The three months before the Council leadership election were the most intense of my life. We worked tirelessly to shore up support for Brennan while managing our packs, defending against ongoing legal challenges, and maintaining Coalition unity.
Marcus, surprisingly, became a valuable asset during this period. His insider knowledge of traditional Alpha politics and his connections within that world provided crucial intelligence.
"My father is backing Alpha Hawthorne for Council Leader," Marcus reported during a strategy meeting. "He's calling in every favor, making promises, doing whatever it takes to ensure a traditional Alpha takes control."
"Your father no longer has official authority," Drake pointed out. "Why would anyone listen to him?"
"Because he still has influence," Marcus said. "Years of alliances, debts owed, shared ideology. He might not have a title, but he's still dangerous."
"What's he offering in exchange for support?" I asked.
