Magnus’ p.o.v. His Beta looks at Alpha Ferdinand after that little threat, almost as if he is questioning his Alpha. “I didn’t know it was Winston Daystone or I would have reported it.” Alpha Ferdinand answers, the first lie that leaves his mouth. How many more will he tell before this day is over? “The territory is far enough away and squatters don’t pose a threat to my Pack-members. I was expecting them to leave after resting for a while.” Alpha Ferdinand continues. Elder Chelsea doesn’t like his answer; we all know that it makes no sense at all. “When did they arrive at Grand Valley territory, Alpha Ferdinand?” She asks and I already know that he will lie again. “About a week or so ago. The other day, one of my Warriors informed me that the territory had been empty and we all assumed they had moved on.” Alpha Ferdinand answers. His Beta looks uncomfortable and my guess is that he expects us to know more than Alpha Ferdinand is expecting. With so many of us in the room, he is smart enough not to mind-link his Alpha and warn him about his suspicions. “Alpha Ferdinand, I want you to think really carefully about your answer to my next question. Do you take me for a fool?” Elder Chelsea asks. Gilliam chuckles as he watches the others for a reaction to her question. We both know that she is setting him up, one way or the other. “Of course not, Elder Chelsea. Every Elder is chosen for their own specific skill set and I doubt the King would have appointed you if he thought you were a fool.” He answers after a few minutes. Elder Chelsea looks over her shoulder at Meadow and without saying a word, she steps forward. “Alpha Ferdinand, we had been investigating Winston’s whereabouts for months. He admitted to the King that he had been in the territory for a very long time, before we came in to take him into custody. He also mentioned that he saw your Warriors on numerous occasions. Want to rethink the answers you gave us so far?” Meadow asks. Her eye color keeps changing and it is clear to see that Rebel is trying to push forward. “Rebel, let Meadow handle this. He will not get the chance to harm her in any way; we won’t allow it.” Myka says as he wraps his arms around her waist from behind. Alpha Ferdinand looks from Meadow to Elder Chelsea, but he should have kept an eye on Dad instead. “Alpha Ferdinand, by not reporting squatters in your territory, you allowed a criminal to operate in the shadows for too long. He was able to attack many Packs because of your negligence and that includes both my Packs.” Dad says. Alpha Ferdinand turns toward Dad and tries to say something, but he thinks better of it as he locks eyes with Dad. “Based on what we've discovered, we know that you don’t use the territory. However, you do require payment from your Pack-members to cover taxes.” Elder Chelsea says. “The Elders have recommended to the king that he take control of the territory and divide it into three parts for the surrounding packs to expand their territory.” She places some papers on the table in front of him. The official documents from the King to reclaim that territory and there is nothing Alpha Ferdinand can do to change this outcome. An Omega walks in and heads straight for Alpha Ferdinand. She uses the mind-link to communicate with him. She could have stayed out in the hallway to do this and none of us would have been the wiser. “Probably why she is doing it this way. I haven’t seen any of them use their mind-link, so there is something else going on here.” Gilliam responds to my thought process. Alpha Ferdinand slowly nods his head as he listens to the Omega. It takes a few minutes before she walks out of the living room and we are waiting for Alpha Ferdinand to explain this interruption. “I apologize for the interruption. Katreena gave them orders to take care of lunch for us, but she neglected to ask if there were enough items in the kitchen. They acted as quickly as they could but the main dish for lunch will take another thirty minutes to be ready.” Alpha Ferdinand explains. Gilliam lifts his head at this admission because there is always plenty of food in our kitchens. Shifters have a huge appetite and I have never encountered a Pack that didn’t have stocked fridges and pantries.“How were they planning on feeding your Pack-members?” Meadow asks. Landis gives her a confused look and he gets a stern look from his Father, but misses it entirely because he is focused on Meadow. “They can take care of their own meals. Why would we need to provide them with any food?” Landis asks. Makay steps in front of Meadow, shielding her from seeing Landis and preventing Rebel from taking control. I am glad she is on our side and will eventually become my Beta female; she will ensure that Gold Moon is feared by many. “Calm down, Angel. You have been to enough Packs to know that not every Alpha is like Alpha Lincoln.” He says with his forehead against hers. Calming Meadow down and insulting Alpha Ferdinand in the same sentence. “Alpha Ferdinand, you are free to reign your Pack the way you see fit. As long as you do it within our laws and from the sounds of it, I doubt you do. I will recommend an investigation to the King and use this visit as my ground for it.” Elder Chelsea says. She is right, an Alpha is free to reign their Pack within our laws. One of those laws is providing the essentials for every Pack-member, which include food, housing and clothing. Denying your Pack-members their basic needs can result in having your title stripped. “At least, now we understand why the Omega entered the living room. She made him admit to a crime without making it obvious.” Gilliam says through the mind-link. Dad has a smirk on his face. He loves it when a Shifter shows their smarts without being outright disrespectful. It wouldn’t surprise me if he were to inform Elder Chelsea that Gold Moon and Black Valley will take in those who wish to leave this territory after the investigation is complete.