Chapter 82
Asher’s POV
For the next two months, I struggled to get a fair partnership for my Kingdom, knowing fully well that it would soon be time to give an account of the Kingdom’s progress. Don’t get me wrong, we did make a lot of progress, but there was still a lot more I had to attain if I wanted to climb to the top or even remain at the spot I was, the spot that Israel and I shared.
I sat in the grand council chamber, the weight of my unfulfillment pressed down on me more heavily than ever. The room was filled with the leaders of the five Lycan Kings, each representing their region. The air carried a certain heaviness which hinted at rivalry and achievements.
The council heads were gathered around a massive oak table, the surface polished to a shine that reflected the massive chandeliers above. Everyone reacted to the building tension in different ways, but each reaction gave out a hint of nervousness and growing impatience.
King Dorian of the North Region leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as he scanned the room. King Rodney of the East continuously tapped his fingers impatiently, clearly eager to get the meeting underway. King Israel, seated directly across from me, wore a smug smile that made my blood boil. He knew he was ahead in the economic race, and he didn’t miss a chance to flaunt it.
Welcome, gentlemen,” the voice of Elder Lexy, one of the Council members of the Moon Goddess, boomed from the head of the table. His presence commanded respect, and the room fell silent. “We are here to review the growth of our regions over the past year. As always, this meeting is crucial for our future.”
I clenched my fists under the table, trying to keep my composure. The last thing I needed was for Israel to gloat about his success while I struggled to maintain my position. I could feel the weight of expectation from my own people, and the thought of failing them gnawed at my insides.
Elder Lexy gestured towards the large screen at the end of the room, and the statistics for each region began to display. “Let’s start with the North,” he said, looking at King Dorian. “You have maintained a steady growth of 5% this year, which is commendable given the harsh conditions.”
Dorian nodded, his expression stoic. “The frozen tundras may be unforgiving, but our packs are resilient. We’ve managed to expand our territory and strengthen alliances with neighbouring packs.”
“Good to hear,” Elder Lexy replied, then turned to King Rodney. “And the East?”
Rodney leaned forward, a hint of pride in his voice. “We’ve seen a 4% growth this year. While human settlements limit our territory, we’ve adapted by forming partnerships with local businesses, ensuring our packs have access to as many resources as needed.”
“A great strategy you got there,” Elder Lexy acknowledged. “Let’s move on to the Southwest. King Andrew, what do you have to report?”
Andrew Blackwood, my father was indeed the king of the Southwest. As soon as the elder mentioned his name, he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearing his throat before speaking.“We’ve seen a modest growth of 2%. However, we face challenges with territory disputes and resource allocation.”
The room fell silent, the weight of those words settling heavily. Elder Lexy raised an eyebrow. “2%? That’s concerning. We would discuss what should be done after this, but Let’s hear from you King Asher.”
I let out a heavy sigh, fixing my tie as I walked up to the front to defend the progress of my region. “We at the South region experienced a 10% increase this year. We were able to make alliances with a few companies this year, both the ones that are run by humans and fellow Lycans.” I further explained, engaging them in a detailed presentation of my region’s progress.
Once I was done, applause erupted from a corner of the room. I turned to see none other than Israel with a mocking smile plastered on his face.
“Bravo, Asher…. You never cease to amaze me.” I ignored him, fixing my suit as I took long strides back to my seat.
“Over to you, Israel. How has the West fared?” Elder Lexy demanded.
Israel leaned back in his chair, a self–satisfied grin spreading across his face. “We’ve achieved a remarkable 12% growth this year. The rugged terrain of the West has allowed us to expand significantly, and our economy is thriving. I’ve even managed to secure lucrative contracts with several human enterprises.”
I could feel the envy radiating from the other kings, but none more than me. Israel’s success was a constant reminder of my own
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Chapter 82
struggles. Israel stretched his hands towards the screen, explaining the PowerPoint that showcased every bit of growth that was recorded in his region.
“What’s your secret, Israel?” I couldn’t help but interject, my voice sharper than I intended, clouded with pure jealousy. “Is it just luck, or do you have some hidden advantage?” I asked, hinting at the dirty play he had been involved with overtime.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Oh, Asher, you know, it’s all about strategy. Perhaps you should take notes, I would be glad to lecture you.” His eyes glinted with amusement, and I fought the urge to lunge across the table.
“Enough,” Elder Leah said, cutting through the tension. There were a few minute’s breaks in which the three Council members of the Moon goddess discussed amongst themselves in hushed tones, their heads bowed slightly.
After quite a while, they raised their heads, hinting at a concluded decision. Elder Cole, the third member who had barely said a word since the beginning of the meeting started,
“All Packs have recorded a measurable amount of growth, but we believe you all can do better in the coming year. Our goal is to put ourselves out there, even amongst humans, proving to them that we could also provide value to society. We need to show them that we are not those violent creatures they know for destruction and that we can be great partners as we have been over the years with the few human companies that have trusted us enough to form an alliance.”
“Now, concerning the Southwest region.” Elder Leah chimed in as soon as Elder Cole was done speaking. “Me and my fellow Elders have come to a conclusion that if your packs don’t double their efforts in the coming year, you may be forced to join back into one pack with the South, under King Asher’s leadership.”
The implication hung in the air like a storm cloud, and I could feel the eyes of the other kings on me. My father’s expression darkened, and he clenched his jaw. “That can’t happen. We’re working on strategies to improve our situation.”
“Are you?” I couldn’t help but challenge. “Because it seems like you’re running out of time.”
“Let’s not turn this into a personal attack,” Elder Lexy said, his tone firm. “We need to focus on solutions, not blame. The Council of the Moon Goddess expects results from all of us.”
“Results?” Israel scoffed, leaning forward. “Asher’s packs are barely holding it together. Maybe we should all be worried about his leadership.”
“Watch your tongue, Israel,” I shot back, my temper flaring. “My packs may be struggling, but at least I’m not relying on petty tricks to get ahead.”
“Gentlemen, please,” Elder Lexy interjected, his voice raising slightly. “We are here to discuss our futures, not to engage in childish squabbles.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted, the unspoken competition boiling just below the surface. I could feel the weight of the other kings‘ gazes, each one waiting to see how this would unfold. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.
“Let’s focus on the matter at hand,” I said, my voice steadier. “If the Southwest is struggling, we need to find a way to support them. It’s in our best interest to maintain a united front.”
Israel rolled his eyes. “Why are you so interested in helping them now? Are you scared that you won’t be able to handle both regions? Are you scared of the responsibility that comes with it?”
The comment stung, and I could feel the anger bubbling inside me. “Mind your tone, Israel.”
“Why should I, the truth never lost its bitter taste,” he shot back, a smirk on his face. “After all, I’m just raising the concerns that maybe Southwest should be handed to someone with a more stable economy and leadership.”
I clenched my fists, the frustration boiling over. “Do you think I’m not doing everything I can to stabilise my economy and even protect my people?”
The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I could see the flicker of uncertainty in the eyes of the other kings. They knew the stakes were high, and any misstep could lead to disaster.
Elder Lexy cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Let’s take a moment to regroup. Each of you needs to come up with a plan for improving your packs‘ growth and stability over the next year. We’ll reconvene in a month to discuss our progress strategy.”
As the meeting wrapped up, I felt a mix of relief and frustration. I needed to find a way to turn things around, to regain the respect of the council and my people. But as I glanced at Israel, still wearing that smug grin, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I could tell that he was
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Chapter 82
ready to frustrate my efforts on every end but I, Asher… have been and will always be a fighter.
As the other kings began to file out of the room, I caught my father’s eye. He looked weary, the weight of the impending merger hanging over him like a dark cloud. “This is what you wanted isn’t it?” He snapped.
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