*****Elder Grigshade''s POV*****


    Ever since the Alpha went into that ident, I could not sleep well. We had done a business deal, one that had quite been sessful and he had passed it on to Jace, his son.


    I wanted Jace on that seat for a reason. No one knew I had personally talked to the Alpha few days before his ident. He had told me to take care of his children — Erika and Jace. There were some bad things happening, and I had feared for the Alpha.


    Though he had not told me exactly what was bothering him, I had knew he was in trouble and if was not taken, he would lose his life. But I had not foresaw it to be this soon. He had passed the business to Jace which was why Jace and I worked in secret. The Alpha did not want his daughter to know about it.


    For reasons known to him though. But I could understand him to an extent, it was not the kind of business a woman could handle. Even my daughter Tasyra would not be able to handle it, hence, she knew about the other businesses but not this.


    It was too risky which was another reason why I did not want Erika to seat on that throne. I did not hate her but my butting of heads with her was the only way I knew I could protect her, but the Moon Goddess knew she was stubborn.


    She was as tough as her dad. I had told Jace to go up against her but he had refused. He had no idea why I so badly wanted him on that seat. He was not in on anything, he was not aware of this business until it had flourished, and the Alpha introduced him to me.


    The guy had great business sense, and was a very smart young man. And to me, anyone who could handle a business could actually be a ruler. I had watched him lead while others followed. It surprised me why he would not want to go against Erika.


    I had my fears for Erika, and I would do anything within my power to make sure she did not be the Alpha, else she might end up like her father.


    "She said she''ll be with you soon, Elder Grigshade." The maid I had asked to get her for me reported.


    I nodded. "Alright, I''ll be waiting."


    I would wait and if it was going to make us go another round, no problem. Also, she needed to release my daughter. The girl had done nothing to her.


    It was noter than ten minutes when I saw her stroll in. Her stance was stiff and


    tough, the defiant look on her face would scare most people, but not me.


    Keeping my own features unfriendly and stoic, I remain seated. "Erika."


    "Elder Grigshade." Her cold tone mirrored mine.


    "Why have you not released my daughter?" I red at her.


    She red back. "If that is what you havee here for, then kindly leave."


    "You are holding my daughter against her will. Is this the kind of Alpha you''ll be? The kind that oppresses her people with power?" I was trying to demean her authority, maybe that would get her to leave the seat.


    "If you''re trying to mess with my head, to make me feel like I have no power or I''m not worthy, then you''re failing. Woefully if I may add." The steel determination in her voice was unmistakable.


    "Do you realize that an Alpha also exhibits respect to her subjects? And the elders are part of the subjects?" I quirked a brow.


    She quirked hers too. "And if I can remember, an Alpha also deserves respect from their subjects, and elders are part of their subjects."


    "Do not mess with me, Erika. You are not fit to be the Alpha!" I bellowed at her, very annoyed at her insistence. Did this stupid girl want to die? Did she want to end up like her father? This crazy na?ve child!


    She shot fire through her eyes. "Elder Grigshade, enough of your disrespect! No matter what you say or how you feel, I will be the Alpha. I know you think Jace..."


    I emitted a dry chuckle. "Think? No, I do not think. I know he will do better than


    you. He''s the best person for that seat. So give way and let him rule."


    "I will not remain here and allow you step on my personality, even drag it to the mud, Elder Grigshade. You can leave my house." She of


    could see a growling out. Foolish girl, so easy to release her


    wolf. She would die quicker that


    way.


    If not for the promise I had made to her father, I would have let her embark on this journey of death. The enemies were still out there and they wood soone for her the way they went for her father.


    "Where''s your father?" I asked, eyeing her tauntingly.


    "Don''t you dare bring my father into this!" She thundered, she was visibly trembling with rage.


    I merely sat, watching her. She


    might possess the strength of an Alpha wolf, but she was no match for whatid in wait for her. Even her father lost the fight, what could she, a little girl no more than twenty two ort three do?


    "You''re a little girl, Erika. You have no idea what you''re up against."


    She narrowed her gaze dangerously. "And what do you mean by that?"


    I stood, taking few steps towards her. She did not flinch nor move back, she


    remained rooted in her spot, her stance daring me to go against her. Again, na?ve little Erika.


    "If you do not want to end like your father, then step down and allow your brother take over." I warned, infusing seriousness in my voice.


    She gritted her teeth. "Are you threatening my life, Elder Grigshade?"


    I moved back, a hard smirk on my face. "It''s just a warning, Erika ckwood. Be the Alpha and have yourself to me."


    I walked to the door. "And release my daughter, she had done nothing wrong to you........” I gave her a mocking once-over. "...Alpha."


    Then I walked out of her presence, knowing she was probably ring daggers at my back. But I did not care, Erika would have herself to me if she disobeyed


    me.