Chapter 27: Big Ego, Little Sense
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.