Chapter 84 ~Wolfless Luna~
(Fiona's POV)
“I've set up the meeting, Luna.” Calvin said as soon as I opened the door.
“Thank you. I'll be there shortly.” I nodded and shut the door.
I wasn't sure exactly how I was feeling. I was a little bit nervous but also ready for whatever would happen.
At this point, it didn't take a genius to realize that council meetings with the Silvereign elders were an unpleasant place to be.
I couldn't predict what would happen, but I was still willing to take the chance because what I wanted to discuss was something important.
It was about Xander, and the safety of all Silvereign pack members.
Was I a hypocrite? Trying to save him from hurt when I was planning to hurt him… when I was planning to leave him.
I sighed and pulled off the simple dress I was wearing for a more elegant one.
I paused at the mirror when I noticed a crescent-shaped symbol on my neck.
Where did that come from?
I stared at it for a couple more seconds, unable to remember getting a tattoo. I tried to clean it off with damp fingers, but it wasn't going off.
I was running late anyway, so I ignored it and picked an elegant red dress to match my hair.
On second thought, I decided to touch up some makeup and douse myself in cologne.
I coughed at the pungent scent. It was choking, but I needed it to mask my lack of wolf scent.
I walked in a deliberately controlled stride to the council meeting, my calm exterior masking my racing pulse.
The instant the door to the council hall flew open, they all turned their faces to me.
The energy in the room was cold and unpleasant. I wouldn't say I was surprised. I knew they never really liked me, especially Edgar.
And I'd also kept them waiting.
I feigned indifference as I took a seat. I ignored the fact that I wasn't greeted as was the norm.
I could feel their eyes boring holes in me as I gathered my dress.
Finally, I looked up. “Thank you all for honoring my invitation to this council meeting.”
Silence.
I continued. “I'm surprised to find out that the Ashridge pack has been deploying weapons to attack Silvereign and no one informed me.”
“So, I called this meeting to know the plans of the council regarding this.” I didn't stutter or shrink back. That was good, surprising.
But just as I thought I'd succeeded in maintaining control, I met Edgar’s eyes. He was watching… no, studying me intently.
It was almost as if I could read his mind. He looked like he was wondering if I really loved his son or just using him… wondering what I was using him for.
I noticed Elders Julius and Cyrus, the allies, in the corner gossiping. I couldn't tell what they were saying, but I was sure it was no good.
Edgar finally cleared his throat, and a silence fell over the room. “Your calling this meeting is pointless. I am already aware of these things, and I have it all under control.”
I tried to ignore the stab in my chest at his statement.
“Are you also aware of the death threats?” I kept my voice leveled.
His brows scrunched together. “What death threats?”
“I thought as much.”
I could sense him seething with rage. “What are you driving at, girl?”
Was I going crazy, or did everybody not realise the gravity of the threats and plans?
“What I'm driving at is that Xander's life is in danger!”
Elder Cyrus spoke. “And the only way to ensure he's safe is for him to quit the human school. In that way, we can ensure he's safe.”
The others nodded in approval.
He continued. “And there have been whisperings, Luna Fiona. Silvereign pack needs an heir as soon as possible- in case of any ‘unpredictable’ situation.”
For a moment, I froze. Did anyone inform them of my pregnancy? Why all of a sudden did they mention giving birth to an heir? Or could it just be coincidental?
I watched as several cold eyes were focused on me, and I had no response to give.
I wasn't ready to confess that I was with child. I wasn't even sure the child would make it alive.
Finally, I wore a deadpanned expression. “There's going to be no ‘unpredictable’ situation.”
The door to the council hall flew open, interrupting the meeting.
It was Xander. He walked in with Calvin behind him.
“Welcome, Alpha.” A chorus went around the room.
He took a seat beside me, whispering so only I could hear. “I wasn't aware there was a council meeting. Calvin just informed me that you set it up.”
I pretended not to hear him. Him speaking to me now wouldn't erase the fact that he was hiding something from me.
My mind flashed back to the call from Dakota.
Ignoring him, I turned to the rest of the council. “So, where were we?”
Elder Julius and Cyrus exchanged a look that made me uncomfortable.
“It's a good thing you're here, Alpha.” Elder Cyrus said, a smirk played on his lips.
“Why?” I blurted out.
“Because we have to address the elephant in the room.” He responded, this time, looking at me.
The nerves that I thought had diminished resurfaced again.
An uneasy silence fell across the room.
Somehow, I felt like I'd done something wrong… but what?
“What is the elephant in the room?” Xander said finally. I could tell that he, too, was confused.
“The luna.” Elder Cyrus said.
Me?
“Why is she scentless?” Elder Julius asked, his voice thick with accusation.
And I froze.
They had noticed that I was wolfless…