Chapter 20 Chapter 20
Chapter 20
\- Natasha -
Jason called for a council meeting, and I was part of the council.
Part of me already knew one of the reasons he called for us was to publicly declare Aria as his Luna.
I did not imagine he would do that so soon. I mean, making it known he was with her.
When I arrived at the meeting, not only did I see her dressed up there, but she was seated in the chair I have been sitting in for five years now since Elena died.
I could barely contain my shock and anger but I had to hold myself
I felt embarrassed, walking to sit with the other elders but there was nothing I could do.
The only empty seat available for me was one close to Alexei, the beta.
I saw his lips twitch into a smile, and anger brewed in my insides.
Alexei has been making advances at me but I ignored him as much as I could and kept our relationship entirely official.
I guess he must be very happy seeing that Aria was slowly taking over the places I had occupied.
But just because I was sitting next to him does not mean I would change my mind about him.
The meeting went on and I could barely concentrate, seeing Aria seated where she was.
She does not deserve my place. I have been with Jason through thick and thin. I do not appreciate that he is giving such privileges to someone he barely knows.
The thought of it just made me more angry. This does not even make any sense.
The moment I was dreading finally came, Jason declared Aria his wife and Luna of the pack
And of course, it did not sit well with the elders. But I knew there was nothing they could do if Jason had made up his mind.
My heart arched when he said that whatever the consequences of his actions should be on him. He was ready to take that risk for her.
After the meeting, I tried to hurry away, but one of the elders caught up with me.
"The Alpha listens to you," he said. "Why do you allow him to take that girl?"
"The Alpha listens to me but he is Alpha and has the final say," I replied. Just then Alexei passed by.
"Not everyone thinking he'd choose the one who's always been by his side," he said, walking away casually.
I tried to let it be because I knew he was intentionally trying to get on my nerves but the anger was too much for me to contain so I followed after him
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" I yanked him back by his shoulder and he turned round with a grin on his face.
"Tasha, who would think I'd finally be worthy of your attention after all these years?" He said. "Is it because you've finally found out what you were holding on to was not worth it?"
"You are so mistaken," I replied with gritted teeth. "I was not holding on to anything. I was only doing my duty."
"Oh come on, you don't think we're daft do you? We've seen how you've always clung to the Alpha, giving your all for him. Supporting him in every way. Only for him to choose a total stranger over you."
"You are supposed to be noble man, Alexei. As the beta of this pack, one would expect you to understand loyalty and duty without expecting anything in return. I have been loyal to Jason even before he found and got married to his mate. I did not care about that. I was with him for so long-
"But when his mate died, did you not hope that he'd notice you now?" Alexei threw at me. "Wouldn't you have expected, as we all did, that it was time for him to perhaps look in your way?"
"You are just a bitter man," I muttered and decided there was no point arguing with him. I walked away, with his laughter following behind me.
He was mocking me and I knew the only reason was because I rejected him before. I would not let him have the best of me.
Jason sent for me afterwards and even though I did not want to go, I did.
"You did not tell me you were going to announce Aria as your Luna," I said to him.
"You were going to find out anyway, at the council," he replied and looked at me.
"You told me the reason you marked her was for a contract and not because you really want her," I stated and he stopped to look at me.
"I did," he agreed. "Why?"
"Well, I am wondering why you have to bother setting up a meeting to present her to the council and also a pack ceremony for her."
He took a while before answering.
"I have a reason for that," he finally said. "And it does not change the original intent. It's just for my plan to be executed perfectly."
A moment of silence passed.
"I sent for you because I need your help."
I squinted my eyes at him, folding my arms around my chest.
"Aria is new here and almost naive," he started and I scoffed inwardly. So this is the reason why I am here. "I want to assign you especially to put her through everything she needs to know about the pack and how to behave around."
"Alright," I shrugged. "I can do that."
"And while you are at it just try to be lovely," he added. "Don't keep your face hard at her.
"What, did she tell you I was?" I wanted to know.
"Not really. But I know how you can be. This is not a battlefield so try to soften up."
"Fine," I sighed. "Is there anything else you need me to do?"
"That will be all for now."
I made for the door.
"Natasha?" He called and I turned. "Thank you."
"Any time, Alpha."