Chapter 22 Chapter 22
Sophia's POV
Ethan made his way to his assigned seat and fell silent.
He never referred to our relationship, or asked me speak up for me.
I recognized that was his way of throwing me a lifeline.
I stood up and quickly straightened my clothes with no hurry.
I scanned the room with a blank look on my face and then my eyes caught the shape of Marcus.
All eyes were upon me again, "I don't believe any section of the Alliance rules forbids women to attend the meetings. If your perspective is so limited that all you can see is me as a mere woman, and not really what I can provide to the Alliance, then I’m afraid you’re about to make a big mistake based on your own prejudices. I’m not going to waste my breath on idle chatter and insults like the rest of you. I shall act, and only when I need to, and I truly hope that you all will take me seriously.”
When I finished, I sat back down, holding my head up high.
Well said, this could be the future Alpha Queen." Someone complimented me.
Ethan smiled and clapped me on the back with pride shining in his eyes.
The noises of his applause bounced around the quiet room, followed by other Alphas chuckling and clapping, some teetering on awkward.
“Let’s get started,” Ethan said, appearing already regal as he made a vague gesture toward the assembled.
Each Pack then provided any news on recent developments, on projects/plans/extensions in the pipeline, and then we brainstormed about the future of the werewolf community as a whole.
" Two Packs' Alphas are, indeed, missing today. It’s not much of a surprise, honestly. They’ve been at war for so long – its been affecting the health and wealth of the other packs around” a voice stated.
I researched on those packs and saw that those two had been at war since the 1st of the month, and still ,they weren’t done with each other, not that they have a ceasefire anytime soon.
"I think we should band together and fight them. The neighboring Packs can allow to merge with these two Packs solving the problem and then divide the resources later,"
Marcus' obnoxious voice boomed. I couldn't hold back a snort and said, "You still have that simple mind and are just as selfish."
Clearing my throat, I spoke up, "Based on
The information that we have, these two Packs are located in remote areas with limited resources. With winter approaching, their conflict is likely due to the scarcity of resources. Each of them believes it is necessary for their own survival."
Ethan looked at me approvingly and tapped his finger on the document twice.
"So, what's your solution then? If you think you're so clever, tell us what we should do." Marcus sneered at me, seeming to wait for me to embarrass myself.
"It's simple really. We should propose an exchange of supplies that hold equal value." I raised the document in my hand as I spoke,
"One Pack has abundant mineral resources, while the other has a large population. Whether it's resources or a manpower exchange, it could provide a win-win situation for them both and allow everyone to enjoy abundant resources and survive this winter comfortably. After all, it's only the primitive barbarians that rely on fighting to solve problems."
As soon as I finished speaking I deliberately glanced across at Marcus, pleased to see that his expression had become more complex.
"Next order of business please, we'll do as Sophia suggested," Ethan's voice sounded at the appropriate time, and the murmurs stopped as the meeting continued in an orderly manner.
I glanced at Ethan, who was seated in the middle, and whether it was business, Pack politics, or other topics, he always had unique perspectives and could speak in a way that was three times as eloquent as his writing, convincing everyone to agree with him with his razor-sharp logic.
Having already proven to me his immense power without even trying, Ethan went on to demonstrate his brilliant mind.
I watched this compelling man make confident statements from the head of the table and concluded that probably every living woman would find something attractive about him.
“But what about you? Are you smitten?" Kira's voice suddenly echoed in my mind, startling me.
"I don't know…"
The meeting concluded under Ethan's command, as I observed him being swarmed by all the other Pack Alphas.
Then I thought of his prior experience of being encircled by a group of women.
How old are they now? I guessed this was probably like what was happening now. I laughed when I thought of this.
"What’s so funny? You seem rather happy with yourself," a stomach-churning voice called out too close to me for comfort. I spun and scowled up at Marcus’ face.
“Is there something you need?”
“During the meeting just now, Alpha Ethan never even brought up that you two are mates. Don’t you think that’s a bit strange? It makes me think he really doesn't care about you.”
I wouldn't bother dreaming of being the Luna of the Wolfalpine Pack anymore, because honestly, I don't think it will ever happen!"
I snorted and walked out of the meeting room.
Marcus shamelessly followed me and grabbed my wrist. "Sophia, only I will keep the position of Luna open for you. Come back to me, and we can live like we did before."
I shook off his hand and turned around furiously, raising my other hand and
slapping him hard!
Marcus clearly didn't expect me to do that and he screamed while holding his face. "What the fck do you think you are doing?"
"You conspired with Lila and your little scheme almost killed my father! How dare you come to me with a straight face and beg me to return to you?"
"What?" Marcus looked genuinely surprised. "No...Lila said that the drug would only cause people to faint and wouldn't harm the body permanently."
"Bullsht!" I didn't want to hear another word and turned to leave.
Marcus was relentless in his pursuit though and followed after me, wrapping his arms around my middle from behind and shouting for me to listen to his explanation.
I struggled hard against his hold, cursing loudly while pulling at his arm, but then I saw Ethan walking out, I didn't know how long he had been standing there and watching us.
It must have looked like our bodies were embracing
Fuck!!