Rendered

Chapter 16

Tony's POV:

Since childhood, Kenny has been a constant presence in my life. I've always looked up to him, aspiring to emulate his strengths. Countless hours of training were dedicated to the hope that, during his visits, I could finally surpass him. My temper and grades underwent improvements as well. Yet, no matter the effort I exerted, victory against him remained elusive. My mother used to attribute his wins to an age advantage, but as I matured, I recognized the falsehood in that notion. Kenny had triumphed over many older Alphas, revealing that his power surpassed mere age. His wealth stemmed from a combination of intelligence and strategic thinking, much like my sister's attributes. A distinguishing factor, however, was that Kenny didn't have a mate and kids - he seemingly had nothing to lose. This mindset empowered him to expand his influence over territories and enterprises.

Lifting my gaze from the plans Kenny was presenting, I focused on him. His presence here, aiding me and my pack, was significant. Had anyone dared to harm my mate, I would have taken swift action to assert my dominance as Alpha. Yet, Kenny remained an exception, his motivations a mystery I couldn't unravel. I turned my attention to his beta, Nuzo, and an unsettling notion formed: Nuzo might be Kenny's weakness. If we were to face defeat today, it seemed likely that Nuzo would be the catalyst. He appeared poised to distract Kenny on the battlefield, potentially altering the course of our battle. Observing my sister's gaze fixed on Nuzo, it was clear she shared my concerns. However, her thoughts were clearly preoccupied with something beyond Kenny's explanation.

Tiny had always yearned for Kenny, her desire for him driving her to the point of unwavering devotion. Her strength and presence in the cutthroat business world were all manifestations of her commitment to him. Even her ascent to the rank of beta was a testament to her dedication. Meanwhile, Kenny seemed oblivious, fixated on a ceaseless search instead of embracing my sister's affections. With Tiny by his side, Kenny held the potential to become the most powerful alpha in living memory. As it stood, he already commanded unmatched power within our regime. However, a glaring vulnerability loomed – his lack of an heir. This left his pack perilously exposed in the event of his demise. The looming threat of Nuzo only exacerbated this precarious situation, casting a shadow over the Silver pack's future.

Frustration finally boiled over as Kenny bellowed, his exasperation palpable. It was clear he felt sidelined, perhaps by the attention my sister and I seemed to be affording Nuzo. In the heat of the moment, his gaze shifted from me to Tiny and then swept the room, a stark reminder of the urgency of our situation. He chastised us all, emphasizing the gravity of the present circumstances and the necessity of focusing on the impending struggle. Abruptly, Kenny strode towards Nuzo, his actions catching everyone, including me, off-guard. His grasp on Nuzo and their subsequent exit from the room left me bewildered. My thoughts raced – how could Kenny be so reckless? His cooperation, and that of his beta, were crucial for victory in the coming war. Panic clawed at my mind as I struggled to comprehend his actions. Desperation laced Tiny's voice as she implored Kenny not to depart. Her plea underscored not only her longing for him but also hinted at doubt regarding my leadership and ability to navigate the challenges ahead. The room was left in a tense silence, a tableau of uncertainty and apprehension.

As I was on the verge of speaking, Kenny swiftly responded to my sister's plea. "I'll allow you a minute to deliberate on our course of action. Alpha Tony will summon me once he reaches a decision on whether he seeks my assistance and the strategy he intends to pursue for the impending war," he stated. With those words, Kenny and Nuzo departed without casting a backward glance. The room was instantly filled with a buzz of hushed conversations and murmurs. This was the most inopportune moment for such a disruption; curse Nuzo for influencing Kenny's behavior in this manner. I chose to remain seated, taking a moment to survey the room. Charlie appeared fixated on the door, seemingly anticipating the arrival of an individual. Tiny's gaze bore into me, a silent message conveyed: rectify this situation immediately, or you'll be left to fend for yourself. The rest of the group engaged in chatter, their expressions reflecting deep-seated concern as they exchanged glances.