The Three Who Chose Me

Kiel

I was already irritated the moment I walked into the meeting room and heard Varen’s voice. The way he said, "It’s about time you showed up," like I had nothing better to do than crawl to them on command, made something in me snap. But I said nothing. I was tired—tired of being misunderstood, tired of being blamed, and most of all, tired of being alone in this.

I turned away from Varen, ignoring the smug look on his face, and focused on the cluster of men gathered before me. The elders. Of course. Because why wouldn’t they be here? Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice colder than I intended.

Elder Montreal stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "We’re here for questioning."

I let out a harsh laugh, shaking my head. "Questioning? You’re questioning me?" I turned toward Elder Archer, locking eyes with the man who had once praised my leadership. "Tell me, Elder Archer... does someone of my caliber really get questioned like some rogue off the street?"

I knew Varen was behind me, probably rolling his eyes like he always did when I pushed back. I didn’t need to see it—I could feel it. And all I could think was, Moon Goddess, please let those eyes roll so far back he trips over himself.

But I didn’t say it. I didn’t need to. My annoyance simmered beneath the surface, radiating from my body like heat waves. These were the same brothers who always expected me to show up, protect the pack, stand beside them. But the moment I needed them, where were they? Nowhere. Instead, I stood here, surrounded by people waiting to rip me apart.

Elder Archer didn’t even flinch. "You know the rules, Alpha Kiel. No one is above questioning. Not even you."

I let out a sharp breath through my nose and straightened. "Fine. Ask your questions. Let’s get this circus started."

Elder Graves stepped in next. "Is the man in the circulated image you?"

Thorne scoffed before I could even open my mouth. "Of course it’s him."