Chapter 1381: Leaving The Howlers

It was clear, from the tone of the conversation and the way it had been heading, that Marie had already made up her mind. She had been wrestling with the decision for a long time, and now, she had voiced it, plainly and firmly, to everyone, including Kai.

It wasn’t a decision made lightly.

And in the end, Kai knew when a fight was already lost. He stopped trying to change her mind.

“Alright,” Kai finally said, exhaling. “I agree. But only on two conditions. First, I won’t be bringing any other Werewolves into the pack. Not from the Howlers or anywhere else. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. I won’t undo everything we’ve worked to build.”

He looked directly at Gary before continuing.

“Only Marie will be moving over. And the second condition, she only joins me if Gary gives his permission.”

Part of him wondered if Gary was hurting too. Marie had been with the Howlers for a long time. For Kai to take her away now, it almost felt like the core members were being asked to choose sides.

And that was the last thing Kai wanted.

Which was why Gary’s acceptance mattered more than anything.

“Gary…” Marie turned toward him. “You understand why I’m doing this, right? It’s not because I want to leave the Howlers. It’s because… I don’t want Kai to be alone.”

“Marie, don’t be stupid,” Gary said, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. “If I wasn’t in the position I’m in, I’d be walking out with you, right by Kai’s side. Honestly, I want you to go. I’ll feel better knowing he’s not going through this by himself.”

The decision was made. There was only one thing left to do.

According to Midwak, Werewolves couldn’t just leave a pack. It was something only an Alpha could authorize. Midwak had claimed he didn’t really know how to kick someone out, even though he’d been kicked out himself.

But like before, the system offered guidance when the time came.

Gary placed his hand gently on Marie’s head. Immediately, her system screen appeared before him, and on it was a small “kick” icon, just like you’d see when removing someone from a party in a game.

It was strangely humorous, considering how serious the moment was.

With a single tap, he severed the connection.

Marie’s eyes shifted from blue to yellow.

The transformation confirmed it. She was now an Omega.

“Whoa…” Marie blinked and looked around. “I wasn’t expecting to feel this weird.”

“Uncomfortable, right?” Midwak said. “That’s what it feels like for people like us, those who don’t belong.”

“Guess it’s my turn to figure things out,” Kai said, stepping forward. “So… do I just say something like ‘I accept you into the pack’?”

Gary raised an eyebrow, realizing now just how useful the system really was. With Midwak, it had all been guided. Prompts. Clear steps. Kai didn’t have that luxury.

“We’ll just have to try it out,” Gary said with a small smile. “Try a few things. I’m sure something will work.”

Luckily, the very first thing Kai tried did work.

He gently placed his hand on Marie’s head, mimicking what Gary had done. Then, closing his eyes, he focused. He made sure the words were not just spoken, but meant.

“I accept Marie into my pack,” he said clearly.

As he spoke, he visualized it, truly accepting her from his heart. A surge of energy burst between the two of them. Marie’s eyes flashed blue again.

The uncomfortable feeling returned, but now it came from the other Werewolves in the room. She was part of a new pack now. Her bond had shifted.

“The sun’s just risen,” Kai said, stepping back. “Everyone else will probably be waking up soon… and I’m sure they’ll have a lot of questions.”

He turned back to the group one final time.

“But let me say this now: I’ll be back. Once I sort everything out, I’ll return. After the full moon, I’ll be reachable, always. You’ll have my number. If anything comes up, questions, advice, emergencies, you can call me. Anytime.”

As the door creaked open, even though they had all agreed that this wasn’t goodbye, it still felt like one.

Just before leaving, Kai paused.

“One last thing, Gary,” he said softly. “I didn’t say this earlier… My head wasn’t in the right place. But I’m thinking more clearly now.”

He looked up, his gaze sharp.

“With everything that’s happening right now, it’s pretty clear Unzoku didn’t expect things to go this way. He probably imagined there’d be more chaos. More division. More destruction between us. And if it had been just me… maybe he would’ve gotten what he wanted.”

Kai shook his head.

“But you don’t give yourself enough credit. The reason everything’s holding together, it’s because of you, Gary. And it’s reasons like this… that you’re the leader. Not me.”

He took a step back, eyes narrowing.

“Be careful. Unzoku’s going to try something else now that this didn’t go his way.”

Then, with a small grin that faded as quickly as it came, Kai added, “And I’ll leave you with these words, You are my Alpha Wolf.”

Without looking back, he walked away, Marie silently at his side.

No one could see Kai’s expression. But if they had, they would’ve seen the tight frown on his face, the fire in his eyes.

Unzoku, he thought bitterly. I will make you pay for everything you’ve done. You’ll regret the day you ever turned me into an Alpha.

He glanced at Marie.

“I guess it’s time to start looking at the bright side of this whole situation,” he said, trying to lift the mood.

Marie tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

Kai’s smirk returned, just slightly.

“It means…” he said, eyes glinting, “we now have another Alpha.”

Marie thought for a moment, then her eyes widened.

“…Which means another Luna.”

****

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