Chapter 54 The Council Members
GAEL’S POV
I let out a tired yawn as the door to the meeting room opened widely. I have avoided council meetings like a plague for the past few days to get enough sleep. I haven’t slept well because of the late-night parties I throw with my concubines. We end up getting drunk and fucking as much as I can, only to wake up in the early hours of the morning feeling like the morning sun will be gorged out my eyes. Today is different; I have had enough of them, meaning the parties have finally reached a significant end until further notice.
“Good morning, Alpha.” They all chorused as I walked to my chair.
“Took you long enough. I thought you were on vacation.” Ezra, with his annoying voice, whispered in my ear.
I gave him the middle finger discreetly before clearing my throat to address them. The words stuck in my throat suddenly when my eyes landed on the half-Breed. I blinked rapidly to be sure I wasn’t hallucinating. Thoughts of her have been crossing my mind many times. Especially now that it seems she might be official with Ezra. I would have loved to ask to affirm it, but my ego is at play. And I don’t intend to disappoint.
“What is she doing here?” I pointed at her like some abomination was the one seated across.
Omega Harold raised a hand. “I know you might not be aware of this, Alpha Gael. But the healer is always part of the council meetings.”
“She has been active for months now. Why didn’t I know about it then?” I bickered, trying hard to hide my anger.
“She has been swamped healing half of the pack members. Now that there isn’t a pandemic to worry about. She has to be part of us, to learn our ways and get informed.” He replied.
I stared back at each one of them, and they had an approving look on their faces. Why do I think these people had me sidelined? Nia acted like she wasn’t the one we were referring to and maintained a straight face. How exactly should I focus on work when she sits close to my reach, looking so pretty? Her hair is primarily in a ponytail. But for some reason, only known to her, she has it in a rough bun, and her face looks so smooth, like a baby’s. I want to trail my finger down the face, just to be sure it’s real.
“Does this mean she would have the right to give her opinion on pack decisions?” I just had to ask.
“Of course.” One of the members said.
“She is a half….. Owww.” I let out a painful sound.
Ezra nudged me in my stomach before I could finish my sentence. “What the hell?”
“What were you about to say?” He questioned,
giving me a stern glare. I had the intention to dare him and repeat myself. However, he had that murderous glare that said he was ready to make a mess if I refused to give in.
“Whatever!” I scoffed. “Let’s just continue with whatever we have to discuss.”
All through the meeting, I did my best to keep countering Nia. It’s annoying that every one of the council members wanted to listen to whatever she had to say. I wouldn’t say I like that. She isn’t even part of us. No matter how beautiful she might look. The fact remains that she should not be here. When it seemed like I had had enough, I ended the meeting. Nia was the first to hurry off. Yes, that’s how it should be. She should be scared to be in my presence and know her place.
Ezra didn’t leave with the others, and he raised a displeased brow as he leaned against one of the chairs. “Until when do you intend to keep this attitude up?”
“What did I do?” I choose to act nonchalant.
“You are being petty. For an Alpha, that is just so absurd. Nia isn’t your problem, and you hate it when things aren’t going your way. The pack council will decide against you if you keep up that attitude. She might be a half-breed, but that half-breed saved your fucking ass from being the worst Alpha to ever rule in history. She brought back peace to us-something your doctors couldn’t do. No one says you should fall in love with her, but be nice enough. I am sure Nia doesn’t want to be your friend either.”
I scoffed, “Everyone wants a piece of me. Also, I am the Alpha, and I can do whatever pleases me.”
Ezra kissed his teeth, “you are delusional. I will tell you that if you keep being inconsiderate, many others will come together to push for your fall.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Will it make any difference if I decide to take that route with you?”
I held up a mischievous grin. “Never!”
“I thought so, too. So annoying.” He mumbled under his breath, walking away.
I turned my eyes in their socket and headed to the study. I have some pending files that need to be signed. My hand was just on the doorknob, and something crossed my mind. I headed back down the hallway towards the clinic. Fortunately, I met Nia just about to leave the main house.
“What are you trying to do by infusing yourself in the meetings? You are not a member of this pack, and you are no different from a stranger. Being a healer doesn’t count as having a right?” I yelled, causing her to stop in her tracks.
Nia held my gaze with those intense eyes of hers. “Did you come all the way to tell me this when you could have sent a raven?” The mockery was so evident in her tone that I felt like stomping my foot angrily on the damned floor.
“I am just telling you to know your place.”
Sniffing, she folded her arms. “You already made that clear, didn’t you? Everyone already knows where your intention stands when it comes to me. I am fine with being hated by you; at least, I know everyone else loves me. Let’s do each other a favor, Alpha Gael. Keep away from me, and I will do the same. We do not need to keep bumping into each other and exchanging words. You can always pretend that I am not there at the council meetings, and we won’t have any problem whatsoever. It becomes a win-win for both parties. Thank you for listening. I will take my leave now.” She bowed slightly and stormed off.
Even though she was saying just the right words, it angers me. Who does she think she is to give me defined rules? Her fierce response also turns me on. It’s ridiculous to feel this way, though. When I first met her, she was weak and unattractive. I have always loved to share my bed with fierce women. The feeling is wild.
“Baby,” Gemma called from behind, startling me.
“What are you doing here?”
“Am I not allowed to walk around freely?” I questioned, moving away from her.
She hurried after me. “That isn’t what I mean. I just wanted to know what my baby is up to.” Gemma cooed, running a finger down my neck.
I shrugged her off, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “I want to take a quick run in the woods. Excuse me.”
I didn’t bother to wait for her response before keeping a distance between us. She stresses me every time