Chapter 26

TWENTY-SIX

L ucas’s gaze sharpened. “Risk? Malcolm’s already crossed that line. He’s no longer one of us. He’s a threat to the pride, to our survival.”

Elder Conley leaned forward, his voice low but charged. “You think everyone who disagrees with you is a traitor? Maybe Malcolm’s methods are extreme, but if his goal is to save the pride, can you blame him for that?”

The room fell into a stunned silence, the implication hanging heavy in the air. Sofia bristled, her voice cutting through like steel. “There’s a difference between wanting to save the pride and experimenting on its members, Conley. Or do you think genetic manipulation and bombing our own people are acceptable strategies now?”

Conley shifted uncomfortably but didn’t back down. “I’m saying we need to think carefully about our next steps. If we go after Malcolm with force, we risk alienating others who might still be loyal to him. We can’t afford to fracture the pride further.”

Lucas’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. He couldn’t let Conley’s words plant seeds of doubt in the room. “If Malcolm had his way, there wouldn’t be a pride left to protect. His actions have already fractured us. And if anyone here doubts where their loyalties lie, they’d better figure it out fast—because I won’t tolerate betrayal.”

His gaze swept the room, lingering just a moment longer on Conley. The councilman held his ground, but a flicker of unease crossed his face.

Elder Noelle broke the tense silence, her voice calm but firm. “Lucas is right that Malcolm’s actions cannot go unanswered. But we must also remember that fear and division will destroy us just as surely as Malcolm’s bombs. We need unity now more than ever.”

Her wise eyes shifted to Emma, who had been listening intently. “Dr. Greene, you’ve seen Malcolm’s work firsthand. What insight can you offer us about his methods or his next move?”

Emma hesitated; he felt he pulse spike. “Malcolm’s approach is rooted in desperation,” she said finally. “His experiments aren’t just unethical; they’re unsustainable.”

She paused, her eyes flicking to Lucas. “But that doesn’t mean he’s not dangerous. He has resources, followers who believe in him, and enough knowledge to cause real damage. If we don’t act quickly, he’ll regroup and come back stronger.”

Sofia nodded. “So, what do you suggest? How do we protect the pride and make sure he doesn’t get the chance?”

Emma’s gaze hardened. “First, we secure the pride. Malcolm will target anyone he sees as a threat, including me. I need access to a secure lab where I can continue my work. If we can stabilize the pride’s fertility crisis, we’ll eliminate the leverage Malcolm has been using to recruit followers.”

Victor stepped forward, his voice gruff. “I can set up a perimeter around the lab. If Malcolm’s men come sniffing around, they won’t make it past me.”

Lucas nodded. “Good. But we also need to go on the offensive. Malcolm won’t stop until he’s either destroyed us or been stopped himself. That means tracking him down before he can strike again.”

Conley sighed heavily. “And how do you propose we do that, Lucas? I doubt he’s left a trail of breadcrumbs.”

Lucas’s lips curled into a faint, wolfish grin. “Malcolm’s arrogance is his weakness. He thinks he’s untouchable, but we’ll find him.”

Elder Noelle raised a hand. “And what happens when we do? Are you prepared to kill him, Lucas? To risk more lives in a war against one of our own?”

The room fell silent again, the gravity of her words sinking in. Lucas’s voice was steady when he replied. “I don’t want more bloodshed. But if it comes down to Malcolm or the pride, I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Emma spoke up, her voice softer but no less determined. “Malcolm’s greatest weapon is fear. If we show the pride that we’re united, that we’re working toward a real solution, we can take that weapon away from him.”

Sofia nodded. “Agreed. We focus on protecting the pride, finishing Emma’s work, and rooting out any spies Malcolm might still have among us.”

Lucas’s eyes flicked to Conley, who shifted in his seat but said nothing.

Elder Noelle offered a small, approving nod. “It’s a sound plan. But remember, Lucas—leadership isn’t just about strength. It’s about trust. Make sure our people know you’re fighting for them, not just against Malcolm.”

Lucas’s gaze softened, and he inclined his head. “I won’t forget, Elder.”

The meeting ended on that note, but as the council members began to disperse, Lucas caught Conley’s eye. The councilman hesitated, then quickly turned away, his movements stiff.

Lucas’s suspicion deepened. Malcolm might be the immediate threat, but Lucas knew better than to ignore the dangers lurking closer to home.

As Emma approached him, placing a hand on his arm, he felt a flicker of hope amid the tension.

“Are you ready for what comes next?” he asked.

Emma nodded, though her heart was pounding. “I don’t think I have a choice.”

“Good,” Lucas said, his voice low. “Because Malcolm and his people behind this won’t stop until they’ve erased every trace of evidence. And now, they know we’re coming for them.”

“Speaking of evidence,” she said as she looked around at the retreating attendees, “The council wants solid scientific proof of the accusations against Malcom.”

Lucas’s face reddened. “Is the sabotage of your lab not enough? Is the attack by his group not self-explanatory?”

“Lucas,” she placed a hand on his arm, her crystal brightening, “Conley and Warren are loyal to the pride. They don’t want to believe anyone they trust would do this.”

“Yeah, I get it,” he replied. “We will get them all the proof, and when we do, the council will see that you are right and also change their standing on allowing human mates.”

“Oh,” she shied away a bit, “were they saying that we can’t be mates because I’m human?”

“Mark my words,” he said, pulling her close, “I will give up my place in this pride before I let anyone tear us apart.”

She gasped. “No, Lucas, you can’t?—”

He placed a finger on her lips to quiet her.

“Yes, I can. Nothing is more important in my life than you, Emma. Nothing.”

Her heart swooned at his words, but her mind changed strategies. No longer was she worried only about fertility rates, now she was desperately concerned about finding the evidence needed to placate the council and keep Lucas firmly in his destined position of alpha of the pride.

Whether she would be a part of that was yet to be determined.