Chapter 44 FREE SPIRIT
Edeline
“Yeah, I agree!” another wolf shouted, and soon a chorus of voices joined in. I felt a swell of pride as I saw the support pouring in from my pack. Or, at least... the packs were backing us up. I was meant to be the future Luna. I was destined to be their leader someday.
Alpha William looked taken aback. “Okay, calm down. We can’t make any guarantees about what’s going to happen. We’re still uncertain if Tatiana will carry the baby to full term. We need to be patient and see how things unfold.” I felt a surge of frustration as I tightened my grip on Nixx’s hand.
My dad stood up, his anger palpable. “So, let me get this straight. My daughter just has to hang around and wait, hoping her mate will be free?!” He was clearly furious, his face a mix of anger and disbelief.
Thanks, pops.
Several women around the room voiced their outrage over the injustice I faced. It was a nightmare to be a woman who had found her partner only to be pushed to the background.
Dad continued, “My daughter might not be available when that day comes. She’s a free spirit; she might have someone else in her life.” His gaze was locked on Alpha William, unyielding. He was demanding answers, and the room echoed with supportive murmurs from the wolves stirred up by my dad’s outburst. I had to admit, I was pretty impressed by the chaos he had ignited. It was as if Alpha William, who had been like a second father to us, was facing a rebellion from his own second family. Percival’s familiar growl cut through the din, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
Alpha William’s face was flushed with perspiration, his eyes blazing with anger. He slammed his fist on the table, causing the room to fall silent in an instant. “Enough!!!!” he roared, his voice authoritative and unyielding. The room went quiet, everyone holding their breath.
“Edeline knows what she wants. She doesn’t have to wait, but this is a matter between her and Percival. They’ve discussed it, as far as I know, and if she decides not to wait, then so be it. Just know that we’ll do everything we can to support the pack.” His declaration hung in the air, leaving the room enveloped in a heavy silence.
A younger wolf, probably no more than 25, stood up abruptly. “If that pup is born and Percival mates with—” he spat the word out as he pointed at Tatiana with visible disgust, “—that thing, then let me tell you, Alpha William, a lot of us will be questioning his leadership. We can’t afford to have someone like that leading us.” He plopped back into his seat before Alpha William could even open his mouth.
Alpha William sighed deeply, a mixture of annoyance and, if I wasn’t mistaken, worry flickering in his eyes. “Don’t worry, things will fall into place. We’ll deal with it when the time comes.” It was clear there was no point in debating further. I glanced over at Percival, who was staring at his plate with wide eyes, lips pressed together in a thin line, and hands clenched into fists. Tatiana looked as if she wished she could disappear under the table, a sentiment I’d shared just moments ago.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Alpha William said, his gaze sweeping the room. “Tatiana’s father wants her healer, who also happens to be her aunt, to stay here during her pregnancy. She’ll be arriving in two days, so let’s make sure we treat her with respect. Anyone with a problem about that will have to answer to me. That’s all.” With that, he sat back down, leaving me to process the information. It dawned on me that the healer's presence meant her father was desperate to ensure the pregnancy went smoothly.
Wow, that’s pretty cool!
Alpha William might not realize the impact this will have on the pack. The wolves around us were watching him with a mix of curiosity and unease, their occasional snarls making the atmosphere tense. Alpha William’s deep growl rattled the table, silencing the murmurs.
That was the end of it. No more discussion.
...
After dinner, Nixx and I had a quiet meal together, our focus solely on our plates. I felt occasional tingles as Percival’s gaze skimmed over my skin. It was a pleasant sensation, but my mind was still spinning from the pre-dinner discussion. I knew there would be major conflicts if Percival got involved in something he shouldn't have, which was why we had our strict rules of engagement.
When dinner was over, Beta John gathered everyone around the bonfire for a casual family meeting upstairs. The group included just my mom, dad, Nixx, Percival, Darius, Tatiana, and of course, the Luna and Alpha.
I could only imagine what was in store for us.
My heart raced as I made my way up the stairs, a surge of excitement washing over me knowing that Percival was just a few steps behind. I could almost feel his warmth enveloping me, if I wanted to. The calming effects of the medicine were fading, and I started to feel a tinge of anxiety again, though not as intense as before.
Once we managed to get into Alpha William’s office, we gathered around the spacious round table in the adjoining room. The walls were lined with photos of our families, stirring up a mix of emotions within me. It was hard to mask the frustration and disappointment I felt toward Alpha William, who seemed more concerned about the potential threat to our pack lands from Tatiana’s father than our own well-being.
Nixx settled next to me once again, squeezed between Mom and Dad. The rest of the group—Moon’s pack, Alpha William, Luna, Percival, Darius, and Tatiana—assembled at the other end of the table. And, of course, the not-so-friendly alpha offspring hiding inside Tatiana was very much a part of the scene.
Alpha William casually placed a phone in the center of the desk before taking his seat. My eyes were drawn to it, curiosity piqued.