Bruce's POV

The silence in the council chamber felt like pressure against my chest. Every face stared at me with shock or confusion or something I could not read clearly.

I had just admitted weakness in front of the entire pack. Admitted mistakes. Admitted vulnerability. Everything an Alpha was supposed to hide I had laid bare for judgment.

Chen recovered first. His smile was sharp and vicious. "So Bruce Leonard confesses he is unfit to lead. That makes my job easier than I expected."

"I am ...