Chapter 159

Caleb's POV 

It had been nearly a week since Alpha Rolan left for his trip, and every day since, I felt the weight of leadership more acutely than ever. 

Rolan had trusted me to keep things in order while he was away, a responsibility I didn’t take lightly. But Griffin, his so-called loyal assistant, had been making it impossible. 

The moment Rolan was out of sight, Griffin started plotting, as if the throne was his to take.

At first, it was subtle. Griffin offered suggestions, and ideas on how to "improve" the running of the pack, which, in his eyes, translated to tightening his grip on power. 

Today, he crossed a line.

The council meeting had started like any other. I sat at the head of the table, the pack leaders and elders around me. The air was thick with anticipation, everyone was waiting to see how I would handle things in Rolan’s absence. 

The Alpha’s word was law, but without him here, some