Chapter 27
Conrad POV
Two days this meeting drags on. This timeframe was decided so we all had time to think overnight and discuss policy or issues with others if we couldn’t decide about the agenda item at the time. I don’t understand it most of the time as they are very easy decisions but they want to seem important but consulting with pack leaders at home. Most of the agenda items they bring are a waste of my time but they use it to show off to me.
I have already spoken to Alpha Anthony about his daughter’s behavior. He got upset that I overreacted and made her cry when she was just trying to be nice. He doesn’t help the situation when he keeps telling me how sweet she is and how if I gave her a chance, I would realize that. Honestly, how many times can a guy say not happening before it becomes harassment?
I have mentioned Willow and Kimberly working in the pack house as part of the regional updates and there was a lot of skepticism. I reminded them this was a trial and I would feed back on how it is going in future meetings but this was information and not a debate item. A few grumbles of complaint but I shut it down quickly.
All agenda items were discussed and mainly focused and plans for inviting other Alpha’s into the alliance, possibilities of mistreatment in other wolf packs, and updates on the rouge packs. It was the same every meeting with only minor updates or improvements but I had to keep reminding myself that this council wasn’t here 18 months ago. It was progress. Slow mind-numbing progress but progress nonetheless.
Donovan speaks, bringing up the last agenda item to the table. It was already dark outside at the end of day two and I kept subtly glancing at the ticking clock. “The final item for discussion is the Quarrimus Lunae ceremony. As the Alpha King’s birthday is in 1 month, I suggest we use that to start proceedings then”.
Alpha Angus is first to jump in “I think that is a great idea. There hasn’t been one in 300 years. The packs will be thrilled to have the opportunity to participate”.
I’m instantly skeptical as this all sounds too rehearsed. A 300-year-old ceremony they seemed to have already decided on starting. “I haven’t heard of that ceremony before. What does it entail”.
Alpha Anthony gets a look on his face that I don’t like. It is far too smug and I know I missing something. “It’s the Luna Seeking ceremony. It’s where each region presents a she-wolf to you and you pick your Luna Queen from them. As Alpha King you need to be mated by your 30th year otherwise, you can be challenged for the crown to ensure our legacy”.
“ABSOLUTELY NOT”.
“Then prepare to be challenged for the crown next year”.
“I have the blood of the original werewolf picked by the Luna Goddess herself. There is no such rule stating there is a deadline on me picking a Luna”.
“There is in the old word. Either you pick a Luna and have a pup to ensure the legacy or be challenged for the crown.”
I knew exactly what he meant. He was only focused on power and how to get more of it. It makes sense now that he has been pushing Cordelia on me. I must stop this before it starts.
“I have a girl in mind. We will NOT be doing the ceremony and will see what happens in a year”. I want to start throwing punches but know I have to stay calm.
Alpha Angus starts laughing. “This isn’t something you decide. This a democracy and if the council votes for the ceremony, then it’s happening”.
I can barely contain my growl. “I told you all, NO”.
“You need to understand boy, we will never back some rouge wolf as Luna Queen no matter how pretty she is. Your mating needs to be for the benefit of all with the best political gain” Alpha Anthony sneered.
“Watch your tongue old man or I will remove it. She is my mate. My wolf is certain of it so she is destined to be our Queen whether you agree or not”. My Alpha aura was radiating anger at this point and my golden eyes glowing bright. The other two Alphas just sat quietly staring at the floor being as useless as ever.
Alpha Anthony starts laughing. “You believe in that stupid fairytale. There is no such thing as mates. The royal pairing has always been decided based on what the best political interests are so grow up and start acting like our King”.
I’m about to leap over the table to attack when suddenly the door slams open and Liam runs in. “Eve’s under attack”.
My heart stops. The rogues have found her. I have to go. I promised they wouldn’t get her. To hell with this stupid meeting.
Councilman Donovan starts calling out after me, “Send your soldiers to sort it. You need to stay and finish the meeting”.
“The meeting is done, I said no and it is not open for discussion. I’m going to go get my mate”.