Chapter 243

Cyrus's POV "Alpha Cyrus, I've been kidnapped! Please help me!" Claire's panicked voice cut through my mind like a knife. I froze, my father's words about the upcoming election fading into the background. The fear in her voice sent adrenaline through my body. I shot up from my chair, cutting off my father. "Where do you think you're going?" My father's voice boomed from behind his desk. "We're not done discussing your candidacy." I turned to face him, hand already on the doorknob. Aldric Hayes, one of the most respected Guardian Wolves alive, stared at me. The gray at his temples didn't diminish his intimidating presence. "There's something urgent I need to handle," I said. "More urgent than the future of our kind?" His voice dropped. "King Aurelius is dying, Cyrus. The election will happen whether you want it or not." "I'm not running in the election, Father," I snapped. "Our job is to protect, not to rule. That's what Guardian Wolves are for." My father slammed his fist on the desk.