CHAPTER 2

Alpha Alrik's pack has a somewhat different ranking system. Alpha, Commander, Beta Gamma, and so forth are the steps.

ALRIK KUZNETSOV (kooz nett sauv) It was a lovely morning when I woke up.

Thunder rumbled every few minutes, lightning flashed left and right, and rain pelted the rooftops like I hadn't tasted blood in a long time. But not just any blood; the blood of my foes, those who betrayed me.

Because of this, some people have referred to me as cruel and demented, but I saw a pragmatic and realist wolf.

We lived in a society where the most hungry people had the most power. I yearned to be the one who guided my people towards global victories and to have total control over them.

That hunger still exists. No amount of food or blood will ever stop it from grumbling in my gut.

I wasn't going to stop until the werewolf species had reached its full potential. Till the Moon Goddess gave me my last breath, I will fight.

I like the raindrops' iciness as they stabbed my skin through the thin fabric of my sweatshirt and seeped through, so I pulled the hood back up and started walking back to the house. The rain that hurt was the best sort. It resembled a rude awakening or an unexpected insight.

My cooks were feverishly rushing about when I got to the back door, trying to get my breakfast ready before I sat down at the table. They were aware of my fussy eating habits.

I knew they wouldn't be able to work properly when I did go through the door, so I decided to give them a few more seconds.

They would be too preoccupied shaking with dread.

They dropped the meal and fled in an effort to get away from me as quickly as possible.

After showing them some pity, I finally intervened, but the area was silent and I could not see any wolves.

I casually crossed the empty kitchen and sat down at the table, staring blankly at all the food in front of me.

Despite how it might appear, I enjoyed trying foods from all around the world. One of the two pleasures I gave myself permission to enjoy that had nothing to do with werewolf success was this one.

I gnawed on my food while groaning at the eruption of praise. Even though they acted like headless birds, my cooks were capable of preparing a tasty lunch.

"Alrik!"

Unfortunately, my commander was going to interrupt me in the middle of my dinner. She entered the kitchen with a vengeance and sat down next to me.

Saying "Good morning, Alrik."

I moaned once more.

Rolling her eyes, she took a dish for herself. As delightful as always, I note.

If you don't have anything insightful to say, Commander Reece, shut up and eat the meal you took from me.

Five rogues were discovered on the eastern border. "Lucky for you, I do have some useful things to say," she huffed, opening up a checklist on her phone. They are.

"Commander, by now you ought to be familiar with the procedure. mutilate them. On the rogue wall, heads.

She said, "I. Wasn't. Finished!" as her eyes widened.

Commander Reece was the only wolf I would let speak back to me because, unlike the others, he was not scared to do so. She was a buddy from my youth who I treated like a nagging little sister. Because of those memories and her ability to lead my pack warriors, I had respect for her.

"Alrik, these criminals are kids."

I put down my chewing gum and scowled at her fervent question, "So?"

"So? SO? How are you able to sit there so composedly and demand that I behead kids?

I didn't say to behead them. I wanted to say that this was just another pointless detail you didn't need to share with me. You appear to have forgotten that there is also a procedure for misbehaving kids. Send them in for a medical checkup. If they are in good health, they can begin their training and education. If not, before they begin, they are restored to health. Commander, this isn't rocket science. That brain you like to boast about, where are you?

Before returning to her list once again, she gave me a hard look and said, "The Minister called."

Tell him I won't be attending his pointless annual meetings. The werewolves have no issues that need to be resolved, and we don't care about the other species, so if it's required, I'll send Beta Conrad to tell him directly. They are capable of caring for themselves.

He stated that you must attend this meeting since the topics he will be discussing could have a significant impact on werewolves.

"Really?" I drewled in a mocking tone.

"Really. I suggest going to hear what he has to say. It won't hurt. You are free to leave if after ten minutes you decide it is a waste of time.

"Commander, the Minister likes to go on for hours. He doesn't even have time to finish greeting everyone in ten minutes. He needs at least an hour to even describe the issue.

"Okay, then, go for an hour. I'm capable of managing this. Alrik, he sounded genuinely concerned this time. You must leave.

This morning, my wolf stood up for the first time, shaking out his fur and howling a little.

He responded to Reece's plea in an unusual way. Normally, he would nod in agreement with whatever I said, but today, he stood up and appeared to be siding with her.

I put down my fork and pursed my lips.

My wolf desired to attend the conference? His first action was that.

He pounded his paws and uttered another deep growl to make his point.

I sighed, "Fine, I'll go, but make sure to let Beta Conrad know that he'll be coming with me."

I need to let the Minister know you're leaving, Reece said with a big smile as she stood up from her seat. Alrik, bye.

I replied with a grunt.

The pointless meeting better be worthwhile.