The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 137: Chapter 137

: Sutton
“Anything,” Soloman replied.
“Tell me about the Royal Council,” I requested. “I want to know what I’ll be walking into.”
“That I can do. Where would you like to start?”
“Well, first, I want to know what the Ironpaw Pack’s standing is with the Council,” I said. “How do they feel about Lucas? How did they handle him taking over as Alpha?”
“I won’t lie and say everyone was pleased with what happened here a decade ago,” Soloman said. “In fact, that’s why I’m here. Of the nine packs of Lycuria, only three have a Council Ambassador that is a relatively permanent resident in their territory.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that,” I said, my brow furrowing.
“Yes, I was sent to keep an eye on the new leader,” Soloman continued. “The wolf who led a rebellion against his own Alpha. That’s certainly something they would be concerned about. However, they respect that won his position against Alpha Morgan in fair combat. Our laws dictate that not even the Council can rule against that.”
“So, they’re content to have him as the Ironpaw Alpha?”
“I suppose that’s the best way to put it,” Soloman said. “The Ironpaws have become a crucial pack within the kingdom. They control our largest port making it a hub for trade. Alpha Lucas really has brought a good deal of growth to the pack during his tenure. While most would agree that is a good thing, there are those that have concerns.”
“Why would that be concerning?” I asked as we continued to follow the curve of the path.
“Remember, he’s capable of rebellion,” Soloman pointed out.
“Okay, but Lucas didn’t do that for power. He did it to save his pack from a corrupt Alpha,” I replied. “And to avenge the death of his family.”
“Yes, you and I know that, however, the Council would be remiss if we didn’t even consider the possibility that he could have greater ambitions. Unfortunately, there are a few in the Council who lean into that prospect more than we would like. Despite my arguments otherwise.”
So, there would be some tensions at the summit. I guess that’s not surprising. The world of politics was a treacherous one. Or so I’m told. It’s nearly impossible to please everyone. And the harsher parts of Lucas’ reputation likely didn’t help him in that arena. I wondered what they would make of me.
“What about Alpha Anders?” I asked. “I remember some things from my time there. From the sound of some of the conversations, I know he has some kind of relationship with several of the Council members. I know money has changed hands with at least one of them.”
Soloman’s head snapped toward me. “Are you sure about that?” he pressed.
I nodded. “Yes, it was a few years ago now, but I’m positive about what I saw. And Mason wasn’t exactly discreet about it when he came home drunk. But that’s my concern about this summit. If this is about the animosity building between our packs, how much of a possibility is it that Anders could get the Council to agree to hand me over to him?”
“There’s no possibility of that,” Soloman stated plainly. “Even if you had succeeded in dispatching Beta Mason, it was clearly self-defense. If you were a human on the run, they might have gotten support to hunt you down. But as a fated Luna and the so-called victim alive and well, he has no legal standing to demand anything where you’re concerned.”
“So you don’t think he had anything to do with the summit being called early?” I asked.
He hesitated, pursing his lips for a brief moment before answering.
“I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “You are right to be concerned about the influence Anders has within the Council. I must say that I’ve had my suspicions for a while and was surprised at the level of influence he has managed to muster.”
Nova scoffed at the information. The subject of Anders was a sore one for her. Mason was an even worse topic, for obvious reasons. But despite her disdain, she was always close to the surface when either of them was discussed. Like she didn’t want to miss a single detail.
“Then I’m going to need a lot of your help,” I said. “I need to know names, faces, birthdays even. I need details about everyone of importance who will be in attendance during the summit. I want to know every enemy and ally Alpha Anders has made.”
“And what do you plan to do with this information?” Soloman questioned, a touch of amusement in his voice.
“I’m going to get the Dawn Stalkers out of my life for good,” I said. “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out Alpha Anders is up to something. It can’t be anything good. Whether the summit has to with whatever his plans are or if it’s just another way to get to me, we’ll just have to see.”
“You should be cautious,” Soloman said. “The summit has its own set of rules and regulations that are taken very seriously. There can be no violence against him. You can’t strike at him directly.”
“Violence was never the idea,” I stated. “A subtle sabotage, perhaps. But mostly, I want to make sure we can escape whatever trap he has conceived for Lucas and me. Either way, I intend to have him leaving the summit far weaker than he came.”
The sound of a twig snapped pulled our attention. We both looked in the direction the noise had come from. With one more Dawn Stalker group still wandering the territory, I was more paranoid about being followed. Especially since the worst thing that could happen would be for a Dawn Stalker to overhear my plan to take down their Alpha.
I relaxed when I saw Motty round the bend a short distance away.
“Luna Sutton, Alpha Lucas was looking for you,” she said with a smile.