Chapter 53

Maybe daring the Alpha’s to challenge me isn’t a great first impression as Queen. *It’s improper*, Elias would say.

Nevertheless, there is nothing I can say that will make them accept me. All I can do is show these men I’m a capable Queen.

However, maybe taking the barrier - containing my scent - down wasn’t a good idea. Still, I am a Carson - that will never change. If I can’t accept my parents for what they were, then I’ll never move forward - and I want to.

Every wolf in the room tenses, their nails peel away, and their claws make an appearance. They were about to shift. I can sense their strong desire to submit, but a low soothing tone escapes my lips. It reminds me of Elias. I had no control of myself, “at ease.”

I’m shocked because the voice escaping my lips sounds like Nia?

Each wolf calms down as I try to search for Nia and find nothing. *What the hell?!*

Cold beads of sweat cling to their brows, still shaking only slightly. “Well?” I drawl. Taking the challenge back will only show these men I’m a coward.

To my surprise, no one challenges me. Even Alpha Dane sits quietly, angrily. It’s slightly amusing, but I know not to push my luck.

“The previous king never mentioned an Heir…” Alpha Fedrick grumbles, my eyes roll to his. He spoke the words under his breath, barely a whisper that I doubt the Alpha sitting next to him heard it. But I somehow do.

“Well… I doubt the previous King would want you to know he locked his daughter away most of her childhood. Would you?” A flash of surprise glints within the Alpha’s eyes before anger takes over. His eyes bleed to his wolf’s grey ones.

“What are you insinuating?!” He roars, a sting of jealously touches my heart. This man clearly has a child.

“Nothing Alpha Fendrick, I’m simply stating if you were as cruel as my father, would you want someone to know you had an innocent – your own child at that – locked away. Tortured?” I question. He doesn’t say anything and slowly takes his seat. His anger still present.

“Your scent... It’s...?” The Crescents beta to my right murmurs. I tilt my head the slightest. His eyes hold mine for a few seconds before turning away, unable to withstand the pressure of my gaze.

“I am part Oracle. My mother was Lucinda Carson. Does that answer your questions?” Eyes widen throughout the room, obviously shocked.

The same question sits on everyone’s mind - how? - But I ignore it. I’ve explained it enough times to give me a damn headache. If they want to know, they can ask someone else.

“Right, now that that’s done – onto more pressing matters. A war is coming, lead by a nymph who goes by the name Freya.”

“Why is that a problem for us? Let the Fae’s handle their rogue,” A young Alpha speaks, his beta is beside him, but I can see he is yet to find his Luna. Alpha Hendrix, the last time I saw him was long before I met Jaxson. And he wasn’t an Alpha.

“It’s our problem because she plans to destroy Eldora, and trust me, she has the power to do it… Nice to see you again, Hendrix,” I smile, he smirks. His father was an asshole whose throat I was about to rip out, but Hendrix finally challenged him, and here he is.

He nods his head respectfully, “I always knew there was something off about you, Lone… I mean, Alpha Queen,” he quickly rectifies his mistake, and I don’t bother to hide the amusement in my eyes.

“Enough of this!” The stubborn Alpha Lamar growls. “A nymph may be powerful but not powerful enough to destroy the damn world!”

“For a normal Nymph, that is true, but this one seems to wield two elements. Freya is the first of her kind, so her extraordinary abilities are still a mystery. She has shown me a few of them, which are in these files,” with those words, Henry starts handing everyone Freya’s profile.

I don’t think telling them she’s my sister is a good idea. First, I don’t know enough to fully engage on the subject, and I know none of these men will take me seriously after.

The Alpha’s flip through pages, their brows creased in confusion. “Why are our pack females in these files?” Alpha Dane grumbles.

“We plan to gather all the packs at the warrior pack. Of course, every trained soldier will fight. No one bothers to train women - except for a few packs - so they’ll protect your pups and your packs. I’ve met them before, so they are quite capable.” I answer, knowing the response I’ll receive.

Murmurs pass between the Alpha’s, obviously displeased. “Most of our women don’t know basic self-defence. They’ll be better off protected! Let us leave behind a few low-ranking officials,” Alpha Dane argues. I sigh.

Predictable.

“No. We need everyone who’s trained for war to fight. As I said, Alpha, times have changed. I’ve met many females capable of bringing a man twice their size to their knees, including your daughter – Olivia…” his eyes widen in recognition of the name, “tell me, is she your firstborn?”

“Yes, Alpha Queen,” he grumbles. I narrow my gaze the slightest.

“So why is she a warrior?” I wonder. The training to become a wolf warrior is a hundred times harder than a mere soldier. They’re usually picked by a Royal and sent off somewhere. Now I know where.

Warrior’s are usually the offspring of high ranking creatures. The firstborn always follow their parents, and the rest become warriors to feel useful. Especially for women, if they don’t find their mate when they’re of age, they’re considered disgraceful.

“It was her choice,” he answers. I can see he’s telling the truth. I don’t think she has a mate, so becoming a warrior is her only option if she doesn’t want to be looked down upon as a failure.

“Hmm…” I hum, “and is this before or after you explained she cannot be Alpha?” Alpha Dane doesn’t answer, but his silence speaks loudly. “Who is next in line?”

“My oldest son, Mathew Dane,” he answers, puffing his chest out proudly.

“When I met your daughter, I didn’t like her. She was claiming what our Goddess gifted to me. She wanted my title. Even so, it was painfully obvious her strong desire to lead. I became tempted to give her my title…” Alpha Dane snaps his head to meet my eyes, shocked. “Do not sit proud, Alpha. You have taken your daughter’s dream, more importantly, her vision.”

“Y-You don’t know…”

“She told me her vision of the future, she told me her wishes, and I believe she can achieve it. There is a reason she is firstborn; the Goddess chose her to be Crescent’s Alpha, and she is the only one able to take you higher than you’ve ever reached. It’s time-… you give women a chance to lead.”

None liked my words, though none argued as I rise to my feet.

“I will see you at the warrior pack in two days. That’s all.”