The evening bonfires were quiet. Tense. Alec was sure most of the clan knew what he planned to do tonight, even if Nahele didn't. Nahele's beta, Hyrad, should have sensed the rumblings, the intent to challenge, and told the Alpha, but Hyrad had never been that great of a beta. It was just one more reason Alec thought a change was needed. When the one who is supposed to be watching the Alpha's back can't be bothered, how was the clan itself safe?
He tossed his bowl of glistening meat aside, nodding when three young cubs sniff at it. There was no reason for the food to go to waste. The three descended on it hungrily, and Alec chuckled. A few months after he took over, if he took over, he'd need to mate with one of the strongest females and produce a litter. It had been years since he'd had cubs of his own. The cubs left nothing behind, and when the central bonfire had begun to die, Alec stood. His heart pounded in his ears, and he was afraid. As afraid as he was, though, he was just as determined. The clan needed him. The clan needed change, and he was willing to die to bring it about.
Alec stopped on the opposite side of the small bonfire Nahele, Hyrad, and three of the elder clan members claimed as their own. Nahele smiled when he approached, but when their eyes met, the smile faded.
"Alec," Nahele said, putting aside his empty bowl.
It was now or never. Alec took a deep breath, his voice carrying easily when he spoke. "Nahele, you are no longer fit to be Alpha," he said, and was surprised that his voice was so steady. "It's time for you to step down and another to step up."
