6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Torn Between Duty and Desire

Axel

I sometimes wonder if folks feel my presence before they see me. As soon as I enter the Crescent Moon Lodge, it's like I've hit a mute button on the world. Every chat, every whisper, every murmur dies away as I make my entrance. The air is thick with tension, and I can feel their stares and whispers as I approach the platform. Being an Alpha isn't always easy, but someone's got to do it.

I clear my throat and call the pack meeting to order. My voice echoes through the spacious room, bouncing off the walls like a pinball.

Finn speaks up hesitantly. "What about the rogues, Axel? They're still out there."

I nod, feeling my jaw clench at the thought of those pesky rogues terrorizing our territory. It's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands – frustrating as hell.

"I know you're all concerned," I begin, making sure my voice carries through the meeting hall. "As you're aware, there was another rogue sighting the other day. We're here today to address this."

A murmur ripples through the crowd, like a wave in a sea of worried faces. I hold up my hand, silencing them. Sometimes being an Alpha feels like being a kindergarten teacher, I swear.

"Unfortunately, the rogue eluded us and the woman he attacked hasn't been found," I admit, gritting my teeth at the memory. It still stings. "He was fast and seemed to know our territory well. This confirms our worst fears – we're dealing with a coordinated threat, not just lone wolves."

I let my gaze sweep over them, making eye contact, showing them the determination in my eyes. Some nod grimly, others lean forward, hanging on my every word. It's like they're waiting for me to pull a rabbit out of a hat or something.

"I understand your fear. But remember, we are strong. We are united. And we will face this threat as we have faced every challenge – together, as a pack."

But even as I say these words, I can sense the undercurrent of doubt. It's like a prickle at the back of my neck. Through the pack bond their concerns start rolling in.

Maybe he shouldn't be our Alpha.

We need an Alpha to protect us from rogues.

Why is he just now telling us we have a problem?

He should be out there protecting us.

I feel my wolf surging within me, reacting to the energy in the room.

Show them your strength, he says.

And you know what? He's right. Sometimes you've got to remind them why you're the Alpha. I let a hint of my wolf bleed into my eyes, a flicker of power, of dominance.

"I am your alpha," I declare, my voice ringing with authority. "I will lead us through this danger. But I need your trust, your loyalty, your courage. We need to understand our enemies."

The tension in the room shifts. It's like watching a flock of birds suddenly change direction mid-flight. Fear gives way to determination, to readiness. That's more like it.

"Now," I say, my tone shifting to one of command. "Let's discuss our strategy."

Elena, one of our most experienced trackers, steps forward. "Alpha," she says, "Did you pick up any distinct scents on the rogue? Anything that might help us identify where they're coming from?"

I nod, appreciating her quick thinking. That's why I like Elena – always on the ball. "There was a faint scent of pine and something... industrial. Motor oil, maybe. It was hard to pin down during the chase."

Murmurs ripple through the crowd as pack members exchange theories. It's like watching a live-action game of telephone. I raise my hand for silence.

"This brings me to our first order of business. We need to expand our patrols, particularly in the areas bordering the industrial district to the east. Elena, I want you to lead a team to scout that area. Be cautious – we don't know how many rogues we're dealing with."

Elena nods, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Understood, Alpha. I'll assemble a team immediately after the meeting."

"Good," I say, then turn to address the wider group. "Now, we need to discuss our defensive strategy. These rogues are bold, entering our territory so brazenly. We need to be prepared for a potential attack on our home ground."

Marcus, our pack's tactical expert, speaks up. "We should set up a series of safe houses throughout our territory. Places where pack members can seek refuge if they're caught out alone."

"Excellent idea, Marcus," I agree. It's moments like these that remind me why I love my pack. They're smart, resourceful. "Work with Beta Ethan to identify suitable locations. I want them stocked with supplies and communication devices within the next 48 hours."

I take a deep breath, softening my tone.

"I know many of you haven't faced a threat like this before," I say, looking around the room. "But remember, you are not alone. We are a pack, and we are stronger together. Your training has prepared you for this. Trust in yourselves and in each other."

Just when I think we're making progress, Finn raises his hand to speak.

"Axel, now that we have a solution for the rogue problem, we must discuss your relationship with Lila, the human woman. What if she discovers our secret? What if she leads hunters straight to our doorstep?" his voice tight.

Oh boy, here we go. I can feel the tension in the room ratchet up a notch. The murmurs of agreement ripple through the crowd like a wave, and I hold up my hand to silence them. It's like trying to calm a bunch of excited puppies, I swear.

"I understand your concerns, Finn," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "And I assure you that I am taking every precaution to protect our pack. Lila is not a threat to us."

Ethan leans forward, his brows furrowed. I can see the worry in his eyes. "But how can you be sure, Axel? We've seen the way you look at her. Your feelings could cloud your judgment."

I meet Ethan's gaze steadily, even as a part of me acknowledges the truth in his words. My attraction to Lila is undeniable, a pull that seems to defy all reason. But I cannot let my personal desires come before the safety of my pack.

"I give you my word, as your Alpha, that I will not allow any harm to come to our pack," I say, my voice firm. "We must remain discreet and united, now more than ever. Trust in me, as you always have."

As I look around the room, I can see the worry etched on their faces, the unease that lingers in the air. It's like trying to read a book with half the pages missing – I know there's more going on beneath the surface.

And then, just when I think things can't get any more tense, Finn rises to his feet, his eyes flashing with a challenge. "Maybe it's time for a new Alpha to lead this pack, one who isn't distracted by a human woman."

Well, shit. Talk about throwing gasoline on a fire.

I feel a surge of anger rush through me, hot and fierce. My wolf rises within, snarling at the threat to my position. I can feel my muscles tensing, my hands curling into fists as I fight to maintain control. The tension in the room skyrockets as the other pack members sense the impending confrontation. It's like being in the eye of a storm.

"What did you say?" I growl, my voice low and dangerous. I can feel my wolf clawing at the surface, demanding to be released.

Finn takes a step forward, his posture defiant. "You heard me, Axel. Your judgment is clouded. We need a leader who puts the pack first, above all else."

Around us, the other pack members erupt into a cacophony of arguments. Some voice their support for Finn, echoing his concerns about my involvement with Lila. Others defend me, reminding everyone of my proven leadership and the battles we've won together. It's like being in the middle of a verbal tug-of-war, and I'm the rope.

It takes every ounce of my self-control to keep the shift at bay. I can't let my anger get the best of me, not now. Being an Alpha isn't just about being the strongest – it's about being the most controlled, even when everything inside you is screaming to let loose.

"Enough!" I roar, my Alpha voice cutting through the chaos like a knife.

The room falls silent, all eyes turning to me. I can feel the power of my position, the weight of my authority pressing down on them. It's a heavy burden, but one I've chosen to bear.

"I am your Alpha," I declare, my voice ringing with unwavering conviction. "I have led this pack through countless challenges, and I will continue to do so until the day comes that someone defeats me in battle. My personal life is none of your concern, Finn. I have given my word to protect this pack, and I will not break that promise."

I stare down Finn, my Alpha authority radiating through the room. For a tense moment, it seems like he might actually challenge me, his eyes flickering with defiance. But then he lowers his gaze, submitting to my dominance.

"I apologize, Alpha," Finn says, his voice strained. "I spoke out of turn."

The tension in the room eases slightly, but I can still sense the underlying current of unease. I take a deep breath, letting my anger dissipate.

"I understand your concerns," I say, my voice steady. "But I need you to trust me. I would never do anything to jeopardize the safety of our pack."

Elena steps forward, her expression softening. "We do trust you, Axel. We're just worried. These are uncertain times and the last thing we need is hunters down our backs."

I nod, feeling a rush of gratitude for her support. It's moments like these that remind me why I love my pack. "I know. And I appreciate your loyalty. We will get through this together, as a pack."

Around the room, I see heads nodding, a sense of unity slowly replacing the earlier discord. Ethan claps me on the shoulder, a gesture of solidarity.

"We're with you, Alpha," he says, his voice firm.

As I look around at my pack, I feel a mix of relief and determination. They are my family, my responsibility. I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

"Our laws state that we are to protect the humans from the rogues," I say, my voice steady. "And I vow to protect both my pack and all humans, including Lila. I will not fail you."

As the meeting adjourns, Ethan catches my eye and gestures for me to join him in a quieter corner of the room. I approach him, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The sensation is comparable to the aftermath of a roller coaster ride – thrilling and somewhat disconcerting.

"Axel," he begins, his demeanor serious. "You need to be careful. This whole situation with Lila…"

"I know, Ethan," I interject, my voice low. "But it's more than that. I can't shake the feeling deep inside me. My wolf believes she is my fated mate."

Ethan's brows furrow as he processes my revelation. Watching him think is like observing a well-oiled machine, with gears smoothly turning in his head.

"You really think she's your mate?"

"Yes," I nod, urgency rising in my chest. "Every instinct tells me she's the one. I can't ignore this connection, this pull. It's unlike anything I've ever felt. My wolf feels it, and I can't turn my back on that."

He crosses his arms, skepticism written across his face. "But, Axel, what if you're wrong? What if this goes poorly? Fated mates can sometimes complicate everything—especially when one is human."

"I don't care about the complications," I insist, my voice firm. "I feel a bond with her. It's stronger than any rule or tradition. But I won't let my feelings compromise the pack's safety. I need you to trust me."

Ethan studies me, his expression softening. "I always trust you, Axel. But if you pursue this, you need to be prepared for the fallout. The pack won't accept it easily, and hunters could catch wind of it."

"I know," I reply, my determination steeling. "I'll protect her. She deserves to know the truth about us. My wolf needs her. I need her."

Ethan nods slowly, a reluctant acceptance in his eyes. "Just be careful. If the others catch wind of your feelings, it'll escalate quickly."

"I understand. But I won't walk away from Lila. She's my destiny," I declare, my resolve unwavering.

Ethan claps me on the shoulder, signaling his support. "Alright, just promise me you'll keep your head in the game. We need to focus on the rogues first."

With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I can feel the rift growing between us, the tension that threatens to tear our pack apart. I cannot ignore the pull towards Lila. I feel like I'm being pulled in two directions at once.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I try to center myself. I know that I must find a way to balance my duties as Alpha with my growing feelings for Lila.

My phone buzzes with a message from an unknown number. The photo attachment makes my blood run cold - it's a grainy surveillance image of Lila entering The Cozy Bean's, taken just minutes ago. The caption reads: "She's quite beautiful. No wonder you're willing to risk everything."