That praise-kink didn’t last long the moment we arrived back at our fortress.
It vanished the moment the letter from Chancellor Caesar Franklin, the leader of all packs, landed on my desk. My desk, not Zarion’s.
It bears the news of the upcoming annual meeting of all werewolf packs. Our pack, the Volatile Hounds Pack, held the prestigious position of being the leading and strongest pack within the borders of the Misty Forest, thanks to the efficient management of Alpha Zarion and myself, Luna Cassidy.
I’m no longer human. I can finally feel me being a leader of a pack of werewolves has been worth it. I’m no longer the whiny human who cries every time my knee is wounded. I’m now a Luna, the Queen of the Volatile Hounds Pack. No longer human, no longer weak.
As I read the letter, my thoughts were interrupted by Bridgette, my trusted Beta and friend. She had heard rumors about another pack that was on the brink of extinction, but the name eluded her. The word had spread that this pack was about to be wiped out from the Misty Forest’s territory.
Curiosity took over me. I looked up from the pile of papers scattered across my desk and faced Bridgette, “Why is that pack facing such a dire fate?”
She leaned closer, her eyes filled with intrigue and concern. Yet somehow, she beamed at me. “The Alpha of that pack lost control when his heir died,” she revealed, looking behind her as if afraid someone else will hear. “Apparently, the Luna was in poor health and the fetus did not survive.”
Even though deep inside me wished it was Brandon and Hestia—and thought that it’s too impossible to be them, a wave of sympathy washed over me. “That sucks, you know.” I continued staring at the words on the page, but they seemed to blur together with my curiosity still not quenched. Fatigue crept into my bones, reminding me of the need to rest.
Bridgette pressed on, sharing the sad tale. “The strained relationship between the Alpha and the Luna led to poor management of their pack and the members begging to have a better leader or else they will all perish. It used to be strong and well-known for its power. We might find out more at the Chancellor's meeting.”
I nodded, acknowledging her words. “But you can't go to the meeting, Bridgette. Only the Alpha and the Luna are permitted.” She sighed in disdain, her disappointment evident. “Come on, Luna. Can't I get a free pass?” she cooed, with a hint of pleading in her eyes.
I just gave her a hearty laugh, amused by her persistence and willingness to join. “Why do you want to go? It'll just bore you to death.”
“Nothing bores me to death,” Bridgette countered. “Unless we’re just going to stare at nothingness.” She spun in her swivel chair, her face lighting up mischievously. “Who knows? Maybe my mate will be there!”
I wiggled my nose at her. Chuckling, I replied, “Your mate will arrive at the right place and the right time, Bridgette. Patience is the key to forever.”
“Oh.” Her smile turned teasing, "Just like what happened between you and Alpha Zarion? How old are you again, Luna Cassidy?”
“Eighteen.”
She covered her mouth with her hand. “That’s what you called patience?! I'm so envious of you two!”
My smile waned at her comment. Bridgette was oblivious to the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface. None of the members of our pack knew the reality.
The truth was... I am not Alpha Zarion's mate. I’m his beloved, his lover. Yes.
But speaking of this sacred mating bond…I don’t know.
I took a deep breath, considering whether it was time to unveil the secret that burdened my heart. Perhaps the Chancellor's meeting would provide an opportunity to confront the truth and face the consequences that lay in wait.
As I stared at the letter in my hand, I knew this was the key to finding the other Rogue that would be the witness for Elliot’s death. If we can have her statement, we could give justice to our friend’s death. Killing Elliot’s murderer isn’t enough. All of the Rogues have to pay for it. We could put Alpha Brandon to an end… together with his henchmen.
We can finally end this altogether.
***
When we arrived at the Chancellor's castle, my heart began to pound against my chest. The pain surged through me, a primal response that could only mean one thing—Brandon is here. And worse yet, he is here with Hestia.
I guess we can never end this as soon as possible then. We are just beginning.
The mere sight of them together sent a wave of anger crashing in me, as if my wolf was clawing at my chest, demanding vengeance, begging to be unleashed.
As Alpha Zarion and I stepped into the council room, a hush fell over the assembled crowd. Eyes widened in fear, whispers floated through the air. I could practically taste the tension. It was no secret that the Volatile Hounds Pack had a reputation for being ruthless and relentless.
And them seeing my innocent face, they think that the Volatile Hounds Pack no longer held firm to its reputation.
I walked with swagger, flashing a mirthless and cold smile to anyone that meets my gaze.
We are a force to be reckoned with, a pack that commands both respect and fear. And today, it seemed that I managed to sow fear in their hearts.
Zarion and I found our seats. Chancellor Caesar cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled over the room. He began to speak, his voice carrying a note of authority that demanded attention.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the captured Rogues and the decision to distribute them to the strongest pack. The chosen pack would then be responsible for deciding the fate of these Rogues. My interest piqued at the mention of the Rogues. I had my own reasons for wanting to get my hands on them.
One Rogue, in particular, had slipped through my grasp, taunting me with their freedom. And then there were the Rogues who had mercilessly taken the life of my dear friend, Elliot. Their blood would stain my claws, of that I was certain.
But before I could voice my intentions, Brandon interrupted with his arrogant demeanor. “I'm going to get the Rogues. It's always the usual,” he sneered, his gaze locked on me. He seemed so full of himself, oblivious to the rumors that swirled around his dying pack.
Yes, I have confirmed that it was Brandon’s heir who died inside Hestia’s unhealthy body.
Now, meeting his stare, the urge to rip his throat out propelled me to stand. I knew that Alpha Zarion felt the same. We were both biding our time, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash our fury upon him.
“Sit down, babe. Now’s not the time. Yet.” I nodded at Zarion and plunged down back in my fluffy seat.
The Chancellor raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I conducted this meeting to establish a voting system,” he announced, his voice dripping with authority. “The pack with the highest votes will be granted custody of the Rogues. So, Alpha Brandon, I suggest you calm your ass down.”
Chancellor Caesar might be authoritative but at least he knows his shit. I couldn’t help but smirk at Brandon—and beam at the Chancellor.