It was early—too early to be awake. The entire drive over was a dangerous blur of bright headlights and the occasional dim-lit motel sign. Bellamy Blake was sitting in the foyer of Kane Manor, elbows on his knees as he waited for a representative to take him to the dining hall. He tried his best to run his fingers through his bedhead and rub the sleep from his tired eyes. He wanted to look presentable in front of the Alpha Council.
Marcus Kane, the owner of Kane Manor, would want him to look decent.
The Alpha Council was essentially a form of government for the shifters around the world. Werewolves, really. The strongest of all the supernatural creatures according to legend. There were twelve prominent nations with Alphas from well-groomed, wealthy families which made up the Alpha Council. It was more political than Bellamy would like it to be. Alphas wolves are supposed to be the most powerful, not the ones with the most coin, but his opinion wasn't universally shared.
The only person he'd ever met that agreed with him was Marcus Kane. The man had spent the better part of a decade training him to be the best option.
Marcus knew that it would be a challenge, that's why he kept it a secret until now. He was getting too weak to be in charge of the North American Pack, or as they called it the Arkadian Pack. He wanted to retire with his wife. As far as he could tell, the Alpha Council was resisting his appointment. No one had left Kane Manor for nearly two days since Marcus called the meeting.
The vote had to be unanimous when choosing a new leader.
He didn't want to get his hopes up, but as he sat in the faded burgundy chair, he had to admit that he wanted this. He wanted to be the next Alpha. He had to be the next Alpha. There were so many things he wanted to change in his nation. He wanted to allow marriage between different species, he wanted to influence the next generation of Alphas to change the laws so people could have equal chances.
He was startled when he heard heels clicking against the wood floors of the manor. He looked up, meeting the eyes of Abigail Kane. She was Kane's second wife, and a real witch sometimes. Before she ran off with Kane, she was an important witch in her community. People could argue that she was the most powerful witch in her generation. She was about to accept her position as Elder when she decided to marry Marcus instead.
It was a corny young adult romance novel.
With the ending that most writers never describe: the ultimate regret.
Abby didn't like Bellamy. She never liked him. He used to be the center of their fights when he was younger. She didn't think he was presenting himself as a good contender and believed that he was embarrassing Marcus with his many love affairs and drunk nights. Image mattered with her.
He grew up, of course.
Now, he is in a stable relationship with Gina Martin. He is typically home by nine and does domesticated things like antiquing and wine tastings. It drives his friends crazy.
She stopped in front of him, looking well rested and not a bit stressed. "They will see you now." Bellamy stood up, walking past her towards the dining hall. As he walked, Abby grabbed his arm. It was enough to make him growl. She quickly let go. "Whatever decision they've made, accept it. We do not need a war."
Bellamy nodded, knowing that her concern was for Marcus. If Bellamy showed his ass, the Alphas might be inspired to attack. It's clear knowledge that Marcus isn't up for the job anymore, especially now that he's called this meeting.
They're all animals. It's in their nature to attack weak points.
He knocks firmly on the door, then walks in. The Alphas are sitting at the dining table, Marcus at the head since he is the host. The room feels relatively calm, and the wolf inside of him doesn't feel threatened.
"Bellamy, please have a seat." Marcus points to the chair at the very end of the table. Bellamy tries not to show any weakness, or nervousness, as he takes his seat. That's when he catches the eye of a blonde Alpha that is sitting next to someone vaguely familiar. He's the only person at the table who seems to be outright frowning.
It puts Bellamy on edge.
"We have made a decision." Marcus says hesitantly, "Due to your non-royal status, the only way you can be approved to be the Alpha of this pack is to marry a royal family member."
Bellamy's heart drops.
"Fortunately, my colleagues have a specific person in mind. The daughter of the Azgedaian Pack Alpha." He motions towards the blonde Alpha. Ah, Bellamy thinks, he doesn't want the poor wolf to marry his little princess.
The Azgeda Pack was located in Russia, secluded away from the other nations in an imponderable fortress. According to Marcus, none of the other Alphas had ever been welcomed to Russia. Bellamy wished that Kane's predecessors felt the same way. It would make them less vulnerable.
"Do you accept the terms?" Marcus looked at him expectantly.
He knew that this was his only chance. He didn't have time to weight the options or think of the woman that was waiting for him at home. He had to act now.
For the sake of Arkadia, he had to act now.
"Yes, I accept the terms."