Chapter 60
Chapter 60
Kaeleen’s POV
As Astrid and I made our way towards the Reception Hall, I couldn’t shake the feeling of impending conflict. The air crackled with tension, a silent prelude to the storm that was about to break. I knew Leon wouldn’t come alone, and I was prepared for whatever tactics he might employ.
The Reception Hall was one of the most impressive spaces in the mansion, a sprawling room designed for entertaining important guests and hosting formal events. Sunlight streamed through the massive arched windows, illuminating the intricate details of the ornate ceiling and the polished marble floor. It was a space that commanded respect, a space where I held all the power.
As we entered, the scene that greeted us was exactly as I had anticipated. Leon was pacing back and forth like a caged animal, his face a mask of fury. Just as our intel had indicated, he had arrived with a sizable entourage, a group of individuals who held significant sway in the werewolf community. These were the Elders, the self-appointed guardians of tradition and the arbiters of justice in the American werewolf world. They oversaw pack disputes, enforced ancient laws, and generally made life difficult for anyone who dared to challenge the status quo.
I smirked inwardly. Leon was predictable, relying on the authority of these antiquated figures to bully Astrid back into his control. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, as were the other men in the room, their attire a clear attempt to project an image of power and respectability. Leon’s blonde hair was slicked back, his blue eyes blazing with barely contained rage.
I cleared my throat, the sound cutting through the tense silence. Leon whirled around, his face contorted with anger.
"Took you long enough," he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "Is this how you welcome your visitors, Kaeleen? No wonder your pack is still a backwater."
I simply stared at him, refusing to rise to his bait. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose my composure.
"Eliza," I said calmly, addressing the woman who served as my head of household. She was a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense attitude and an uncanny ability to anticipate my needs. "Please bring refreshments for our... unwanted guests." I made sure to emphasize the word "unwanted," letting my disdain for their presence be known.
Astrid took a seat beside me, her presence a source of strength and resolve. I subtly squeezed her hand, offering her silent reassurance.