Chapter 372

[ 896 words ]

Nolan’s POV

“His name is Geoffrey. He’s the newly appointed Alpha of Doomfur Pack. We can talk about him once we’re behind closed doors. I don’t want to risk anyone hearing this,” Leslie explained.

When we got to the hospital wing, Leslie got right to work. She drew blood, checked Solon’s eyes, and felt along his neck and chest. She stayed quiet, making it clear she wouldn’t say anything until she knew what was wrong. Talia stood by the door, fussing with her nails to distract herself from worrying.

“He hasn’t relapsed,” Leslie said at last.

“Thank the Moon Goddess,” Talia sighed in relief.

“Then, what happened? Why is he coughing up blood?” I asked.

“His wolf is still recovering, and Rosefall packs a punch. The combination just hit him all at once. He needs fluids and a reminder not to drink on an empty stomach.”

“You were right next to him. You could’ve stopped him,” I said, earning a sharp glare from Leslie.

“How was I supposed to know one drink would have caused this?” Leslie countered, crossing her arms over her chest. “I didn’t want him going in the first place.”

“Can’t argue with that,” I shrugged, and Leslie rolled her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Solon said from the bed, looking embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene in the middle of our party.”

“I’m the one who’s sorry,” Talia said. “I was so caught up in it being Father’s wine that I didn’t think about what your body could actually take right now.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s going to take time before I’m back to full strength,” Solon said, and then he gave a weak smile. “It was worth it. I’ve always wanted to try father’s wine.”

“Well, happy that you enjoyed it because you’re not going to have any for a long time,” Leslie said, pointing at him. “There will be no more heavy drinking, and we’re cutting your training back until your body catches up to where your pride already thinks it is.”

“Understood,” Solon said meekly.

“Now, try to get some rest. I will get you something to eat,” Leslie said and then shooed Talia and me out of the room.

Out in the hallway, Leslie still looked worried. “Someone’s going to come looking for him soon. Especially whoever won that spar. They’ll want their prize.”

“Derek’s handling it. I already informed him of the situation. He will make sure the winner gets his prize,” Talia stated. “Derek will also tell anyone who asks that the Alpha King had urgent business and had to leave early. Nobody’s going to think twice.”

That seemed to calm her down, but then she muttered, “Unless Geoffrey opens his big mouth.”

“So, what’s the deal with Geoffrey? How did he become Alpha?” I asked. Even at my worst with Rudolf, I was never so openly disrespectful.

“The little asshole is trouble,” Leslie said without hesitation. “That’s his whole story, as far as I’m concerned.”

“That’s not an answer.”

Leslie sighed and leaned against the wall, looking tired in a way that wasn’t just about being worn out. “When Kent died, Doomfur didn’t have a clear successor. He had no heir and never named anyone, since he didn’t trust anyone enough. The whole pack split, with every would-be Alpha fighting for control.”

“Why didn’t Solon just go and choose an Alpha?” I asked.

“That was supposed to happen, but when Solon showed up, the pack was tearing itself apart. Several wolves stepped up, but as soon as one seemed to come out on top, they’d go down too. Geoffrey ended up being the last one left standing. Solon made him Alpha. He didn’t have the luxury of waiting for someone better. Doomfur needed an Alpha on the spot,” Leslie explained.

Her explanation made me remember something. “Solon talked about Doomfur falling apart a while ago, when Talia was learning to control Moonfire. I thought he was just venting back then, and most of it went over my head. Now I finally understand.”

“Geoffrey wasn’t Solon’s only option. He could have chosen a Beta he trusted from another pack,” Talia said.

“I get that, but Doomfur needed an Alpha right then. Leaving them leaderless wasn’t possible with the Rogue King around. Do you know how hard the battle would have been if the Rogue King had taken Doomfur?” Leslie answered.

“I am just concerned that this was a bad decision,” Talia pressed.

“And he thinks so too. Solon told me he feared Geoffrey could be worse than Kent. Kent was a coward, hiding behind threats and never taking real action. Geoffrey, on the other hand, doesn’t hide anything. He just puts on that stupid smile like a psycho and does whatever he wants.”

“We saw that ourselves tonight,” Talia said flatly.

I remembered how his green eyes followed us, especially Leslie, like we were his prey. The way he taunted us and pushed his luck got under my skin. Wolves like him shouldn’t have power. Who knows what he’s doing behind the scenes or what he’s planning?

“Geoffrey’s trouble waiting to happen,” I said.

“I feel the same way,” Leslie agreed. “I don’t like that he’s staying here. I don’t like that he came at all, honestly. He wasn’t even here to fight the mad rogues, so why come now?”

“Tonight was supposed to be simple, and it feels like everything is getting complicated all over again,” Talia groaned.

“We’ll keep a close eye on him. Someone on him at all times for as long as he’s here,” I said.

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