The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Isabelle POV:
The car ride from the Magnus Pack's hotel to my home at the Mondragon mansion was super quiet. I looked out the window at the blurry trees, my mind racing.
I was still thinking about Catrina's escape attempt. Did I mess up by forgiving her?
I knew some of my packmates were worried too, but nobody dared to say anything. They wouldn't challenge me after what happened with Rowan.
As we got close to the mansion, Nadia, one of my Gamma wolves, spoke up cautiously.
"Alpha, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead," I said, keeping my eyes on the passing scenery.
"Everyone's on edge," Nadia said.
"Weeks of this dissagrement, it's taking its toll. Maybe it's time to rethink things with Rowan..."
"What do you mean?" I asked, finally turning to look at her.
Nadia hesitated. "Well, we haven't heard anything about him, where he went after...you know. Do you think he's okay? And maybe... maybe there's a way to fix this without more fighting?"
Her words made me feel both hopeful and guilty. Had I been too harsh, too focused on crushing anyone who challenged me? Could there be a better way, a kinder way to lead?
"I don't know where Rowan is," I admitted.
"But you're right, this fighting has gone on too long. I just... I don't want to appear weak. Like I'm backing down."
Nadia nodded understandingly.
"I know, Alpha. But maybe strength can also look like finding a peaceful solution. What if we tried talking to the Magnus pack instead of fighting them? It wouldn't be weakness, it would be taking charge in a different way."
I thought about what Nadia said. She was right, being a good Alpha wasn't just about being strong, but also about knowing when to choose peace.
Thinking about my packmates made me consider being a stronger but nicer as a leader.
"You have a point," I said slowly. "A good Alpha thinks about what's best for the whole pack."
Nadia seemed happy as we drove up to the mansion. But then I smelled something awful—like strong cologne trying to hide something rotten.
It was Marcus.
He was waiting on the front steps, his smile fake and mean. I hated that he was on my land, messing things up again.
"Leaving so soon, darling?" he said in a creepy voice as I got out of the car. "I thought you might stay to… negotiate."
He looked me up and down in a way that made me feel gross. I crossed my arms, trying not to show how angry I was.
"You're pushing your luck, old man. This is MY pack's mansion, not yours."
He laughed, a sound like breaking glass.
"Is that any way to talk to your leader? Think about everything I've done to help you."
"Cut it out," I snapped, cutting him off. "What do you want?"
His face went hard, and his eyes were hungry in the dim light.
"Just making sure we still understand each other. My spies told me Catrina tried to escape again. She slipped right through your fingers, the useless thing."
I hated hearing that. "Probably because you helped her like you always stir up trouble."
Marcus got closer, looking dangerous. My pack tensed up, ready to fight.
"Watch your mouth, girl," he growled.
"Remember who's in charge. Unless you want me to remind you..."
His mean words made me feel weak. How could I, the Mondragon Alpha, be controlled by this awful old man?
But then I knew what I had to do. I wouldn't let him push me around anymore. My wolf claws slid out, shiny and sharp, as I took a step toward Marcus. I was ready to fight.
Behind me, my pack snarled and growled, ready to attack if I gave the order. They knew, just like I did, that things were about to change.
"No more," I growled. "I don't owe you anything, old man. This land, these wolves—they're MINE."
He was surprised for a second by how bold I was. Then his eyes narrowed in anger.
This was the last straw. I couldn't help but laugh at him, a humorless bark. Who did he think he was?
This whole "alliance" was just because he was crazy, not because he actually cared about helping the Mondragons!
"That's it," I growled, not wanting to waste any more time.
I shot out a claw, warning him to leave. "Get out of here, or you'll regret coming."
The air crackled with tension. We were both alphas, both powerful, and neither of us wanted to back down. This was the fight I had to win. I had to show him, once and for all, who was really in charge.
Marcus knew my pack would tear him apart if I said the word. With a sneer, he slowly backed away.
"This isn't over, girl," he said in a dark voice. "You'll come begging for my help when you mess everything up!"
He turned and stormed off into the night, mad that he lost.
I felt relieved as he left, like a weight had been lifted. My pack started clapping, happy that he was gone. I smiled, feeling proud of myself.
"My pack," I said, feeling energized, "we can start fresh now. It's time for kindness instead of cruelty, for unity instead of fighting."
My pack was surprised and excited. I kept going.
"The fighting with our neighbors stops tonight. No more trying to make them mad. From now on, we offer peace."
They weren't as thrilled about that, after years of fighting. But I had a plan...
"To make peace, I want to meet with Alpha Rowan to become allies instead of enemies. What do you think, my warriors? Should we try to be friends instead of fighting?"
This time, they cheered, excited for this new beginning. I smiled, feeling like I was finally being the true me. Now it was my job to help Rowan take back his rightful place in the Magnus Pack.
I wasn't being controlled anymore. Now I could truly lead.
All that was left was to convince Rowan to end this mess.