Chapter 32: Divided Loyalties

Since I'd beaten Sienna, the atmosphere in Redwater had shifted.  When I walked through the village square, there was no longer overt animosity, but acceptance was still a long way off.  While some pack members avoided my eyes, their suspicions still present, others nodded in recognition, their respect gained via battle.   

Every look and every whispered conversation that halted as soon as I passed by weighed heavily on me.  Even after I proved myself in combat, many people still didn't accept me.  And now I had given them yet another reason to doubt my role here, with Midnight Moon clamouring for my surrender.   

I saw a group of warriors at the training grounds talking in low voices.  They suddenly stopped talking when I walked up.  Riven, one of the wiry fighters, narrowed his eyes.  

He whispered, "Claire, you ought to have left when you had the opportunity."  

I looked him in the eye.  "What's the reason for that?"  

He sneered.  "Because war is now a real possibility."  For what reason is the Midnight Moon breathing down our necks?  A runaway Omega?  

I reminded him, "An Omega who rescued your pack from an ambush."  

Riven's jaw clenched.   "We wouldn't have required saving if you hadn't brought the threat to our doorstep."  

Before I could respond, a strong hand landed on Riven's shoulder, and my chest erupted in rage.  

"Enough," said Cassius sternly.   "Derek decided to do something.   Discuss it with him if you're experiencing problems.  

Riven sighed sharply but said nothing.   The other boxers followed closely after him as he turned on his heel and moved forward.  

Cassius exhaled deeply.   Time will be needed.   They respect authority, but trust?   It's harder to earn that.  

I responded, "I understand," my veins still pounding with stress.   "I am uncertain whether I have adequate time,"  

Cassius looked at me for a while, then motioned towards the Alpha's corridor.   "Derek has scheduled a meeting.   You should be there.  

---  

Redwater's senior brass were all in the war room, and their expressions ranged from concern to outright irritation.   Derek stood at the head of the table, his presence as dominating as ever, his golden eyes scanning the room.  

He was blunt when he said, "They want Claire."   "If we don't hand her over, they will retaliate."  

Sienna leaned forward, her brows furrowed.   They would always retaliate, whether she was there or not.   They are just using this as a pretext.  

Garrick stood beside her and snorted.   Or maybe it's their right.   She was theirs before she ran.  

Despite clenching my hands, I remained silent.  

Derek's eyes darkened.   "She is not a property of anyone."  

Garrick's lips formed a thin line.   "You understand what I mean.   She is considered a traitor by them.   Derek, packs don't pardon traitors.   And by defending her, you run the risk of giving Redwater a weak appearance.  

Some of the elders muttered something in agreement.  

Derek snapped, "I don't take any chances."   "We won't start now, and Redwater has never catered to the demands of another pack."  

Garrick gave a headshake.   I'm not suggesting that we bow.   We should think about whether she is worth the war, I say.  

I didn't want to admit how much the words hurt.  

Derek made no hesitation.   "She is."  

There was silence in the room.  

Cassius let out a breath.  "Midnight Moon has more than just Claire in her sights.  Their goal is to demonstrate their dominance.  They will see it as a sign of weakness if we give her up.  They will continue to push.  

Sienna gave a nod.  After that, they won't only demand Claire.  It will be a territory.  Blood.  Our future.  

Derek surveyed the space.  "So, the issue is resolved unless someone wishes to contest my authority."  

Nobody said anything.  

"Well," Derek remarked.  "Let's discuss strategy now."  

---  

I went outside to breathe in the refreshing night air as the meeting came to an end.  Everything that had happened was weighing heavily on my mind.  I had merited this spot, but at what price?  

"You must not allow them to affect you."  

Derek was standing next to me, his eyes examining me in the faint light of the torch, when I turned around.  

I acknowledged that they had the right to ask me questions.  

Derek clarified, "They have the right to question my decision."  "Not you."  

I paused.  "Are you ever doubting it?"  

His face was still unreadable.  "No."  

The confidence in his words warmed me from the inside out.  

"But that doesn't mean this will be simple," he continued.   " The concept of loyalty is delicate.   Others will need more time, but you have won the favour of some.  

I nodded, knowing he was right.  

"Decelerate," he said.   "Some preparations are necessary."  

He turned and went away, and I could see his muscular shoulders against the flickering torches.   I wasn't ready to give the strange feeling that settled in my chest a name.  

It was hard to get to sleep that night.   The misgivings, the lingering suspicion, and Garrick's comments kept replaying in my head.   More than that, though, I sensed the impending storm.   There would be no patience from the Midnight Moon.