Chapter 26 26.Assembly
Tabitha’s POV
The next morning, my mom is in full-on panic mode over the upcoming pack assembly. Last night, Alpha Emery informed us about his plans to officially introduce us to the Crystal Ridge pack as official members of the Aldair family. Now, I’m getting the hang of being addressed as the Alpha’s stepdaughter, but being officially recognized as part of this historic family is somehow a big step that even I still can’t fully process. And neither can Mom. She sweeps through my bedroom and dresser like a storm, yanking dresses from the closet and holding each one up to the window. She barely glances at me. Her attention is locked on the fabrics, as if one wrong outfit could ruin the entire night. I don’t even remember having that many dresses but apparently, being Emery Aldair’s stepdaughter means that I get to have new clothes every other day. I came here only having a few shirts and pants but now, my closet is brimming with clothes I never dreamed of wearing before.
My mom is already rifling through the closet before I’ve even gotten out of bed. Dresses of every color and cut are draped over her arms, silk and satin trailing behind her as she paces across the room like a woman on a mission.
“What do you think of this one?” She holds up a copper-colored dress with a halter neckline and a long, fitted silhouette. “No. Let’s find another one,” she mutters to herself without waiting for my answer.
“Mom, it’s an assembly.” I mutter, rubbing my eyes. “It’s not prom.”
She ignores me and pulls a gorgeous black gown from the collection. It has a modest slit and fitted sleeves, something that would’ve looked a little too elegant for any event. Here, it’s probably just the right amount of formal. She holds it up in front of me and raises her brows. I sigh and swing my legs off the bed.
“I think this one will fit you better.” She nods to herself, as if already visualizing me in that dress. “It brings out your eyes. Try it on. We don’t have all morning.”
I don’t argue with and just oblige. She helps me slip into the dress, zipping up the back. As she works, she starts talking about the past—unprompted, almost like she’s talking to herself.
“I used to be one of them, you know. Part of Crystal Ridge. Before we left.”
Of course, I know. My mom sacrificed her life on the island and her life as a she-wolf, being branded as a lone-wolf after we left the island. For humans, it may not be a big deal. But for werewolves, their pack is their life. Especially if they had lived most of their lives in one. I glance at her through the mirror, catching the wistfulness in her eyes.
“It wasn’t easy, leaving,” she continues. “But I did it for you. I’d do it again.”
My heart aches. I know that too. She did so much for me. That’s why I also want to do this for her, even if the thought of being surrounded by werewolves makes my skin crawl in fear. It’s nothing compared to the life she gave up for me.
I want to do that for my mom.
“I’m grateful for everything, Mom. You deserve a second shot at a happy life, and Alpha Emery gave you that. He gave both of us that chance.”
Although, if I’m being honest, this so-called second chance feels a little warped on my end. Because along with the safety and stability came his four sons. And now, I don’t even know if I hate being caught in their world… or if some part of me is starting to want it.
“You’re right. Emery welcomed me back to his pack, and not just as an ordinary member but as his Luna. It’s a big responsibility, one I never imagined would be mine. If it weren’t for him, I doubt I would’ve been allowed back in the pack. I’ll probably forever be deemed as a rogue or exiled she-wolf.”
That word chills me. Rogue. I know what Alpha Emery and his sons do to rogue werewolves, especially on this island. They don’t get second chances. They get hunted. Eliminated.
“I’m glad he makes you happy,” I say, slowly. “But I have to admit, I’m worried that the rest of the pack will be as… welcoming. Especially to me.”
She smiles faintly, then turns me toward her and begins brushing out my hair. “They don’t have to like you,” she says. “They just have to respect Emery’s decision. He’s their Alpha. And he commands their entire naval force. That’s not a man people argue with.”
She’s right. I just hope that’s enough to keep his other werewolves in check.
The pack assembly is just another excuse to throw another fancy party. Only this time, it is held in Kaelara Naval Station’s function hall. It’s huge and could easily host thousands of guests, so the three hundred members of Crystal Ridge pack have more than enough room to spread out.
Everyone is dressed sharp, not a single person in casual wear. I scan the room and spot a few familiar faces. And unfortunately, Yennifer Wix is one of them. She narrows her eyes at me and mutters something to the person beside her. Her cousin Isabel stands near the side of the room, close to Luca. Whatever he’s saying makes her laugh softly. Neither of them even looks in my direction. It’s like I’m just another shadow in the room. He adds something else, and Isabel smiles again. They seem close. That’s not surprising considering that Isabel is Beta Renston’s daughter.
I sip from my glass, trying to push down the memory that flashes in my mind—Luca’s hand on my skin yesterday, the way he touched me in places no one else ever has. And now he’s standing there, talking to another girl like none of it happened. Maybe it didn’t matter to him. Maybe it was just nothing. If that’s the case, then I shouldn’t feel anything either.
But I do. I taste the bitterness on my tongue as I watch her casually drag her fingers across his chest, like she’s done it a hundred times before. He doesn’t stop her as if this is only natural between them.
I tear my gaze away and focus on my glass. Luckily, a much-needed distraction arrives when Alpha Emery steps onto the stage. The room begins to quiet. He’s in full naval uniform, his captain’s badges polished to a gleam, the medals on his chest catching the light as he walks. The crowd’s attention shifts to him instantly. When he takes the mic, a soft hush settles over the room.
“Thank you all for coming to today’s assembly,” he begins. “It means a great deal to see the pack gathered like this.” He scans the room, his presence commanding. “The Aldair family has led the Crystal Ridge pack for over a century. Our legacy is not only bound to this pack but to the island’s history itself.” He pauses, then gestures to the side of the stage. “I would now like to call my sons forward.”
Evren is the first to move. He gracefully climbs the steps followed by Luca, Jace, and Reed. They take their place behind their father, standing shoulder to shoulder like sentinels. All four of them are dressed in ceremonial black, fitted and formal, just like Emery. Their presence draws a few murmurs from the crowd, though none dare speak too loudly.
“These boys,” Alpha Emery continues, “have stood beside me through the years. They have helped lead this pack, made difficult decisions, fought to protect our borders, and carried the weight of leadership with pride. Each of them represents a part of this pack’s future—steadfast, capable, and loyal.” He glances back at them briefly before facing the crowd again. “And tonight, I’m honored to introduce new additions to our family. You may know them already, but tonight, I want to present them to you not just as guests—”
He reaches out his hand, and Mom steps onto the stage. She looks calm and radiant in her silver gown. Her hand slides easily into his as she joins him at the podium.
“This is Isla, my betrothed and the future Luna of Crystal Ridge Pack. Some of you have already met her, and the rest of you will soon have the honor. Starting tonight, she is not our guest, but an official member of the Aldair clan.” Emery lifts her hand and kisses her knuckles in front of the crowd.
There’s a wave of polite applause that ensues. Alpha Emery waits for it to settle, his hand still holding Mom’s.
“And now, allow me to introduce another addition to our family… my stepdaughter.” His gaze shifts across the room, scanning the faces as the crowd begins to part. “Tabitha.”
I feel every eye turn to me. The crowd parts as I head towards the stage to heed Alpha Emery’s call. The pressure in my chest builds with each step I take. The applause is noticeably thinner than before, scattered and almost hesitant. I climb the steps and stop beside them.
“This young woman is under my protection,” Emery declares in a firm voice. “She is part of this pack now, and I expect every member of Crystal Ridge Pack to treat her and her mother with the respect they deserve.”
I nervously survey the crowd of Crystal Ridge pack members. They are quiet.
“Do you understand?” Alpha Emery demands, his thunderous voice booming throughout the hall.
“Yes, Alpha,” the crowd responds in chorus.
But their courteous submission doesn’t match their eyes. I see it clearly, the disdain and suspicion lurking beneath their obedient tone. Especially from Yennifer and her little circle, whose smiles are as fake as the applause they just offered.
Some of them start whispering among each other. It’s the same low buzz of judgment I used to hear in the hallways back in high school. They can smell the human blood in me, and a few even wrinkle their noses like I don’t belong here. Although they try to make it as discreet as possible as not to catch the attention of Alpha Emery and offend them. Unfortunately, I’m an expert on people who hate me, so their ridiculing looks can never escape me.