A Warrior’s Second Chance novel Chapter 173

BLOOD CRESCENT

Gerald sat in the corner of the bar, dressed in a plain jacket and a wide–brimmed hat pulled low over his face. The disguise wasn’t elaborate, but it was enough to keep him from being easily recognized. He swirled the drink in his hand absently, eyes flicking toward the door every few seconds.

A few minutes later, another man walked in. Gerald recognized him immediately and waved him over. Elder Nelson hesitated at first, scanning the room before making his way to the table. When he finally reached Gerald, his brows drew together in mild surprise. “I almost didn’t recognize you,” he said, eyeing the hat.

“That was the idea,” Gerald replied with a faint smile, motioning for him to sit.

Nelson pulled out a chair and sat down, though his expression remained cautious. “So, what’s this about? You sounded urgent.”

Gerald leaned back slightly. “We’ll have to wait for someone else first.”

Nelson frowned. “Someone else?”

“Kyle,” Gerald said.

Nelson raised an eyebrow. “The Delta?”

Gerald nodded.

Nelson sighed and shook his head. “Gerald, if this is one of your schemes again, you’re wasting your time. I’m not interested in whatever mess you’re trying to stir.”

“Easy,” Gerald said, lifting a hand in a calming gesture. “Just hear me out first.”

Before Nelson could respond, the door opened again. Kyle stepped in, his tall frame and sharp expression drawing a few glances from nearby tables. He didn’t look pleased to be there.

He stopped beside the table, arms crossed. “Why did you summon me, Gerald?”

“Sit down, Kyle,” Gerald said evenly.

Reluctantly, Kyle pulled out a chair and sat, his posture rigid. Gerald signaled to the waiter, who

approached, but Kyle’s patience snapped.

“With all due respect,” Kyle said, his voice low but edged with irritation, “go straight to the point. I’m only here because I once respected you as an elder of Blood Crescent–and because you said this had something to do with the attack from that Marcus guy, not for a drink.”

Gerald nodded, lowering his voice. “You’re right. I didn’t call you here to waste your time. I know I might not be a respectable elder anymore–not after Alpha Alexander stripped me of my title–but I’m still the same man who’s always cared for the pack. I may have taken some wrong steps trying to prove it, but my intentions were never malicious.”

Kyle glanced at Nelson, then back at Gerald, and said nothing.

Gerald leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he continued, his tone lowering slightly. “I’m glad you’re already familiar with his name. You should also know that Marcus isn’t just some wolf sending rogues after Blood Crescent wolves.”

Kyle’s eyes hardened. “I serve Blood Crescent,” he said firmly, “and I fight beside Alexander–as the Alpha.”

He pushed his chair back and stood to leave, but Gerald’s voice followed him. “Don’t start something you’ll

regret, Kyle. Don’t choose a war you can’t finish. When Blood Crescent suffers for its blind loyalty, you’ll remember you had a chance to be part of peace–but chose violence instead.”

Kyle smirked. “Oh, Gerald. If following that coward is the peace you speak of, then I’ll gladly choose war.

And you don’t have to worry about finishing it; I don’t intend to. I’ll only lay down my weapon if Alexander surrenders.” Kyle adjusted his jacket and walked away.

Nelson looked uneasy, watching Kyle leave. “Gerald… correct me if I’m wrong, but the Alpha of Blood Crescent has always been a Blackwell. And even if this Marcus is the late Alpha’s son, he’s not recognized by the pack. He’s illegitimate–that alone disqualifies him.”

Gerald tilted his head. “Says who? The fact that every Alpha before him was legitimate doesn’t mean an illegitimate son can’t rule. It’s just that such a situation never came up before. There’s always a first time, Nelson.”

The elder frowned, unsure. After a pause, he asked quietly, “Aren’t you worried Kyle will go straight to

Alexander about this? I am.”

Gerald smiled faintly. “That’s what I’m counting on,” he said. “I want the word to spread. The more people talk, the better. Alexander can’t banish the entire pack once the truth starts circulating. And don’t worry about your safety, Marcus…” His eyes glinted. “He’s more than capable of taking care of anyone who stands by his side.”