Chapter 53: Damon

“The equilibrium between the leaders of the east, south, and west is almost nonexistent. They've begun fighting for dominance. How do you propose a solution?” My father asked, sitting across from me. I sighed. He’d been pushing me to accept the Alpha King title sooner, and while I hadn't minded initially, it was becoming a nuisance, especially while I was counting down the hours until I could be with Clara again.

“So they’re fighting for power?” I asked, and he nodded. “The leader of the southern wolves is trying to conquer the west and will likely move east soon,” he added. I sighed again.

“There is one supreme leader—us—giving us the power to remove any leader who disobeys our ancestors’ rules. A warning letter should be sent; if they continue their power struggle, they should be removed immediately, and no one from their lineage can ever assume that position,” I stated. He smiled.

“Good, son. But what if they attack us, the north?” he asked. I scoffed. “Staging a war against us is a death sentence, but if they wish to, I’ll lead the battle myself,” I said. He stared at me, then smiled. “Spoken like a true Donovan. Luca will carry out your orders, and your letters will be sent to the leaders,” my father said. I raised an eyebrow. “They won’t listen to me. I don’t…”

Before I could finish, he placed the Alpha King’s seal on the table. My eyes widened. “Why are you giving me this?” I asked.

He smiled. “Because you’ve earned it, son. I may disagree with your personal life choices, but you handle business efficiently and without emotion. A true Alpha King issues fair and just orders, and you’ve proven yourself ready for the role. Keep the seal; it will be yours anyway. I’ll go see your mother before she gets angry,” he muttered, leaving before I could respond.

Luca, who had been standing beside me, sat down on the couch with a low whistle. “Your father really wants you to assume the role of Alpha King,” he said. I sighed. “For selfish reasons. As he said, he wants to travel the world with Mother and offload his work onto me,” I muttered. Luca sighed. “Either way, you can’t put it off much longer. He’ll get suspicious,” he said. I knew he was right.

“If you want Clara by your side, why not break the contract and be together? Why get rid of her?” Luca asked. I turned to him. “Even if I wanted to keep her, I can’t. The entire wolf race opposes my becoming Alpha King, but they can’t defeat me because I have no weaknesses. But if Clara becomes my weakness…they’ll use her against me.”

“You’re afraid they’ll use her against you,” Luca finished. I sighed. “I’m afraid she’ll get hurt. She just wants a normal life, and I’ll give her that. No one deserves to live in fear, especially her. I can handle things alone, but I can’t bring her into this. My family can take care of themselves, but Clara can’t,” I murmured.

Just then, my phone rang. A smile appeared as I saw the caller ID. “Missed me already, little devil?” I murmured into the phone. She sighed.

“Yes,” she confirmed, making my heart skip a beat. I loved her openness. “Want me to pick you up? I’m done with work,” I said. Luca’s eyes widened as he glanced at the work on my desk.

“No, Jason and Job volunteered to take me home,” she said. I frowned. “If you get in their car, I’ll burn down their house. Wait for me; I’m on my way.” I ended the call and stood up.

“You need to review those papers today, Alpha. You…”

“Bring them to Clara’s house. I’ll do it there,” I said. His eyes widened. “Wait, you’re staying over? Didn’t you just settle things yesterday?” he asked. I raised an eyebrow. “So? Do as I say,” I muttered, grabbing my phone and leaving the office.

I got in my car. “Where to, sir?” the driver asked.

“My wife’s shop,” I replied, starting the car. We arrived to find Clara outside, frowning at her phone. As if sensing me, she looked up, her face breaking into a smile. She ran towards the car.

“You took forever! I almost went with Jason and Job,” she teased. I frowned. “You really want me to hurt them, don’t you?” I said flatly. She giggled and got in the car.

“Let’s go home?” she asked. I shook my head. “That’s not home,” I muttered. She rolled her eyes. “Let’s go,” she said, and I nodded to the driver.

“Why were you frowning at your phone earlier?” I asked. She smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it,” she murmured, moving closer. I put my arms around her. She was definitely hiding something, and I intended to find out what it was. Content rights by NovelDrama.org.