The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 144

Chapter One Forty Four

The hall had barely recovered from the revelation that Willow was about to testify when Vanessa took a step forward.

“Elders.”

Her voice was loud enough to stop everyone from speaking.

“Can we really trust the words of the Alpha King’s sister?”

The question echoed through the ceremonial hall. Immediately, dozens of wolves frowned. Diana slowly closed her eyes.

“There it is,” Artemis muttered. “She’s attacking the witness to defend Rafe. Does she ever use her head?”

Fenrir surged beneath Talon’s skin. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

“You dare insinuate that my sister would lie?”

Talon’s voice carried enough authority that several younger wolves instinctively lowered their heads. Fenrir was no longer quietly observing. He stood just beneath the surface. Protective. Possessive. Ready.

“Every Alpha and Luna who attended my marking ceremony knows exactly what happened to Willow that day.”

His eyes never left Vanessa.

“They witnessed the aftermath. They witnessed that there have been an attack. They witnessed my sister nearly dying.”

Vanessa refused to back down.

“No, Alpha King.”

She raised both hands innocently.

“I never called your sister a liar.”

Her gaze shifted toward Willow.

“But she is your sister.”

She emphasized the last two words.

“Blood will always protect blood.”

She looked toward the Elders.

“Naturally, she would say anything to support her brother.”

A few uncertain murmurs spread through the younger wolves. Before Talon could respond – Another voice interrupted.

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Chapter Queforty Four

How about her words as my Queen?

The room became silent. Every eye turned toward Damon. The Rogue King stepped forward slowly. His movements were calm.

Measured. Dangerously controlled.

Vanessa frowned. “Your Queen?”

Damon stopped beside Willow. Without hesitation, he reached for her hand. This time-Willow intertwined her fingers with his willingly. A small gesture. But Talon noticed. So did Diana.

“So…” Damon said quietly. “If my mate testifies…” He looked directly at Vanessa.

“Will you believe her as Queen of the Rogue Kingdom?”

Vanessa blinked. “What?”

“My mate’s testimony would no longer be that of the Alpha King’s sister.”

His voice remained calm.

“It would be the testimony of the Queen of another kingdom.”

Silence.

Vanessa stared at him. “And who exactly are you?”

Her voice carried open disdain. “What do you mean your Queen?”

Damon smiled. A slow smile. One that never reached his eyes.

“I am Willow’s mate.” Another pause. “My connection to Black Howler begins and ends with my mate being born there.”

He slowly looked around the hall.

“My kingdom has no allegiance to Black Howler beyond the alliance I personally formed with the Alpha King.”

His gaze settled back on Vanessa.

“So…”

He spoke each word carefully.

“My mate’s testimony has nothing to do with protecting her birth pack.”

He took one more step.

“But let me make one thing perfectly clear.”

Cerberus stirred. The massive wolf’s murderous aura seeped through their bond.

“What your mate did to mine…” His eyes darkened. “…will not end with him losing the Alpha title.”

26

Chapter One-Ponty Four

Another step. “I want his head.”

The room froze. “I want it separated from his body.”

His voice became colder. And I personally intend to do it.”

Clam

Vanessa instinctively stepped backward. For the first time since the ceremony began- She looked afraid. Not because of Talon.

1

But because of Damon. His killing intent wasn’t hidden. It wasn’t restrained. It was genuine. Rafe finally spoke.

“You threaten me before the Elder Council?”

“I do.” Damon answered without hesitation. “And I would happily repeat it tomorrow.”

The silence became deafening. Finally Elder Alaric cleared his throat.

“Alpha King…”

He looked toward Talon.

“There is one matter requiring clarification.”

Talon nodded. “What is it, Elder?”

The Elder looked toward Damon.

“We do not recognize this male.”

His brows furrowed.

“I have traveled among every allied territory.”

He shook his head.

“I have never met him.” Another pause. “So…”

His eyes narrowed. “Who is he?”

The question everyone had silently been asking. The room waited. Talon looked toward Damon. Then toward Willow. Finally back to the Elder Council.

“He is my sister’s mate.”

Gasps erupted immediately. Before anyone could recover- Talon continued.

“…and the Rogue King.”

Silence. Absolute silence. Then-

“What?!”

“The Rogue King?”

“He is a rogue?”

3164

Chapter Operty Four

The Roque Kingdom exists?”

“Impossible!”

Voices exploded throughout the hall. Even several visiting Alphas looked completely stunned. Elder Garrick stepped forward.

“The Rogue King?”

His expression was filled with disbelief.

“But…”

He looked Damon up and down.

“Why is he here? When did the allied packs begin working with roques?”

Talon answered before anyone else could.

“We didn’t.” The room quieted once more.

“My alliance is not between Black Howler and the Rogue Kingdom.”

His voice carried clearly.

“It is between myself…” He looked at Damon.

“…the Alpha King…and Damon…the Rogue King.”

He let the distinction settle.

“The packs themselves are not involved. And before anyone here reaches the wrong conclusion…”

His eyes swept across the gathered wolves.

“The Rogue Kingdom has absolutely nothing to do with the feral rogues attacking our territories.”

Several wolves exchanged confused looks. Talon continued,

Clam

“The wolves living within the Rogue Kingdom are not monsters. They are not bloodthirsty beasts. They are wolves who were rejected. Wolves abandoned by their birth packs. Wolves who had nowhere else to go.”

Damon remained silent. Allowing Talon to speak.

“The Rogue Kingdom gave them a home. They built a kingdom. They established laws. They created order. They are no different from any other kingdom represented in this room.”

The revelation spread through the hall. Some wolves looked ashamed. Others thoughtful. Many simply looked surprised.

Elder Mirela slowly nodded.

“So that is the truth…” She whispered.

Damon finally stepped forward again.

416

Chapter Opeforty-four

“Now

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