MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA

Reana leaned forward, "I'm not suggesting we roll over and expose our bellies to the enemies, Elder Jaxson. I'm saying we need to be smarter about how we fight. We need to find a way to protect our pack without sacrificing so many lives."

The elder council wore contemplative looks, their foreheads etched with deep lines of thought. "What can we do, Luna?" one of them asked.

"Building a fortress around our—" Reana began.

But Beta Ryan cut her off, his voice dripping with condescension. "That's not a feasible option, Luna. Our pack members would feel trapped and suffocated. Have you thought of the disaster that would occur if those monsters and rogues scale over the walls? We'd be trapped within." He paused, basking in the attention.

Reana's gaze settled on him, her expression neutral. Beta Ryan felt a surge of pride, thinking he had successfully suppressed the powerful she-wolf. A smug smile spread across his face.

"I was thinking more along the lines of forming alliances with other packs, sharing knowledge and resources to strengthen our defenses," he continued. "We could also establish a more efficient scouting system, to gather intelligence on potential threats before they reach our borders."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Reana, awaiting her response. Her gaze lingered on Beta Ryan, and she sneered.

"When your ego is bigger than your brain, this is what happens," she said, her voice laced with subtle sarcasm.

Beta Ryan's smile faltered. He was about to retort but held himself back.

Ryder's lips tugged into a smile as he watched the subtle exchange between Reana and Beta Ryan. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and a low, amused chuckle rumbled in his throat, but he wisely kept it contained, not wanting to draw attention to himself.

"As I was saying, building a fortress around our territories, from the eastern borders, to the west, south and northern borders will shut out our enemies and also the slide of avalanches that would break into the pack houses during the harsh winter months."

Reana continued, her voice steady and confident, as if she had never been interrupted by Beta Ryan's outburst. "But, as Beta Ryan pointed out," she said, her tone dripping with subtle sarcasm, "that plan has its drawbacks. Which is why I propose we dig a ditch around the fortress to further reinforce our defenses."

Reana added, her eyes locked onto Beta Ryan's, a hint of a challenge dancing in their depths. "A ditch would not only provide an additional layer of protection, but also create a natural barrier to funnel potential attackers into kill zones, making it easier for our warriors to defend our territory." Her voice remained steady, but the subtle edge of sarcasm still lingered, a reminder that she had not forgotten Beta Ryan's earlier interruption.

"All that you mentioned are indeed valid points, Luna," Beta Ryan said, a hint of condescension creeping into his voice. "However, I think it's clear that your proposal, while... ambitious, is little more than a theory. It cannot be implemented, considering the cost, the manpower, and time. Would the rogues sit back and watch us build a fortress and not attack us? What happens when our warriors are exhausted and then, a sudden attack reoccur? Who would fight them, Luna?"

He leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied smirk spreading across his face, as if he had successfully dismissed Reana's idea.

"We seek help from the pack's alliance." It was Ryder who spoke.

All eyes turned to him, some frowning with displeasure and others eager to hear him out.

"A servant does not–" Ryan began but Kira cut him off.

"Go on, Ryder."

Ryder's gaze met Reana's, who gave him a subtle nod. A flicker passed between his eyes before he turned his attention to the rest of the council. "Seeking help from the pack's alliance could provide us with the necessary resources and manpower to construct a fortress and ditch. It would also strengthen our ties with other packs and demonstrate our commitment to collective defense." He paused, his eyes scanning the room as he anticipated objections. "I know it's not a decision to be taken lightly, but I believe it's an option worth exploring."

Reana nodded in agreement. "The impending winter will undoubtedly disturb many packs, even leaving many homeless if no proper measures are taken. Those who join in providing protection for our pack will be given shelter when they come knocking."

"How do we solve matters of disagreement? What if they turn against us?" Beta Ryan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "When different packs with different values and traditions come together, conflicts are inevitable. How do we resolve disputes and ensure we don't take in enemies instead of allies?" He leaned forward, his gaze locked onto Reana's.

He was more eager now to break her arrogance and crush her under him.

"Unity," Ryder replied, unfazed by Beta Ryan's venomous glare. "If the Black Moon Pack members present a united front, setting aside ego, pride, and petty squabbles, we'll deny potential allies the opportunity to exploit our divisions."

He continued, "Who knows what destruction this coming winter may bring? If by chance it's too much to contain, many packs would come running to us for protection anyway. If we deny them entry, pushing them to the brink of death, what stops them from joining hands with the rogues?"

"You–" Beta Ryan began, but Elder Jaxson's stern voice cut him off.

"Enough!" The elder's frown deepened, his eyes flashing with a warning.

Elder Collins, who had been silently observing the discussion, cleared his throat, his expression thoughtful. "I assume this plan will work," he said, slowly nodding his head.

Others followed suit. Whatever challenges the future holds would be treated in the future. For now, they had to protect their pack.

Beta Ryan's heart seethed with resentment as the others converged to discuss Reana and Ryder's plans. He couldn't believe that he, the soon-to-be Alpha, was being sidelined.

But he suppressed his resentment and joined the discussion, unwilling to appear divisive in front of the council or give Ryder any further advantage. His pride smarted, but he knew that, for now, he had to maintain a facade of cooperation.

By the end of the discussion, Reana took it upon herself to personally meet with the Alphas of the other packs, recognizing that sending a delegate might be perceived as an insult, implying that she was too superior to bother with the meeting herself.

"Any news about the delegation we sent to the southern islands?" Elder Collins inquired, just as Reana was about to leave.

She paused, glancing back over her shoulder, her expression was unreadable as usual. "Rest assured, Karl is still alive," she stated, before turning and exiting the room.

The council members exchanged uneasy glances. They thought they could open a conversation on the sensitive topic of her choosing a mate, but Reana suddenly left to have 'breakfast' according to that servant.

Beta Ryan watched Reana and Ryder leave together, his hands clenched into a tight fist. 'Tonight. He has to die tonight.'