strode in, their eyes fixed on me.
• "Kael," the figure growled, their voice dripping with malice. "We meet again."
• My heart sank as I recognized the figure. It was Ryker, the same wolf I had banished from the pack just hours before. But now, he was back, and he looked more braver than ever.
• "Ryker," I snarled, my hackles rising, ready for attack. "You're supposed to be banished. How did you get back in?"
• Ryker sneered. "I have my ways, Kael. And I've come for revenge. I have teamed up with a better alpha and we will take you down.”
• "Ryker, you're not welcome here," Zephyr growled, his teeth bared. "Leave now, before things get ugly. Trust me, things get ugly real quick with the likes of you.”
• Ryker laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "I'm not going anywhere, Zephyr. I've come to help the right person take away your alpha title, and I won't let anyone stand in my way."
• My eyes narrowed, my heart racing. I knew that this was going to be a fight to the death, and I was ready. But just as I was about to attack, Ryker's eyes darted to something behind me, and a sly smile spread across his face.
• "Ah, Kael," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I think you'll want to see this."
• And with that, he gestured to the entrance of the chamber, where a figure stood, their eyes fixed on me.
• My heart sank as I recognized the figure. It was Kieran, my brother, my enemy. And he looked more dangerous than ever.
• “Hi, brother.”