Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192: [Bonus Chapter] Compromise

Alpha Caspian looked utterly dumbfounded. He stuttered, "I—I think you’re mistaken here, your majesty. I believe I mentioned that we were attacked."

Moreover, if there was any Alpha less inclined to violence, it was Caspian—their suspicion should be directed at Henry and Irene, the two war gods of the four regions.

"The North is more invested in technological advancements, not warfare," Caspian continued. "Attacking you the Alpha King.... is preposterous!"

Elijah’s gaze sharpened. "Didn’t you just say your company was attacked, and weapons were stolen?"

"Yes, but by—"

"—Rogues," Irene finished unapologetically. For a woman, she wasn’t scared speaking to Elijah, the Alpha king that way.

And Elijah did notice because his attention was wholly on her as she said, "We already told you this isn’t just an ordinary rogue attack, Alpha Elijah. The rogues are testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses. My patrols are already stretched thin as it is. If this continues, I’ll have no choice but to conscript more pack members into active service."

Leon, Alpha of the South, growled, "I’ve already done so. Except unlike the East, we’re not natural fighters."

"Yes, your people are entertainers, Leon." Elijah’s tone dripped with mockery.

However, Leon looked beyond the mockery and answered. "Morale is crumbling, your majesty. My people question our ability to protect them, and they’re not wrong. We need reinforcements, but your rising taxes—" He clenched his jaw. "—are draining our coffers. How are we supposed to defend our borders when we can barely afford supplies?"

"Perhaps by working harder?" Elijah suggested.

"Work harder?" Alpha Leon scoffed and for the first time since their arrival, every mirth escaped his expression.

He hissed, "While the rogue threat is indeed concerning, I’m more troubled by the drought affecting my territory. Our crops are failing, and livestock are dying. My people are starving. We can’t afford rising taxes when we’re struggling to survive."

A tense silence followed after those words. Elijah steepled his fingers, his gaze void of emotion. "Rogue attacks, stolen weapons, dwindling morale, and economic strain. It seems you’ve all come prepared with your grievances."

Henry bristled. "These are not mere grievances. This is about the survival of our packs. Yet you sit here, indifferent, while we suffer."

"Watch your tone, Henry," Elijah warned. "Or have you forgotten who rules here?"

Caspian raised a hand before the tension could escalate further. "Apologies, your majesty, we are merely desperate for solutions before our own people turn on us. If the rogues are organized, we must determine who’s leading them. I propose increasing intelligence operations along our borders. Capture and interrogate mercilessly any rogue found within our territories."

"And who pays for these operations?" Leon countered. "We’re already crippled by taxes. Lower them, and we’ll have the resources to bolster our defenses."

Elijah cracked his knuckles, his facial expression thoughtful, "Fine, I’ll consider reducing the levy—if you deliver tangible results in quelling the rogue threat."

Turning to Leon, he added, "As for the drought, I’m sure the North has technology that can help you. The two of you should sort it out."

Leon groaned, as if the thought of dealing with Caspian was a real pain in the ass.

Caspian in question gleamed with anticipation as if he couldn’t wait to drill into the South Alpha his brilliant ideas.

Elijah said, "In addition to that, I’ll authorize a temporary suspension of your territory’s taxes. In exchange, you’ll supply additional provisions once your people recover."

"Fair enough," Leon agreed.