Page 66
Damian nods.
Rylan looks at the warrior. “Do you know which Elders were involved?”
“Some of them.”
“Good. Don’t name them in front of everyone. Write the names down for Joshua, email them to us, or bring them to my office. Give me whatever information you have, and we’ll investigate it.”
The warrior’s shoulders loosen. “Thank you, Alpha.”
“You had the courage to bring it to me. I’m not going to make you regret doing it.”
Something shifts through the gathering.
Rylan looks over the male wolves. “And before rumors start spreading after tonight, let me make something clear. I am not accusing every Elder, Councilman, or ranked wolf in Silver Moon of corruption. There are wolves in leadership who have served this pack honorably, and I expect many of them to remain exactly where they are.”
He pauses.
“But there will be a full investigation.”
The gathering grows still.
“Elders. Councilmen. Elites. Enforcers. Vanguards. Warriors. Anyone who has been given authority over another member of this pack. We’re going to look at how that authority has been used.”
Joshua’s attention moves across the gathering with Rylan’s.
“Some wolves currently holding positions will still be holding them when we’re finished. Some won’t. For some of you, losing your title will be the end of it. Others may face repayment, restrictions, imprisonment, or banishment, depending on what you’ve done.”
A murmur starts through the gathering.
“And before anyone asks, yes, becoming rogue is on the table.”
The murmuring stops.
“But I’m giving every wolf in leadership an opportunity before the investigation reaches you. If you know you’ve abused your authority, taken bribes, threatened lower ranked wolves, covered for someone, retaliated against a pack member, or done something else you know you shouldn’t have done, come to my office.”
Rylan gestures toward Joshua. “You can go to your Gamma first if you’re more comfortable with that. Tell us the truth. Tell us what you did, who was involved, and how long it’s been happening. Then we’ll discuss how the matter will be handled.”
A male wolf raises his hand. “You’re offering amnesty?”
“No. I’m offering mercy. There’s a difference.”
Silence settles over the gathering.
“If you abused your authority, I’m not promising you’ll keep it because you confessed. You may still lose your title. You may have to repair whatever damage you caused. But voluntarily walking into my office, telling me the truth, and cooperating with the investigation will be considered when I decide what happens to you.”
Joshua nods. “Coming forward before we find you is going to look a hell of a lot better than lying until the evidence is sitting on Alpha’s desk.”
A few nervous laughs move through the gathering.
Rylan doesn’t smile. “For some of you, losing your title and being allowed to remain safely in Silver Moon with your mate, your pups, and your family may be the mercy you’re offered. Think very carefully before you throw that away trying to protect a rank you’ve already proven you weren’t responsible enough to hold.”
A Councilman clears his throat. “And if someone doesn’t come forward?”
“Then we investigate anyway. And if the evidence shows you knew what you were doing was wrong, hid it, lied about it, intimidated witnesses, destroyed evidence, or retaliated against someone for speaking, don’t expect the same consideration I’m offering you right now.”
His Alpha aura begins to spread through the gathering.
“So decide what’s more important to you. Your rank or your freedom. Your title or your home. I will not allow wolves who refuse to act like pack members to keep using this pack as protection while they tear it apart from the inside.”
