Alpha's mate is a male? Chapter 21: Protecting his unwanted mate

The weight of the elders' scrutiny is palpable as they stand before Kieran, their expressions stern and expectant.

Their arrival in the mansion's grand hall brings an ominous energy, the kind that unsettles even Kieran's wolf.

Jun stands off to the side, his arms crossed, trying to decipher their cryptic words.

Kieran straightens, his jaw tight. "The boy isn't here anymore, and I've handled the situation. There's no need for further interference."

The older elder, a tall man with silver-threaded hair and a commanding presence, takes a step forward. "Handled?" he repeats, his tone laced with skepticism. "This matter is far too important for vague assurances, Alpha. We must see the boy ourselves. To be certain."

Jun's brow furrows, his confusion deepening. "What boy? What are you talking about?" he interjects, his voice edged with frustration.

Kieran shoots him a silencing glare. "Stay out of this," he says curtly, before turning back to the elders. "I've said enough. You will not question my authority further."

The younger elder, a woman with sharp eyes that seem to pierce through Kieran, shakes her head. "With respect, Alpha, this isn't just about you. The boy's presence affects the balance of the packs. If you've truly handled it, as you claim, then let us see the truth with our own eyes."

Kieran's wolf surges forward, demanding submission. His voice drops, a growl rumbling beneath his words. "I said, it's handled."

The elders stiffen but do not imdiately back down.

Jun watches the exchange, his frustration turning into unease.

These people clearly hold power, but Kieran's reaction hints at sothing deeper, sothing he can't yet grasp.

His mind races with possibilities, but the ntion of Ace being "handled" makes his stomach churn.

"This is bigger than you, Alpha," the older elder says, his voice low but firm. "Your decision affects us all. If you're wrong—"

"I am not wrong," Kieran snaps, his voice cracking like a whip. He steps closer, his eyes blazing with authority. "This is my pack. And you know I've always done what's best for it , all this years since my father passed away, have I ever let any of you down?" They are quiet. "I don't think so , you will leave now."

Now that kieran knows about Ace's innocence, he doesn't want anyone to get involved except for him, he is going to find Ace and they'll figure things out together.

For a mont now he cos to the terms with the fact that , the goddess must have a very important reason why he mated him with such a powerful wolf.

The tension is suffocating.

The elders exchange uneasy glances, their instincts warring with their duty. Finally, the older elder nods stiffly. "Very well, Alpha. We will defer—now."

The younger elder's lips press into a thin line, her discontent clear. "We hope your confidence is not misplaced," she says, bowing slightly before turning to leave.

Jun, still reeling from what he's heard, opens his mouth to speak, but Kieran cuts him off. "Not now," he growls, brushing past him.

As the elders retreat toward the main entrance, their footsteps heavy with reluctance, a figure detaches from the shadows.

Lila steps forward, her expression a mix of worry and resolve.

She waits until the elders are beyond Kieran's earshot before hurrying after them.

"Wait," she calls softly, her voice just loud enough to reach them. The elders pause, turning to face her with mild curiosity.

"What is it, Luna?" the older elder asks, his tone respectful.

Lila's face is pale, her eyes shadowed with feigned concern. "I need your help," she says earnestly. "The Alpha... he's not himself."

The elders exchange wary glances. "What do you an?" the younger elder asks.

Lila steps closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a painful secret. "That boy," she begins, her tone dripping with worry. "He's done sothing to Kieran. Manipulated him. Twisted his thoughts. Kieran's not thinking clearly anymore—it's not his fault. Whatever the boy is, it's dangerous, and it's affecting him."

The older elder frowns, his brows knitting together. "You're suggesting the Alpha is... compromised?"

Lila nods, her expression solemn. "Yes. He's convinced himself that he has everything under control, but it's a lie. The boy escaped, and Kieran's obsession with finding him is clouding his judgnt. If we don't act now, he'll only fall deeper under the boy's influence."

The younger elder's sharp eyes narrow. "And what do you propose we do, Luna? The Alpha has ordered us to stand down."

Lila hesitates for a mont, as if reluctant to undermine her mate.

Then she straightens, her voice firm. "We can't stand by and watch him lose himself. We need to find the boy ourselves and deal with him before Kieran can be manipulated further. He'll thank us later, once he's free of this... this curse."

The elders consider her words carefully. Their loyalty to Kieran is strong, but so is their respect for Lila as the Alpha's mate.

Finally, the older elder nods, his expression grim. "Very well. We'll do what we must."

Lila exhales softly, relief washing over her features. "Thank you, I'll have the picture of the boy made fast and then I'll deliver to you. When you find anything about the boy, let know," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "I just want what's best for Kieran. For all of us."

As the elders leave, Lila watches them go, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips once they're out of sight. Her plan is in motion, and soon, everything will fall into place.

Back in the hall, Jun finally corners Kieran, his patience worn thin. "What the hell was that about?" he demands. "Who are those people? What do they want with Ace? You know am actually now doubting strongly if you are just an uncle to Ace and Ace is just Ace.

Co on , you know how much I care about him , if there's sothing, anything at all that's more to what you told then let know."

Kieran doesn't answer imdiately, his thoughts elsewhere. When he finally speaks, his tone is clipped. "You don't need to know."

Jun steps in front of him, blocking his path. "Don't give that crap. I've stayed out of this for too long already. If you want to trust you, you need to start talking."

Kieran glares at him, his wolf bristling at the challenge. But sothing in Jun's unwavering stance makes him pause. "Fine," he says reluctantly. "But not now , I need you to tell more about Ace , everything you know , not leaving out even a single one thing. As I skim for the possible places that we could find him."

"You tell fi..." Jun starts but Kieran cuts him.

"What's your na again? June Xia? Xin? Whatever it is , we don't have ti to tell the unnecessary stories now, as I said , I will tell you everything, but for now can we focus on even a hint of where he could be, mh?"