Chapter 17: 17. Sudden Silence Bernard was hailed throughout the packhouse for his sharp instincts and swift action. The way he uncovered and captured the spy without assistance left the crowd in awe.
Applause and howls filled the air as he stood back at the podium, resuming his speech with renewed intensity.
"We’ve all seen it tonight, war is at our doorstep," Bernard roared, his voice echoing through the massive hall.
"There are packs out there that envy what we’ve built here. They can’t have what we have, so they choose destruction. They think because I’m a young Alpha, we’re vulnerable... but they’re wrong. So wrong."
His eyes scanned the crowd, fierce and determined.
"If they want war," he said, pausing dramatically, "then they’re about to face one unlike anything they’ve prepared for. We will not cower. We will strike harder than ever!"
Murmurs of support surged through the crowd. Maria watched silently from her seat, taking in the fire in Bernard’s voice. She couldn’t deny the admiration rising in her chest.
"Tonight, you all leave here with this truth; an unknown pack has declared war on us," Bernard continued. "What happened here tonight stays here. No one speaks of it outside these walls not until we uncover the ones behind this betrayal and bring them to justice."
noveldrama With that, he signaled the guards. The captured man was dragged away, struggling against his restraints. Bernard stepped down from the podium, signaling the end of the meeting.
Maria rose to her feet, her mind swirling. She was impressed, truly impressed by the way Bernard had handled the entire situation.
’If only my father had this kind of strength...’ she thought bitterly. ’He would’ve preached peace... not declared war.’ Her chest tightened.