Chapter 45: No Matter What
Meredith's breath caught in her throat. The words cut deep—not just because they were about her, but because they struck at Damien's heart.
She could see the conflict on his handsome face—the weight of expectations pressing down on him, the love he felt for her, and the duty he carried for the Moonlit Pack.
Damien's voice was barely more than a growl as he said, “Meredith is the Moon Goddess’ choice. And I will stand by her..."
Conrad shook his head, disappointment etched in every line of his face. “Then you'll be standing alone when the pack turns on you.”
For a moment, silence fell over the room. It was so thick and suffocating that it was hard to breathe. Meredith felt her heart tighten in her chest.
She couldn't stay hidden anymore. She had to speak up. She had to show them she wasn't a bystander in this.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the room. All eyes turned to her, and she could feel the weight of their gazes.
“I'm not a werewolf—not yet,” Meredith said. “But that doesn't mean I don't care about this pack. Or about Damien.”
Conrad's eyes narrowed, and Andra's lips pressed into a thin line.
“You don't belong here,” Andra said coldly. “You're human. You don't understand what it means to be a Luna.”
“I can learn,” Meredith shot back, surprising even herself with the fierceness in her voice. “And I'm not asking for approval. I'm asking for a chance.”
Damien's eyes softened as he looked at her, his hand reaching out to take hers.
“She’s stronger than you think. And she's not going anywhere.”
Conrad's face darkened, but before he could respond, Andra cut in.
“This isn't about strength, Damien. It's about survival. If you make this choice, you might lose everything.”
Damien held Meredith's gaze. “Then so be it. I'd rather lose it all than give up on her.”
Conrad's eyes narrowed as he turned his focus to Damien and Meredith’s clasped hands. “You don't understand what you're asking of her, Damien. She's human. She's fragile. Do you think she can just become one of us? That the transition will be that simple?”
Damien's grip on Meredith's hand tightened. “I'm not blind, Father. I know it won't be easy. But Meredith is stronger than you give her credit for. She'll endure it. She’ll be one of us. She is one of us.”
Andra stepped forward angrily. “You think the bite is all it takes? That she'll just magically transform and be accepted by the pack?” She pointed at Meredith. “Do you know what she'll go through? The pain, the change in her mind, her body—everything she knows will shatter. And when it's done, she still won't belong. Because she wasn't born into this. She wasn't born to lead!”
“I'm aware of the risks,” Damien replied. “But she won’t be doing this alone. I'll always be there with her.”
“And what about the pack?” Conrad interjected. “Do you think they'll accept her just because you say so? You may be the Alpha, Damien, but an Alpha’s power comes from the loyalty of his pack. They respect you now, but that respect is fragile. Bring a human into their midst, force her into a role she was never meant for, and you’ll fracture that loyalty. You’re risking all of our futures for your personal feelings.”
Damien's jaw clenched, and Meredith could feel the tension rising in him. His ruthless gaze bore into his father.
“The pack will follow me because I’ll show them there’s a better way. We can’t keep living by outdated laws, treating humans like they're lesser. Meredith will prove them wrong. She’s already proven it to me.”
Andra shook her head, disbelief etched in her features. “Damien, we were the Alpha and the Luna before you. Do you think we don't understand what it takes to lead? Tradition isn't just some useless relic. It’s what’s kept us strong—what’s protected us from threats. And you’re ignoring those threats because you’re too wrapped up in your emotions.”
“I’m not ignoring anything,” Damien growled, stepping closer. “I’m preparing the pack for the future, not chaining it to the past. Things are changing, Mother. We’re not just dealing with other wolves anymore—humans, other packs, supernatural threats. If we don’t adapt, we’ll be left behind. Meredith is part of that future, whether you like it or not.”
Conrad's eyes blazed with fury. “She’s a liability. You can’t just shove her into this world and expect her to survive, let alone thrive. You might be the Alpha, but that title can be taken from you, Damien. If the pack senses weakness, they’ll turn on you. They won’t follow an Alpha who puts his own desires above the pack’s survival.”
“I am not weak!” Damien roared. “I’ve fought for this pack. I’ve bled for them. And I’ll do it again if I have to. But I won’t sacrifice what I believe in. And I won’t give up Meredith just because of your fears!”
Andra’s voice softened. “Damien, this isn’t just about you anymore. We raised you to be a leader—to protect the pack above all else. If you go down this path, there’s no turning back. If she fails—if she doesn’t survive the transformation, or if the pack rejects her—it won’t just be you who suffers. It will be all of us.”
Damien’s shoulders squared, and his gaze softened as he glanced at Meredith before turning back to his parents.
“But I’ve made my choice. The Moon Goddess has already decided. Meredith is my mate, and I’ll fight for her—just like I’ll fight for this pack.”
Conrad let out a harsh breath, pacing the room. “You’re gambling with everything we’ve built, Damien. And for what? For love? That’s not how an Alpha leads. An Alpha sacrifices. He puts the pack first. Always.”
“I am putting the pack first,” Damien replied. “By choosing a future where we don’t live in fear of change.”
A heavy silence followed, and Meredith could feel the weight of their words pressing down on her. She was at the center of it all.
Andra’s voice, though softer, carried a warning. “You may love her, Damien. But love doesn’t protect a pack. And if she weakens you in the eyes of the pack, they’ll turn on her too. Think about what that means—for her, and for you.”
Damien met his mother’s gaze. “I have thought about it. And I’m ready to fight for her. For all of this. If you can’t accept that, then maybe it’s you who doesn’t understand what it really means to be the Alpha anymore.”
Conrad’s eyes darkened, but he said nothing. Andra stood silently at his side. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating.
Meredith felt her breath catch in her throat as she waited for the next words, unsure of where this argument would lead.
Finally, Conrad spoke again. “You're playing with fire, Damien. And when it burns you, don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
Without another word, Conrad turned and stormed out of the room, Andra following close behind. The door slammed shut, leaving Damien and Meredith alone in the silence of the Pack House.
Damien let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry you had to hear that,” he murmured, turning to Meredith. “But I won’t let them—or anyone else—decide our future.”
Meredith stepped closer, placing her hand on his chest. “I know. And I’m with you. No matter what.”