Chapter 40 Chapter 0040
•NADIA•
Since Mason had left with the head Elder Orin to check the farm harvest, I was in the council hall, holding a meeting for the pack members' grievances.
My father had left earlier that morning to fetch Dr. Frost and bring her to the pack for questioning. So, some duties were left for me to handle.
I kept looking at the elders, hoping they'd let me go so they could handle the crowd on their own, but they seemed to be as bored as I was.
Just when I was about to get up and adjourn the meeting, someone stood up from the crowd and leaned forward.
"Why is Alpha Mason not here so he could hear how we had been struggling since the former Luna left the pack?" She asked, causing my chest to tighten, and my hands tightened around the arms of the chair.
"None of our wishes had been met," she continued. "Instead, our children have been denied access to the same school that the Alpha swore would be the start of their future instead of attending college in the human territories. We have so many children sitting at home and doing nothing because they are waiting for acceptance from the community college!"
People murmured in the crowd, backing up her claim.
"We've lost our flocks to rogues, and the pack house has done nothing about that, despite our complaints for months!" someone shouted from the crowd. "We've lost our homes to the last terrible winter, but the Luna and Alpha have dismissed us!"
"How could they stand with us when they are living comfortably in their homes?" Another exclaimed, standing up from his chair. "The former Luna would've done something about our complaints. She always worked hard to solve our problems!"
"We demand to see the Alpha!" They chanted in unison. "We demand to see the Alpha!"
"That's enough!" I exclaimed, standing up. "My husband and I have worked hard to meet all your demands and requests, even those beyond our means. We have protected you as best we could from rogues. We came up with ways for your flocks not to be stolen. What more do you want from us?!"
There was instant silence, and those who were standing sat down. Suddenly, they all looked tame, and if Mason and I were mated, I would've sworn they obeyed because of my Luna's voice.
"We want our children to attend college!" One stupid person answered in the crowd, and if Mason hadn't walked in, I would've dragged my feet to her and slammed her head against the wall.
I was overstimulated and wanted to be out of the hall before I could lose my mind.
"What's happening here?" Mason asked, and immediately when the people heard his voice, they sat down, including the woman who was pushing my buttons.
Elder Orin followed behind him, and when Elder Frenrik, Mira, and Draven saw them, they instantly stood up from their chairs.
"Jane should explain to you why she was raising her voice at her Luna," I said as I looked at her, but she lowered her head, suddenly coming to her senses that she was in my presence.
"You are all dismissed," Mason said as he turned and looked at the crowd.
They left the hall without looking at me. Or acknowledging their mistake.
My mouth was slightly open from shock as I walked straight to Mason. I expected him to discipline Jane, so she'd never talk to me in that manner again, instead of letting her go.
She'd probably never stop disrespecting me during pack meetings because Mason let her go without a single warning.
He was my husband, with or without a bond, he had to let everyone know they couldn't disrespect me without consequences.
"Why did you let them go without answering the way they were talking to me?" I sneered. "I was disrespected in front of the elders! They compared me to Cassandra. How could they do that when they know she almost cost them an Alpha?"
"Nadia," he sighed. "We can't do this right now. Your father is on his way with Dr. Frost. Can we keep the peace for now until she leaves?"
"So, you won't say anything to them after comparing me to your useless ex-wife?" I scoffed. "She would've killed you if I hadn't taken those screenshots. This entire pack owes me respect for what I did. Who knows what Cassandra could've done to everyone after she had killed you?"
"You should mind your tone when you talk about my mate," he sneered, his eyes changing color for a moment before his wolf pulled back. "Cassandra is gone and banished from the pack, so why do you want to shade her even more?"
"You can't defend someone who's been cheating and plotting behind your back," I scoffed. "She shouldn't even be put before me."
"She's the mother of my son, and this conversation is over," he answered through tight lips before he walked past me and went to the elders.
My heart thundered against my chest, wondering if Mason was falling out of love with me. He couldn't.
I saved his life.
I should be the one he defends. And not Cassandra. But if she weren't dead yet, then I had to find her and ensure she was dead.
I didn't want her to come back for everything I had built throughout the years she was gone.