Chapter 61

Murmurs rippled through the crowd at her blunt opening. Sofia locked eyes with the group of young wolves from the previous night, letting them know she wasn't ignoring their complaints.

"I have been your Alpha for some days now. In this short time, I have made difficult choices - choices meant to protect all of you, to ensure our survival in this unforgiving world we live in. Yet it seems some of you believe you know better."

One of the defiant young wolves opened his mouth to protest, but Mateo silenced him with a warning growl. Sofia gave a slight nod of approval before continuing.

"So let me explain the reasoning behind my choice to avoid territorial conflicts for now. We may have grown larger in numbers, but that also means more wolves to defend and provide for. To recklessly encroach on the lands of rogues or other packs would put us all at grave risk."

She paused to gauge their reactions. Some still looked mutinous, but many see