Chapter 167: Resolutions

Chapter 167: Resolutions

Christopher

"Are you sure you want to do this, Red? I'll support any decision you make," I asked her as we prepared to leave the pack house. For some time now, we had been alternating our lives between here and the city. Olivia didn’t want to abandon the job and the companies she was now in charge of, while I mainly took care of the pack and the territories.

"Yes. I want justice. The war has already brought enough pain, and as Luna and alpha, we must do what is best for everyone, right?" she asked me as I watched her get dressed. By the goddess, how much I loved this woman! She could be an excellent, firm CEO at Silver Enterprises, passionate in bed, and at the same time, a kind and dedicated Luna. There were days I woke up unable to believe that she was truly mine, that we were together, and that nothing could separate us. The world of wolves had struggled to accept her as Luna.

"Then there is nothing more to say. I will follow you, my love, to the end of the world," I declared, and we went out hand in hand, ready to face the world and everything that awaited us.

From the moment we reached the neutral zone between the packs, all eyes were on us. Well, on us and also on Cassandra and her two companions. The official ceremony had not yet taken place, but rumors had been circulating for some time about the she-wolf with her two companions, an alpha and a beta. Since the three had come to terms with their situation, the pack of southern wolves had flourished more than ever. It was clear that my now deceased half-brother hadn't realized Dylan’s true potential as a Beta. They were a wonderful team.

"Alpha, Luna," they greeted us in the clearing in the forest, where chairs, canopies, and several other accommodations had been set up. It wasn’t common to hold meetings like this—they only happened once every fifty years and only when serious problems arose. Unfortunately, the war had brought us to this point. If other alphas would listen to me before... we didn't have so many losses.

"They say the Alpha is stronger now, even though his Luna is human."

"A damn human Luna?"

"How could he not be strong? He has the city and the Silver Claws as well." I overheard whispers around us.

"Silver Claw's pack is stronger now, everyone is afraid of his power." I was grateful my mate didn’t have enhanced hearing, she didn’t need to hear more of these rumors. Just then, one of the elders appeared with a worried expression, followed by several others. They had no formal authority, but the rest of the packs granted them power. Our kind believed wisdom came with age, and I hoped that was true.

"Gentlemen, welcome. Thank you for being here," the man said, silencing the murmurs. I sat near Olivia in one of the front rows, right beside Cassandra and her mates. My sister took my hand.

"We have gathered before to discuss the great war, as well as the attacks and threats caused by the now-deceased Alpha Joaquin Silver. We hope this will be our final meeting. In our last gathering, it was definitively established that Shadowmoon city would be considered a great pack and that both the wolves and the humans living there would fall under the protection of Alpha Christopher Silver. Not only because he can do so, but also because he and his people risked their lives to achieve the long-desired peace. He tirelessly warned of the horrors his brother committed. Without Alpha Christopher... we be doomed."

I looked around. Many Alphas disagreed. Many coveted these territories, and countless arguments had erupted over them. Even though I was determined to keep both the city and the pack, making it official had been difficult. But now it was official.

"There is one last matter we must address—the humans. Some believe they should be controlled, as the hunters carried out terrible acts, creating a disease that harmed our kind. Not to mention that many humans allied with Joaquín, causing great destruction,. Wolves, we must decide, the elder said. Murmurs filled the air, along with expressions of discontent. I knew this would be a difficult discussion. "I understand someone from our community wishes to speak on this matter, Luna..." the elder, continued. I squeezed my mate’s hand as she stood and stepped forward. More murmurs arose, but she raised her voice.

"Humans have made many mistakes, and the hunters contributed to the damage inflicted on Silver Claws, but not all of them were responsible. They have suffered as well, because of wolves actions, and we have proves."

"Suffered?" a wolf scoffed, standing abruptly. "We lost many wolves to the hunters! They dared to create something designed to kill us!"

"They are killers!" My mate remained steadfast.

"Yes, and many wolves also supported that disease, didn’t they? My mate, Alpha Christopher, met with several of you, asked for help, and received nothing from his kind. Wolves contributed to this war: rogues, entire packs, alphas. The humans helped Joaquin because, for centuries, their land has been taken from them, many times by those who preyed on them," Olivia said firmly, and I swelled with pride. Cassandra stood up at that moment.

"We have proof that they helped us, that they even saved our lives," she stated. Gary stepped forward and spoke.

"Many from our people conspired with the wolves to create the disease, but many of us opposed it and participated in the defense organized by Alpha Christopher. We helped in the final war because we are tired of this situation."

"What harm have we done to you, human?" a Beta demanded. I handed my mate a map, and she, along with Gary and Cassandra, began explaining the stolen lands and mistreatment. I knew these were difficult topics, but they were beginning to capture everyone's attention.

"All this land surrounding the river once belonged to humans. Now, they have no land to farm, they are starving. This area was essential for their mobility, and now they have no access to it. I want to make something very clear: both wolves and humans acted out of their ambitions. But there is one thing none of you seem to consider," she added, and silence fell over the gathering. More and more proves, I knew some knew this, but others were clueless. "We are all part of this same territory. What happens to one affects the rest. We should be working together, not divided."

"My Alpha has understood this. he fought alongside humans in the war, and the results are plain for all to see. The human town had helped in the reconstruction of Silver Claws, and we had helped them in their towns. We have business together, a community, and the forest and lands are protected," my mate declared. Applause erupted. I rose from my seat, filled with pride. "Wolves should stand with humans, help them in any way possible. We need to work together," she insisted.

"We want to work along you. The human Luna has proven that our species can contribute to a better world," Gary added. Olivia smiled at me, and I felt so much from her. I knew this was just the first step, and that much work lay ahead. But to me, this was exactly what the future should look like.