Chapter 22 Selena’s POV
I stood in front of my mirror, checking my appearance one more time. Perfect makeup, perfect hair, perfect dress in a soft blue that made me look gentle and concerned. My hands were shaking, but I forced them still.
Everything was falling apart.
Kaden had humiliated me and dragged me out of that omega's room like I was nothing threatening to me. But I couldn't let the panic show, couldn't let anyone see how terrified I was that everything I had worked for was slipping away.
So I practiced my smile in the mirror sweetly. worried about the perfect future Luna is concerned about her Alpha.
Then I left my quarters and headed toward the council chambers.
When I reached the doors, I could hear voices inside the elders gathering early, discussing in low tones. I took a breath, composed my expression into one of gentle concern, and walked in.
"Selena." Elder Rowan looked up, surprised.
He was the oldest of the council, nearly eighty, with silver hair and sharp eyes. "This is a closed council session."
"I know." I said softly.
"I'm sorry to intrude. I'm just so worried about Kaden. About what's happening. I was hoping I might speak with you before he arrives."
Elder Marcus, a stern man in his sixties, gestured to a chair. "What concerns you?"
I sat, folding my hands in my lap. "It's about the omega girl. The one he brought into his private quarters."
"That's why we have called this meeting," Rowan said. "It's highly unusual."
"I'm not questioning his judgment," I said quickly.
"Kaden is a wonderful Alpha. But lately... he hasn't been himself. He has been obsessed with finding this girl. For over a week, he sent out patrols day and night. Canceled meetings. Barely slept."
I let my voice tremble slightly. "And when she appeared at the border, he immediately moved her into his quarters; he won't explain why."
"That is concerning," Rowan agreed.
"Especially given that the Luna coronation is in eight days."
Perfect, they were thinking exactly what I needed them to think.
"I'm worried about that too." I admitted.
"The invitations have been sent. But if Kaden is distracted, I'm afraid he might cancel the ceremony."
"What do you mean by 'distracted'?" Elder Vera asked sharply.
"The way he looks at her... the way he protects her... I can't explain his behavior." I looked at each of them.
"He's the strongest Alpha this pack has had in generations. But right now, he's not thinking clearly."
Elder Marcus nodded slowly. "The Alpha's personal decisions become pack business when they affect our stability. And this situation is definitely affecting it."
"Just talk to him." I said. "Help him see the reason. I love Kaden and this pack right now, I'm worried about both."
The door opened and Ethan walked in. "The Alpha will be here in five minutes."
I stood. "I should go."
"Stay.” Marcus said firmly. "You are the future Luna, you have a right to be present."
I sat back down, keeping my expression humble. Inside, triumph surged.
When Kaden walked in moments later, he looked terrible. Wrinkled clothes, uncombed hair, dark shadows under his eyes.
His eyes stopped on me. "What is she doing here?"
"I invited her." Marcus said calmly. "As your future Luna, she has a right to be present."
Kaden sat down heavily. "Make it quick. I have more important matters."
"More important than your council?" Marcus's voice was sharp.
Elder Rowan cleared his throat. "Kaden, you've brought an omega into your private quarters days before you are scheduled to announce your Luna. We need to understand why."
"That's my business."
"It becomes our business when it affects pack stability," Marcus said.
"I'm protecting an injured pack member. That's what an Alpha does."
"Then why not the medical wing?" Vera asked. "Why your personal quarters?"
"Because it is safer there."
"And the coronation?" I asked, unable to stop myself. "Is it still happening?"
Kaden looked at me. For a moment, I couldn't read his expression.
"Yes." He said. "The Luna coronation will proceed as scheduled. Eight days from now. Nothing has changed."
Relief crashed through me.
"You are certain?" Rowan asked.
"I'm certain the ceremony will happen." Kaden stood. "My private life is my own business. Remember that."
He walked out without waiting for dismissal, the door slammed and silence filled the chamber.
I stood, smoothing my dress. "Thank you for allowing me to be here."
I left with my head high, my smile perfect and the coronation was happening.
But I had eight days to make sure that omega was gone before it did.