Chapter 37: ; The Head Council Idea

Because of what happened in the woods, the Shadow pack felt a lot more tension and took extra steps to keep everyone safe.

Everyone who comes into the compound has to sign in. The inaccessible places were very frustrating for the new members. They found out that Cheska was the cause of the big change, which was news to her.

As Cheska walked through the compound, she couldn't help but feel like everyone was judging her. She said to Ava, "I can't believe they're all looking at me like I'm the enemy."

"Just ignore them. You have nothing to do with the changes. Matthew has always been strict, so those of us who know him expect his leadership to change a lot..." Ava told us.

Cheska sighed, "I guess you're right. But I still feel like I'm the one making everyone upset."

Ava put a hand on Cheska's shoulder to make her feel better. "You are not to blame. We all know that you're trying hard to help the pack."

Cheska smiled gratefully at Ava. "Thanks, I needed to hear that very much."

After a few moments, Cheska and Ava made their way into the manor, only to find unfamiliar faces wandering around. Cheska couldn't stop herself from asking, "What's going on?" She was surprised to see new Alphas come into the compound, and she wasn't ready to face them yet.

Ava laughed and said: "Don't you know? Today, the Alphas who are going to compete will start showing up."

Cheska pulled Ava behind her to hide because she didn't want to face the other people. "I thought the contest would happen before the New Moon? Why did they get there so fast?" she spoke quietly.

Ava shrugged. "Why not ask Alpha Matthew or Luna Maurice? I think they told me everything."

Cheska, though, couldn't just talk to them. Her mother and Matthew were never at home, which made her feel alone.

"By the way, do you know what pack they're in?" Cheska asked as she looked at the man in the middle.

Ava scratched her chin and thought for a second. "If I'm not mistaken, they are the Rogue Moon pack, and the leader, Xander, is in the front.

Cheska said, "Hmm, he looks strong," and then she pulled Ava away. Xander had a lot of energy that spread like a bright light.

Ava nodded in agreement. She said with pride, "Yes, Xander is strong, but Matthew is much stronger."

Cheska made a frown. "Then I'd ask Matthew to join, right? I'm scared when I look at that alpha "she joked.

Ava's eyes got big, and she grabbed Cheska's arm quickly. "Matthew has gone too far! There will be more than ten Alphas in the game, so you have a lot of choices..."

Cheska patted Ava on the arm and nodded. "Like my cold brother would waste his valuable time on this stupid game..."

*

Cheska was about to get in her car and drive home when a member of the council ran after her. As she turned to face him, her heart rate went up, and she wondered what could be so important that he needed to stop her from leaving.

"Cheska Mcbride, the head council wants to talk to you," he said in a fast, breathless voice.

Cheska could see the sweat on his forehead and knew that whatever the head council wanted, it must be important. Her mind was filled with ideas right away.

"Did she make a mistake? Did something go wrong with their pack? But when he said that the alphas had already arrived, she couldn't help but feel afraid.

Cheska had been trying hard not to get the attention of the head council, especially since she had just decided to enter the contest. She didn't want to have a private talk with him because she didn't want to be forced to do something she didn't want to do.

Even though she didn't want to, Cheska reluctantly went with the council member to the office of the head council. As they walked, she thought about how committed she was to the contest and what might happen if she dropped out now. She couldn't let that happen or the Thunder pack would be in danger.

As soon as they walked into the office of the head council, she could smell freshly brewed coffee and see important papers all over the desks. The office was much bigger and fancier than the office of the pack's leader, Matthew De Silva. Every part of the room showed how good an artist the head councilor was.

Cheska tried to get herself together as Head Counselor Charles smiled at her.

"Cheska Mcbride! Come on over, "He told her to sit down on the couch and showed her how.

She was all too familiar with that kind of smile. He was going to ask her for a favor, and she couldn't help but feel dread.

"As a sign of respect for the alphas, we made them dinner. And I'd like you to come with us, "He said it in a kind but firm way.

As she tried to figure out what he wanted, Cheska's heart rate went up even more. Did he want her to join the alphas for dinner? Why would he want her to do something?

"Does he tell my mom and Alpha about this dinner he made?" Cheska asked to buy some time so she could figure out what to do.

Head Counselor Xavier gave a smile and a shoulder shrug. "They didn't have to go because it was a small, private event. Luna Maurice and Alpha Matthew De Silva are working hard on getting ready."

Cheska couldn't help but feel relieved when she heard the news. At least she wouldn't have to talk to Matthew, the alpha who might be her future husband, at the dinner. Still, she wasn't sure how she felt about the whole thing.

"Okay with her, but first let her go home. She wants them to think she looks good "She tried to sound confident, even though she was nervous.

Head of Counseling Charles checked his watch and gave a small nod. "You are correct. Even though she looks beautiful even when she's sweating and wearing simple clothes, it's better if they have a good first impression of her."

Cheska stood up because she was thankful for the head councilor's kindness. "Then she'll keep going. She'll be there by 7 o'clock, "she told him before saying goodbye.

As she left the office, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over her again. What was planned for the dinner? What did the leader of the council want her to do? She knew that her future depended on her, and she couldn't make a mistake.

Cheska was really hoping to find her mother when she got home, but she was disappointed to find that she wasn't there. "I guess I have to go by myself," she said as she walked to her room with tired feet.

As Cheska went up the stairs, she ran into Eunice.

"Why is your face so long?" Eunice asked when she saw how sad Cheska was acting. "Did Matthew tell you that he spoke with my dad? So you're upset?" Eunice added, making a funny face.

Cheska was already worried about herself, and she didn't have time to think about other people. She didn't answer, though. Instead, she sighed and kept walking.

“Fine! Ignore me!" Eunice made a remark. "Since Aunt Maurice can't cook for me, it's much better to eat outside..." Cheska stopped listening to what Eunice said.

Cheska had a nice smile on her face when she had an idea.