Chapter 224
Kara
I shook my head, studying the map with genuine curiosity. I'd lived here for ten years, but I'd never been allowed to learn about the pack's actual holdings.
"Approximately fifteen thousand square miles," Nicholas explained, pointing to marked boundaries. "We control territory from the Arctic Circle's edge down through central Alaska." His finger traced the northern border. "This is where we border the Northern Fang pack—generally friendly, though there are occasional disputes."
"Glacial Bay is here," Blake interrupted, pointing to a spot that made my stomach tighten.
His finger paused, and through the bond, I felt his sudden, sharp regret.
"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't mean—fuck, I wasn't thinking—"
"It's okay," I said, surprised to find I meant it. I placed my hand over his on the map, over that terrible place. "It happened. It's part of our history. And maybe someday I can make new memories there. Better ones."
Through the bond, I felt all three of them react—hope and love and fierce determination.
"The bay is beautiful in summer," Cole offered quietly. "The ice melts, and there are wildflowers. We could go together. When you're ready. Make it ours instead of what it was."
I nodded, not trusting my voice, and Nicholas smoothly redirected our attention.
"The eastern border runs along the Richardson Highway," he continued. "And to the south, we share territory with several smaller packs. Your role as Luna will involve mediating disputes, hosting representatives, maintaining those alliances."
"Wait," I said. "You said I'll be mediating disputes? Like making actual decisions?"
Nicholas's expression turned serious. "Luna Kara, you're not just a figurehead. You'll preside over Luna's Hearings—weekly sessions where pack members can bring grievances, request aid, or appeal Alpha decisions they feel are unjust."
My eyes widened. "I can overrule Alpha decisions?"
"In certain circumstances, yes," Nicholas confirmed. "The Luna represents mercy and wisdom to balance the Alpha's strength. You can grant clemency for minor offenses, redistribute resources, and serve as a check on Alpha power when it's being used unjustly."
Through the bond, I felt Asher's quiet pride, Blake's fierce approval, Cole's warm encouragement.
"Of course," Nicholas added with a small smile, "the Alphas retain final authority on matters of pack security and major policy. It's a balance, not a competition."
"What if we disagree?" I asked, looking up at Asher. "What if I grant clemency to someone you think deserves punishment?"
His ice-blue eyes met mine, serious and steady. "Then we'll discuss it. Privately, respectfully, with the understanding that we both want what's best for the pack. But Kara—" He paused. "Your judgment matters. Your perspective matters. You see things we don't. That's not weakness—it's strength."
"Even when I want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt?"
"Even then," Asher confirmed. "Though we reserve the right to point out when your compassion might be putting you at risk."
"And we'll definitely be monitoring your Hearings," Blake added. "Just to make sure no one tries to take advantage of your kindness."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress my smile. "Of course you will."
Nicholas cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should discuss the practical aspects? The Hearings are held every Tuesday. Pack members submit requests in advance, and you'll review them with your advisory council—typically the Alphas, the pack Beta, and any relevant specialists."
"So I won't be making decisions completely alone?"
"You'll have support," Cole assured me. "Always. We're not throwing you into the deep end without a life raft."
"Though knowing you," Blake muttered, "you'd probably try to save everyone else first and forget to grab the life raft yourself."
Through the bond, I felt his affection mixed with exasperation. I leaned into his shoulder. "I'm working on that."
"We know," Asher said, his hand resting on my shoulder. "And we're here to help."
Nicholas spent the next hour walking me through pack structure, Luna responsibilities, and legal frameworks. He was a good teacher—patient and thorough without being condescending.
And my Alphas stayed close. Blake at my left, occasionally interjecting with sarcastic comments. Asher behind my chair, a steady anchor. Cole perched on the arm, his mint scent soothing whenever the information became overwhelming.
It should have felt suffocating. But instead, it felt safe. Supported. Like I was learning to navigate a new role with a safety net beneath me.
"The northern territories are particularly important," Nicholas was saying, pointing to vast wilderness on the map. "This is where most of our hunting grounds are located, and where we've had the most territorial disputes in recent years."
Blake leaned forward, attention sharp. "The Broken Claw incidents?"
Nicholas nodded grimly. "Among others. There's been increasing pressure from smaller packs who feel Silver Frost controls too much prime territory. As Luna, you may be called upon to negotiate sharing agreements before they escalate to violence."
"You mean before Blake escalates them to violence," Cole muttered.
"I only escalate when people are being unreasonable," Blake defended.
"You think everyone's being unreasonable," Asher pointed out, but there was affection in his tone.
Through the bond, I felt their familiar bickering. It made me smile despite the seriousness of what we were discussing.
"So I'll be responsible for keeping Blake from starting wars?" I asked Nicholas.
"Among other things," he agreed, lips twitching. "Though I suspect the Alphas are perfectly capable of restraint when they choose to exercise it."
"We are," Asher confirmed. "We just don't always choose to."
"Especially when someone threatens what's ours," Blake added, his arm sliding around my waist.
Nicholas wisely didn't comment, instead turning to a new section. "Now, there are also ceremonial duties. Full moon celebrations, solstice rituals, coming-of-age ceremonies..."
As he continued listing responsibilities, I felt a flutter of panic. This was so much more than I'd expected. I was just Kara—the girl who'd spent ten years scrubbing floors. How was I supposed to preside over ceremonies and mediate disputes?
Through the bond, my Alphas immediately sensed my rising anxiety.
"Hey," Cole said softly, squeezing my hand. "You don't have to learn everything in one day. This is just an overview. We'll take it slow."
"And you won't be doing any of this alone," Asher added, his hand moving to the back of my neck. "We'll be with you. Every ceremony, every hearing, every decision."
"Even when you're sick of us hovering," Blake said, pressing a kiss to my temple. "We're pack, baby. We do this together."