The Alpha's Secret Mate Chapter 42: Sloane

Sloane's Pov

I was jarred from my work by a tentative knock at the door.

"Sir, they're waiting for you," came the quiet voice of Becca, my newly appointed beta.

I suppressed a sigh, rubbing at my tired eyes. Glancing at the clock, I was surprised to see how much time had passed while I was engrossed in planning. I heaved myself up from the desk, looming over Becca's diminutive form. She shrank back against the doorframe, gaze fixed on the floor. I hid my satisfaction at the obvious fear my presence evoked in her.

"Let me help you with that," she mumbled, darting forward to take the files from my hands. But I snatched them back with a low snarl, causing her to recoil swiftly. Realizing I needed to keep up appearances, I smoothed over my harsh reaction with a polite smile.

"My apologies. I'm just exhausted. But thank you for the offer," I said smoothly with a slight incline of my head. Becca kept her eyes downcast, clearly intimidated into silence. I brushed past her and strode briskly down the hallway.

I could hear her soft footsteps scurrying to keep up as I wound through the maze of corridors. When I intentionally took a wrong turn, she shuffled ahead and murmured demurely, "This way, sir." I had to hide my amusement at how I was able to manipulate her deferential nature so easily.

We soon arrived at a nondescript steel door tucked away in a dimly lit back corridor. Becca wordlessly moved off to the side, allowing me to enter first. I stepped into the windowless conference room, observing that the ten council members were already seated and waiting around the heavy metal table dominating the space.

All eyes tracked my movements as I made my way unhurriedly to the empty seat at the head of the table. I kept my expression schooled into one of polite interest, giving away none of the disdain churning within me.

With some tedious business matters addressed first, I was able to simply pretend to listen attentively while interjecting an occasional innocuous comment to maintain the persona of an engaged, cooperative leader. But my mind churned with contempt at having to humor these spineless sycophants.

Finally, the contentious matter I had subtly orchestrated came up - potentially reopening the northern border that had been sealed for decades. This immediately sparked heated debate around the table. I leaned forward, manufacturing an expression of thoughtful contemplation.

"I believe there could be great benefit in revisiting the border closure," I remarked smoothly. "Our young ones deserve access to modern amenities and resources. And increased trade would surely stimulate our economy."

I expounded further on the myriad advantages to be gained, keeping my tone balanced and reasonable. However, I noticed Damien Wolfe, one of the youngest on the council, watching me closely with narrowed eyes.

"Forgive me, Alpha, but you seem unusually invested in this initiative," he challenged. "Might there be other motivations at play?"

I fixed him with an icy, impassive stare, ignoring the flare of anger at his audacity. Beneath the surface, my wolf stirred restlessly, aggravated by such open defiance. I allowed a hint of gold to bleed into my eyes, a subtle warning.

Damien paled slightly but held my piercing gaze without flinching. "Do you have any concrete basis for objection?" I asked softly, my quiet tone belied by the malice simmering underneath. "If not, I suggest we end this pointless debate."

The muscle in Damien's jaw feathered as he continued to stare back defiantly. But under the weight of my gaze, he finally glanced away sullenly. Satisfied I had reestablished dominance, I reiterated in steely tones that reopening the border was for the ultimate good of the pack. When no one dared to openly object again, I declared the matter decided and adjourned the meeting.

The moment I stepped out of the conference room, the polite facade I had maintained instantly evaporated. I seethed with rage at their audacity in questioning my actions. I fantasized about crushing each insolent throat in my fists and watching the life drain from their bulging eyes.

But I reined in the violent impulse. I reminded myself that I needed to bide my time just a while longer. Soon my loyal followers would infiltrate this pathetic pack from within. And then the sniveling council members would be the first to be culled from the herd.

For now, I had to keep playing the part of the gracious, judicious leader. I had to continue feigning interest in the trivial concerns of this weak pack. But once my people were in place, the charade would be over.

These sheep had no idea who they were dealing with or the bloodbath that awaited them. I almost pitied them for their willful ignorance. But of course, pity would not stop me from crushing out every last vestige of life when the time came.

My hands flexed involuntarily, already anticipating the feeling of fragile windpipes collapsing beneath my fingers. The mental image was exquisitely satisfying. I took a deep breath, regaining outward composure. Soon enough, I reminded myself.

I continued on to my private office to further refine my intricate plans. The door had barely closed behind me before rage overwhelmed me again. With a vicious snarl, I swept everything off my desk in a chaotic clatter. Worthless knickknacks scattered across the floor at the force of my fury.

But the outburst did little to abate my simmering resentment. I paced the confines of the office like a caged beast, yearning to sink my claws and teeth into vulnerable flesh and tear apart those who would obstruct my ambitions.

In my mind's eye, I pictured the rivulets of vivid crimson staining polished marble. I heard the gurgling cries for mercy cut short under the unforgiving snap of bone. I smelled the tang of copper mingling with the acrid stench of fear. But I also smelled their weakness...and it filled me with contempt.

These shortsighted fools had no comprehension of the hurricane about to descend on their insipid little lives. But their ignorance would not spare them from the maelstrom of violence I would soon unleash. I almost pitied them that naivete. But of course, pity would not stop me.

A chilling calm descended over me then. I straightened my rumpled clothes, smoothing back my hair. I righted the overturned chair with care and reclaimed my seat at the desk. Soon, I reminded myself. All in due time. For now, the pretense must continue just a little longer.

I allowed a grim smile to curve my lips as I picked up a pen and resumed working. The innocuous scratching masked the screams echoing through my mind, a delightful soundtrack to usher in the bloodbath still to come.