CHAPTER 72: THE POWERFUL NEWCOMER

Kael’s POV

"The council has been informed that you’ve purchased a pureblood, Alpha Kael?"

As expected, the motherfucker jumped straight to the point. At least that saved me time.

"I did," I replied, my tone sharp and cold as I turned my head toward the council. My gaze locked with Jeffery’s—calculated and calm on the surface, but I saw the cunning that lurked behind it.

"Someone finding a pureblood after so long is... fortunate," Jeffery began, his voice wrapped in diplomatic civility. "It’s a rare opportunity for our kind. We commend you for your contribution. She can be a blessing for the prosperity of our entire clan."

Jackass. That was his way of saying she should be for everyone—not just mine or my brothers’.

"No need to thank me yet, Senior Jeffery," I replied, eyes still fixed on him. "Because I didn’t do it for the council. I did it for myself, and for my brothers."

I let the silence stretch for a breath before continuing.

"But yes, you can thank me on behalf of the entire werewolf clan when she bears strong Alphas for us. We’ve planned for a few pups each, until she’s no longer breedable. Then, feel free to send your gratitude."

Beside me, Jason let out a mocking smirk directed squarely at Kaizan, the message in it clear—You lost. Stay in your lane.

Jeffery’s expression tightened. "Once you’ve fulfilled your share of lineage, it would only be right to offer her to other Alphas. Let them benefit as well, for the welfare of our clan. In return, they’ll offer you whatever compensation you desire. It’s about considering what else she can bring to your pack—and your people."

"I’m sorry," I said flatly, "but she’s a think for trade. She’s mine. My personal belonging. I don’t let others touch what belongs to me."

My voice dropped lower. Sharper.

"And let me be very clear. My pack’s prosperity will never come at the cost of sacrificing a woman. That’s the lowest kind of deal a man can make. And neither I, nor my pack, stoop that low."

My cold gaze then shifted to Kaizan. "When we bought her, everyone was there—but only we could get her. If she were meant to be shared by all, there wouldn’t have been a draw in the first place. The rules were simple. The winner claims the prize. The losers accept defeat, not come crawling to the council like spoiled brats."

Kaizan’s smirk remained, unshaken, like there was something else brewing in that twisted head of his.

But I didn’t flinch. Meeting his gaze head-on, I declared, "My wolf is not for sale."

Then I turned back to Jeffery. "And she never will be."

Jeffery’s expression tightened at my words, though his voice remained calm. "No plan to share her at all?"

"No," I repeated firmly. "She will forever belong to us five. Only us."

"Have you marked her already?" Jeffery asked next.

"No. She isn’t in the condition to be marked yet," I replied, briefly glancing toward Liam.

Liam stepped forward and explained her current state—how weak she was, and how her wolf had to be recovered before any marking could take place.

Jeffery exchanged a long, meaningful look with the other council members. It didn’t take a genius to read what was going on.

They all shared the same outdated, twisted opinion—that a pureblood she-wolf was property meant to be passed around between Alphas of every pack.

Finally, Jeffery spoke again. "If she’s not marked, then any Alpha has the right to lay claim to her. And we—" his gaze sharpened "—cannot stop them."

Can’t? Or won’t?

I frowned slightly.

Jeffery’s voice dropped lower, laced with warning.

"Alpha Kael, you know well how wars have broken out between packs over purebloods. And for years, the council has worked to avoid such bloodshed, which only weakens our kind. That’s why we encourage compromise—negotiation, not war. Sharing is the peaceful route. We’re offering you the same path. But if you refuse to accept it, don’t come blaming us when other packs come after your she-wolf."

He was clearly trying to threaten us by telling us what they could do to my pack. But they didn’t know me yet.

"I dare anyone to try," I said, my voice cold, my gaze turning lethal. "Whatever happens next... that’ll be on them."

Jeffery’s tone hardened. "In current world, every pack looks out for its own interest. No one sacrifices power for the sake of whores. That’s what purebloods are meant for—to breed. To be used. That’s how it’s always been. By going against the flow, I hope you won’t live to regret your decision."

I leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with him, "It’s that very mindset—yours and every generation before you—that brought us to this point. If you elders had cherished the purebloods instead of only fucking them, killing them, and tossing them aside like used toys, then maybe our generation wouldn’t be struggling to find proper mates. What your generation destroyed, we’re now paying for it. I only wish there had been someone back then with enough balls to put sense in your generation before it was too late."

Jeffery’s expression soured, the thin mask of civility finally cracking.

"Alpha Kael, we are Alphas. And females will always be beneath us," he said, voice sharp and unrepentant. "You may play noble for now, but soon, you’ll understand this fact. Mark my words."

"Let’s see if you prove me wrong," I replied coolly. "But I highly doubt you will."

The old man could no longer maintain the calm facade he wore like armor. His eyes narrowed, lips tightening.

"Well then," he hissed, "I hope you won’t come seeking our help when things go south. Because you won’t get it from this council. And let me remind you—even if marked, she might still not be safe. She could still be taken. Forced to breed for someone else."

My expression darkened at this.

If I marked her, it meant she would be my mate. And this bastard dared say someone else would abduct and fuck my bonded?

"That’s it," Jason growled beside me, provoked just like me. Without even looking at him I knew we both had the same thing in mind—Kill this bastard.

We were just seconds away from lunging at Jeffery and tearing his head clean off his shoulders, but a cold voice cut through the thick tension.

"Since when have the rules of the werewolf world started changing without informing the rest of us, Jeffery?"

A tall, powerful figure strode into the meeting hall. Commanding. Imposing. His presence sucked the air out of the room. His dark gaze swept over the council, and a cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Jeffery froze, visibly stunned by the man’s sudden arrival. The council members—and every one of us—stood from our seats as a sign of respect.

The man didn’t pause. His tone sharpened as he walked forward, each step deliberate and steady.

"Or has the power gone to your head so much that you’ve started making your own rules?" His gaze locked on Jeffery’s, unblinking, unwavering. "What’s wrong, Jeffery? Been too long since you fucked a pureblood, and now your brain’s stopped working altogether?"