Chapter 75
Betrayed By Blood The heavy door to the hall opened slowly, and Cain stepped in. The sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows framed him, making his imposing figure even more intimidating. His piercing green eyes glinted with unmasked arrogance. Behind him were Callum and Nathan.
The king sat on the throne, straight ahead to his right were the three council members. To the far left was someone Cain hadn’t been expecting to see at all. A faint smirk made its way to his lips.
He cleared his throat and stood firm. "Your Majesty," Cain greeted, his voice deep and calm. "I received your summons. I assume it must be something important to drag me away from my pack."
King Alaric squared his shoulders, his jaw clenched hard at the man’s words. "Alpha Cain, it is indeed important," he replied, his voice taut. "I’ll go straight to the point so we don’t drag out each other’s time. I have received hundreds of complaints regarding your pack, and it has come to a point where I can no longer look away. It is no secret that your rule has caused unrest among the packs. Your methods are barbaric and unbecoming of a leader."
Cain’s lips twitched into a smirk. "Barbaric? Is that what they call strength now?" He tilted his head, feigning confusion. "Or is it that the council and the king cannot stomach the fact that I’ve done what none of you could—build a pack that no one dares to challenge?"
Alaric’s jaw tightened, but Cain continued before he could respond.
"Let’s not waste time with pretense. Tell me what this is really about. If this is about the other packs whining about their inability to compete, say that too. But don’t stand there and pretend you have the authority to lecture me on leadership."
Matt jumped up from where he stood, his expression had hardened. "Watch your tongue, Cain. You’re speaking to the king."
Cain turned his gaze to Matt, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "And who invited the court clown?" His voice dripped with condescension, and Matt bristled, his hands balling into fists. "I’m speaking as a mutt like you would talk? Did you lose every single cell in your brain, or have you lost your mind?" Cain spat out.
"Enough! Enough with your insolence, Cain. This is where it ends. The region has been up in flames over your brutality these past few years, but this takes the cake. Your animalistic tendencies with your former head warrior. The attacks your pack received over the week. All of these attributes to the fact that you’ve fallen. I can no longer stand back and watch your barbaric acts any longer. I am forced to make a decision over your ruthless acts and put you in line just like every other alpha in the region," Alaric gritted out.