Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 145

Alpha Theodore’s funeral was an experience that left Fiona engulfed in a profound sorrow, starkly contrasting the grand farewell she had imagined for him. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken grief, a subdued ceremony that echoed the ongoing turmoil within their pack. After the final shovelful of earth was placed upon her alpha’s grave, Fiona found herself retreating to the sanctuary of her bed, overwhelmed and unwilling to face the harsh reality of the world outside.

Her younger brother, Draven, remained blissfully ignorant of the weighty responsibilities that now rested on Reginald’s shoulders. He was too young and naïve, oblivious to the complexities of leadership that had suddenly fallen upon their older brother. Reginald felt the burden pressing down on him, a weight that seemed almost unbearable in the wake of their loss.

The transition of power had occurred without a hint of resistance. The pack, fueled by a fierce desire for vengeance against Theodore’s murderers, followed Reginald’s commands without question, even if they hesitated to formally recognize him as their alpha. The title still belonged to Draven by blood, yet the collective thirst for retribution had united them under Reginald’s leadership, albeit reluctantly.

Reginald chose to delay claiming the title of alpha, aware that forcing the issue too soon could prove detrimental. He understood the importance of keeping their anger alive, a fire that needed to be stoked for the battles that lay ahead. This unexpected shift in power had exceeded even his wildest expectations, leaving him in awe of the fortune that seemed to smile upon him.

“Gather the alphas from the other packs,” Reginald commanded gamma Darius, his voice steady, betraying none of the uncertainty that churned within him.

Darius, who had stood beside Alpha Theodore for many years, was still reeling from the grief of his alpha’s death. Yet, beneath that sorrow lay a fierce determination that ignited his resolve.

“Of course, I’ll get right on it,” Darius replied, his tone firm as he nodded in acknowledgment.

In his late thirties, Darius was still in his prime, a warrior seasoned by experience. His first encounter with Reginald had taken place nearly two years ago, during a tense moment when the king’s mate had attempted to flee her pack and had been caught trespassing on Crimson Fang territory.

“You’ve adapted to this role with surprising speed,” remarked Alpha Sterling, his voice tinged with curiosity as they walked together.

Sterling’s status was precarious—technically still an alpha, yet without a pack of his own, his warriors now absorbed into the ranks of the Crimson Fang. He had become a mere shadow of his former self, and Reginald no longer felt the need to tread lightly around him.

A wolf stripped of its fangs and claws resembled nothing more than a large, wounded dog. That was the unfortunate fate that had befallen Alpha Sterling.

Despite this, Reginald maintained a cautious respect for the older alpha. Sterling still possessed strategic insight that could prove invaluable in their fight against the crown. More importantly, he retained connections to the Valerium kingdom, which could be crucial in securing reinforcements for their impending conflict.

“I had a remarkable mentor,” Reginald said, not hesitating to flatter as they made their way toward the war room, where they would strategize their next moves. “Who do you think will lead their warriors in the next attack?”

Their spy had confirmed that Timothy was incapacitated, unable to command the troops, bedridden and in critical condition.

“There’s a senior warrior named Turner. He has accompanied the royal gamma on every campaign. I believe he will step up to lead,” Sterling replied.

“That aligns with my thoughts,” Reginald mused, his mind racing with the implications of this information.

Turner was his sister’s mate, but they had never shared a close bond. Reginald felt no remorse about the actions he would need to take against him.

Unless the king chose to lead the warriors himself—which was highly unlikely—Turner was the most obvious candidate for the role.

“We need to send an assassin after him. That will buy us enough time for the Valerium reinforcements to arrive,” Reginald suggested, his tactical mind whirring with possibilities.

“You actually made contact with them?” Reginald halted mid-step, surprise washing over him as he regarded Alpha Sterling. “Why didn’t you inform me earlier?”

“I’ve been corresponding with them,” Sterling replied, a frown creasing his brow. “I discussed this matter with Alpha Theodore back when you weren’t in a position to be privy to such information. But circumstances have shifted.”

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