My Lycan Mate of Suicide Forest

"That light was a witch," Andreas spoke with a deep, resonant drama that Graeme was sure he had practiced.

It hit just right, as the audible gasps from council members in the room indicated.

"They light up like that?"

"How?"

"Why did it go out?"

"Are there any near us?"

Questions were humming, the council members curiosities truly piqued now as to what mysteries this map could reveal. Graeme questioned whether he should have just ripped the servers to shreds without telling anyone. The tide of energy seemed to have turned to benefit the elders at the moment.

"This is why I wanted you all aware of it and why we must have a formal meeting with all of the details revolving around the map project. It has been going on in the shadows, and the elders have much to answer for," Graeme's voice rose, ushering the voices of all the others into silence.

"Our very recently returned Alpha is right. You all deserve details. But I would present to you my belief that he wishes to turn this off simply because it has revealed to us when his mate of questionable affiliation uses her abilities," Andreas countered to receive a warning growl from Graeme. "I am sure you heard that she was able to restrict the air and keep two of our pack members from breathing just a few days ago outside the market," he added.

Eyes widened with fear and disbelief as hushed murmurs circulated amongst the council members. To the side, Sylvia and Charlotte silently watched this group of males whispering amongst themselves like gossiping pups.

"I believe what our Alpha is concerned about, Andreas," Charlotte interrupted in her rich voice as she stepped forward to challenge his central position in the room, "is that this map is being used to commit atrocities similar to what occurred in our pack not that long ago. And without due process."

The commanding essence of Charlotte had everyone hushed again, regarding the regal way her gown flowed behind her and her coarse hair twisted around her like a crown. One from outside the pack might step into this room and believe her a queen to these people. Her chin was high, back straight, gaze unwavering as she challenged Andreas with her truth—a truth that included the death of her sister and mother, two alyko from within this pack who were not allowed a defense in the silent verdict that came down upon them, judging them guilty of conspiring against the Alpha and Luna with no evidence. They were killed by the elders' orders. They were killed by the three males in this room who dared think themselves wise in the prejudice they upheld.

"Your Luna and this map are two separate issues," Charlotte turned to address the room. "Do not confuse them."

Graeme nodded to Kai to shut it down.

"This is outrageous, Andreas. We need answers about this immediately," one of the males exclaimed.

"I agree," Andreas growled, watching Kai follow the Alpha's orders. "We will get the team here and discuss it as quickly as possible this week."

"Members," Graeme boomed, bringing the attention back to him as the map blinked off. "As you have already noticed, Charlotte Demeter and Sylvia Wilde are here to help balance my elder guidance. The elder guardians exist to help the Alpha make wise and fair decisions that reflect our traditions and histories, but that guidance is meant to be varied and diverse."

Graeme continued: "The current elders have been working together unanimously in my absence and with Head Elder Andreas enjoying increasing dominance among them. Now that I am returned, resorting back to the traditional Elder-Alpha relationships is vital and yet unattainable currently. Charlotte and Sylvia will help balance that. I will also be seeking one more elder female if any of you would like to put forth nominations."

"This is quite without precedent…" Pearce began.

"Everything about our current situation is without precedent," Graeme interrupted. "No Alpha and Luna have ever been simultaneously murdered in our pack prior to my parents. No alyko have ever been rounded up in our pack and exterminated in mass, at least not that I am aware of," he grumbled the last part before continuing.

"And no Alpha has ever abdicated his role. This is all without precedent. I am here to get us back on track. This is how we do it. And this is not up for discussion. Charlotte and Sylvia are in." The depth and finality of his voice rumbled in vibrations on the air that made everyone's hair stand on end by the time he had finished speaking. This was their Alpha. There was no denying it.

Some of the council members nodded, eyes gleaming at the authority they felt from him. Finally. Their Alpha. It was a relief—a reason to breathe easier. They could trust his lead.

Others shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting to where the map had been displayed, the words Pearce spoke about the latest 'event' that Graeme didn't want them aware of echoing. This was undeniably their Alpha, but was the new alyko truly meant to be their Luna? Was she not dangerous?

But not one of the members spoke against him.

"You should bring your mate in. Why is she not here now?" Andreas asked, splintering the silence. "Is it not tradition to have the Luna involved in council meetings?"

"She is new to this. I didn't want to overwhelm her with the first meeting when there is much to sort out," Graeme replied.

"Was it also because she was meant to be brought in for her actions the other day? You are protecting her," Pearce spoke calmly, though the accusation was clear.

"Yes, I am protecting her. She was attacked that day. She was defending herself," Graeme growled.

"Perhaps she is not truly your mate, and that is why you are protecting her. What witch has ever been a Luna?" Auden hissed venomously.

Graeme lunged without warning, scattering the males around him as they watched him cage Auden against one of the tables by his throat. The computer that had been there clamored to the floor as Auden gasped, clawing at the arm that was cutting off his air.

"Don't ever disrespect my mate," he snarled and before Auden even had a chance to register what was happening, Graeme tore his head from his body, splattering Auden's blood all over the white table and floor of the pristine room.

Graeme stood, letting Auden's body slump to the floor in front of him with a sickening thud. Everyone else in the room stood motionless, eyes and mouths wide—even Pearce and Andreas behind him.

"I no longer need nominations for another female elder.. The elders are balanced," he growled and stalked out of the room.