Chapter 73 - The Alpha’s Goddess

~CALLIE'S P.O.V~

The next day came faster than I had anticipated. Once I was showered and ready, I went downstairs to eat breakfast with the pack. Luckily, we hired a clean-up crew after the ball was completed. Breakfast was also served in the ballroom since it was large enough to hold all of the guests that remained on the land for the meeting that would be being held this afternoon. When I entered the ballroom, it was full of delicious smells all around. We had a buffet-style breakfast with a lot to choose from on the menu for today. I ensured we covered all the main breakfast courses and even some that are vegan and even raw, to ensure everyone gets what they desire. On the menu, we had the typical: bacon, sausage, biscuits, and croissants. There were also eggs which were all different options, such as scrambled, fried, and even omelet style. We had the choice of turkey bacon, as well as raw for the species that ate their food raw and so much more. The smell made my stomach growl, causing a few to look up from their plates.

'Momma wants it all!' Emery roared in my head.

I walked along the buffet thinking about what might sound good. I looked along at all the delicious choices, trying to figure out what sounded best. As I got to the raw meats, I studied the selection. As a wolf, hunting was not uncommon, so consuming prey in its raw form was almost natural. However, we normally would only eat raw meat in our wolf form. However, for some reason, I had this urge to suck the bloody juice dripping from the meat right off, which also disgusted me at the same time. It wouldn't seem weird to some, but to me, I would never eat raw meat, at least not while in my human form. This sudden need was primal within me, something I had never experienced before. I looked around to see who was all looking before grabbing a piece and covering it with some eggs. Maybe nobody will notice if I covered it up?

"Hey!" A voice said next to me. My heart spiked in a matter of seconds as if I had done something wrong, though I hadn't. It took me a moment to realize it was only my brother.

"Dax, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry, so are you ready for this afternoon?"

"Honestly? No. But what woman in their right mind would be ready to face a bunch of strong leaders that are men who think they are the rulers? Change is not going to come so naturally. Especially because I am a woman that is demanding it. Not many men will take to the idea so easily."

"But our goddess is a woman, and they still live according to her word?"

"She has been a mere idea of hope all these years, and to some she still is. The idea of a woman ruling over all won't sit right with what I assume will be a lot of men of all species." I replied.

"You might be surprised."

"Or I am right and today will be a power struggle."

"Maybe a little, but I doubt many will challenge you, maybe a few who are set in their ways, but I guarantee more will fall into line than you think."

I turned to look at my brother to study his face, only to see he believed what he was saying.

"Well, at least I will have you at my side," I said as I nudged him in the side.

"Is that blood I see, or ketchup?" He asked, his eyes looking down at my plate. I looked back down at it, seeing the meat I had chosen was a lot bloodier than I had planned and the blood was seeping out as the juices mixed with some of my other food.

"Umm. It's... natural?" I said, more like a question rather than a statement. His eyebrows lifted as he studied my face a little more.

"Okay." He said as he put a raw piece of meat on his plate as well. I wasn't sure if he did it, so I wasn't alone or if he agreed. Either way, I was glad that I didn't have to explain the dire need to lick up those bloody juices. At least not to him. Someone else may ask and I may have to figure out a logical reason. Nothing came to mind other than Emery.

'Hey, don't blame me, this is all you this time.' Emery said with a huff. She wasn't wrong. Although, I don't hear her disagreeing with my desire either.

"So, where are we sitting?" Daxton asked, breaking me away from my thoughts.

"I guess with Jade and them," I replied as my eyes scanned the room full of people until they landed on my group of friends.

"Tell me, Dax, what is it with you and Jade?" I decided to ask as we finished filling up our plates.

"Nothing."

"Ah come on, I saw you two last night. Her body fits perfectly with your own."

"Maybe, but there is still nothing happening."

"For now, I guess."

"What does that mean?" He asked as we started to walk toward the group.

"It's just, it won’t last forever. Eventually, she will stop chasing." I said bluntly. I looked over to see fear in his eyes for a split moment before it disappeared.

"I never asked her to chase."

"You also never made it clear that you didn't want her to either."

"I told her I wasn't ready for anything."

"Yet, you won't let her go," I said as I pushed some more.

"She can do as she pleases."

"Perfect, then I would love to introduce her to some amazing Alphas I met last night that would be perfect for her."

"No!" He almost demanded.

"No?" I asked dumbly.

"I said no, I mean, she won't like that, you know, being set up."

"How would you know?"

"Because they wouldn't be good enough."

"And who made you the judge of that? It's not fair to her for you to make a call about who is and isn't good enough for her. Especially when you won't even give her the time of day yourself." I could feel a little bit of anger rolling off of him.

"Who then?" He asked bitterly.

"I'll leave that to be a surprise." I didn't have anyone in mind that would be perfect for her, because whether he saw it himself or not, he was her perfect half. I just wanted to see his reaction.

"Fine, do what you want." He said with a huff of anger as we got to the table. He took a seat quickly across the table from Jade as I sat next to her.

"Woah, what is going on with y'all?" Jade asked as she looked between the two of us.

"Nothing." Daxton huffed out a bit more aggressively than necessary. Jealousy is not flattering on him, but it still made me giggle, nonetheless. Making him glare at me some more. Jade looked back at me confused as I took a bite of my egg.

'What is it?' She mind-linked me. But I had no intention of telling her. I actually may see it through. Maybe seeing her with another is exactly what he needed.

'Just a disagreement about today, nothing to worry about.'

'Do I need to be there?' She asked.

'No, it will be fine. I need you to do other things.'

'Like what?'

'Like anything other than being in the middle of Alphas, being power hungry.'

'But maybe that is exactly why I should be there?'

'No, I mean it, Jade.'

'Is that your goddess command?' She asked sarcastically.

'No, that is my sister command.'

'Fine.'

'Thank you.'

"Wait, what is that on your plate?" Jade then asked aloud. I looked down as I was taking my third bite of the rare meat.

"I wanted to see if it would fuel me today. I need all the energy that I can get."

'Nice lie, it almost came naturally.' Emery laughed in my head. That seemed to satisfy her, as she didn't keep talking about it.

I took another chunk into my mouth as I sucked the bloody juices, making me moan a little at the taste. How did I not know it was this amazing? If I knew I loved raw meat, I would've been consuming it long before now. A moment later, a gag sounded out. I looked up to see Daxton looking as if he was going to barf.

"Okay, that is disgusting." He said as he pushed away the raw meat. "How are you eating that?" He asked as I pulled his plate to myself.

"I'm just a badass like that," I said, digging into his food next.

"That indeed you are," Leo said as he pulled a chair out next to me as he sat down to eat as well.

Leo and Gunner were up earlier than me to make sure everything was in order for today's meeting. They also had some last-minute meetings for our company that needed immediate attention, so they were working relentlessly all morning.

"Did everything go okay with the meeting, what was happening?" I asked as Gunner took a seat next to Leo.

"Just some missing money," Gunner said as he shoveled food into his mouth.

"Missing?" I asked.

"Stolen." Leo corrected me.

"We don't know it was stolen," Gunner said back.

"We do, he just wants to give them the benefit of the doubt."

"Innocent until proven guilty, remember?" Gunner said back to Leo.

"How much?" I asked, concerned.

"More than enough to kill them," Leo said.

"Nobody is getting killed, Leo," Gunner replied.

"Well, they should be. Traitors are traitors, thieves are thieves. Maybe we should remove their hands?" Leo replied, still not answering my question.

"Now I can side with that," Daxton said, amused at my bickering mates.

"We aren't in the 1800's Leo; we won't be removing their hands." Gunner then said.

"Do not make me break into your mind. Answer my question. How much?" I said, not amused with them ignoring me.

"Not that much, Cal."

"Psh, I don't know what he considers not much, but I'd say 10k is more than plenty to be considered more than much," Leo responded.

"Ten thousand!?" I asked a little loudly, causing others to look over at us.

"We have it under control, Callie, don't worry. Just worry about today, okay?"

"He isn't wrong, we do have it under control. The money has already been returned. I am just not pleased we have to do it the human way."

"It's the right way, Leo."

"Yeah, yeah whatever," Leo responded to Gunner before putting another spoon full in his mouth.

"Who did it?" I asked, looking between the two.

"We think the new secretary. When we had the meeting, she wasn't there, then all the money went mysteriously back into the account." Leo said.

"She is never at the meetings, Leo, she is in charge of maintaining the phone line." Gunner defended her.

"Why are you defending her so wholeheartedly?" I asked curiously.

"It's Janelle," Gunner said, rubbing his temples.

"As in Lisa's sister?" I asked.

"Yes, which is why I cannot just point fingers. I have to investigate and figure it out. I cannot blame her when I am not sure it was even her. Especially with her sister still missing."

"Okay, I agree. It sounds like this needs to be addressed in private after breakfast. I have some stuff I also need to discuss with you both."

"Do you agree with his madness?" Leo asked.

"I think he has a point that there is no physical proof yet and we need to look into it, especially with the circumstances."

"Lisa is a whore who chose to go and fuck the enemy," Leo said angrily.

"But it doesn't make her sister guilty, and even if she is, she deserves a chance to explain why," I replied.

I don't trust any of that family, but if she was stealing the money, maybe there was a logical reason. With the threat I overheard the other day, we cannot be too careful about how we handle the situation. Once Leo hears what I overheard, he'll understand why I agree with Gunner on not jumping to conclusions.

"After breakfast, let's meet in the office to speak. For now, let's just eat." I said, looking at my mates.

Gunner and Leo both shook their heads in agreement. After we finished, our entire group went to the office. Gunner sat at his desk. Daxton and Jade stood by the east wall near the window. Laken and Skila sat on the sofa while Leo and I stood in front of the desk.

"Okay, what is it that you needed to talk about in private?" Gunner asked.

"It's better if I just show you." I then recalled my memory from the night I was heading to the office and overheard the men in the hallway. My memory from that night was displayed for everyone to see as the men once again spoke in the hallway.

***

"So, you got word of what happened to her?" I heard a man's voice.

"Not sure sir. All we were able to find was that she disappeared when Alpha did."

"My daughter, gone, and nobody did a damn thing to even look for her!?" The silence was heard a moment longer before the angered man spoke again.

"I will figure out what happened to her and if it had something to do with that meaningless Alpha, I will kill him where he stands."

***

Once the memory ended, I looked around the room. "I think it was-"

"Lisa's Father." Gunner finished my sentence for me.

"Do you know what happened to her?" Laken asked. "I mean, y'all were abducted at the same time is all that I mean." He quickly added.

"No. I have no memory of the abduction itself." Gunner said while looking down as he rubbed his temples again.

"It wasn't your fault, Gunner. She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time." I said as I rounded the desk, I put my hand on his back, rubbing it to try and soothe him. I had no idea he was blaming himself.

"I hadn't even sent a search party for her." He said as he looked up.” I was so mad at her for what she was doing right before Lovett showed up. I just didn't think she deserved it... I didn't think she deserved saving." He said with a sigh. "But I am the Alpha, her Alpha, how could I think like that?"

"Dude, you're also human," Leo said.

"But as her Alpha, regardless of how she was acting or what she was doing with Derek and Jax, I should have looked for her even if it was just one search party. It has been months and I haven't done a thing."

"None of us have dude," Laken responded.

"I found out she was sleeping with Jax and Derek when Lovett exposed her. But instead of forgiving her and finding her to give her the appropriate trial, I dismissed her disappearance and hadn't even attempted to search. I put building this place over her life. I put everything since her disappearance over finding her, never once making her rescue or even search party a priority so she could have a fair trial as a traitor to the pack. So, I will not make that mistake with Janelle, not again. It's different, of course, but she deserves a trial, she deserves a chance to defend herself." Gunner said as he closed his eyes while sighing out loud. Realization dawned on Leo at the extent of the situation, his face showed complete understanding of why Gunner wanted to do it the "human way", as he called it.

"I'm sorry Gunner, I had no idea," Leo said sympathetically.

"How could you? You weren't there when she disappeared, nor did you know her or her family. We hadn't spoken of her disappearance or what happened since that day. There was no way of knowing."

"We will find her," I replied.

"And if she is dead, what then, what do I tell the pack when her dad makes a scene?" Gunner asked.

"The truth." Laken was the one to reply this time. "That she was abducted by the people conspiring against the pack and Luna and she was working alongside them in the process. You can tell them we will avenge her death to bring justice to the family, but she was also a traitor to the pack, and her death will be valued as such. The pack will understand and follow their Alpha."

Gunner only shook his head. He was a new Alpha and in the short time of becoming Alpha, a lot had happened. A lot of deaths, kidnappings, treason, and foul play. But he has done everything right as an Alpha and everyone loves and cherishes his decisions. Hell, they followed him across the states to remain in his pack.

"It's time for the meeting with the leaders." Gunner then said, looking at his watch, ending our conversation at that. I shook my head and gathered my bearings before we all exited the private office to go to the meeting that was being held in a bigger office within the pack-house.

"Are you scared of a fight breaking out?" Jade asked as we walked down the hall.

"Not really. I know there will be some sort of power struggle. I am just afraid of them not taking to the idea of a woman being the ruler." I replied honestly.

"Well, just make them submit with your Goddess' power," Jade suggested as if that were easy. The last thing I wanted to do was force someone into submission with my power. It can be done if absolutely necessary. It's just what happens when I do that, and that Alpha is embarrassed for submitting to a female? Men take their status and pride extremely seriously, especially the leaders, and just the idea of a man of any species submitting completely to a female seems outlandish even to me still. I can see this going very wrong, very fast.

"Thanks, Jade. Don't be in trouble during the meeting. We will hang out afterward, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah." She replied before we parted ways. She went down one hall while me and our leaders went down another. Blaine met us at the door because I had requested his presence during the meeting. If I want to figure out what happened to his family, what better way than him being present at the meeting himself? Maybe another Alpha wolf will recognize him, and we can address that topic too. As we were entering the empty meeting room, being the first ones there, a sudden mind link came through.

'Alpha, Luna. There is a small problem at the eastern border.'

'What is going on?' Gunner immediately responded.

'It's Alpha Derek and Beta Jax. They are demanding to be present at the meeting. They said their pack had taken them back and forgiven their wrongs. And that is not all. They have the invite.'

Gunner looked at me as I shook my head up and down, signifying yes, to allow them through.

"Are you sure? They have put you through so much and it is your meeting after all." I took the opportunity to respond instead via mind link.

'Allow them through. They are, after all, a leader in their pack.' Gunner's eyes scanned my own for any response.

'Very well, Luna, they are being escorted there by a few patrollers.' The guard responded.

'Thank you, Jake,' I responded, knowing the voice all too well. I looked back at Gunner's surprised face. After all, those two have caused not only me but our pack and many others a lot of pain.

"This is the best way. They could be our first offenders in a trial run to show what our future horrendous offenders will have to face. It will help transition the others to understanding how major crimes will be held from here on. And, it saves us time having to hunt them down to hold a trial for their horrendous acts."

"Very well, sounds like a wonderful plan." He then responded.

We made our way inside I placed a few more folders on the table so they could also follow along in the meeting. I looked around as Blaine sat down on a chair near where we would be sitting. Soon after we arrived, others started to flood in, taking any seat they chose. I recognized many from the history lessons in school, aside from the ball last night. We had to learn in our history class about all of the leaders, including other species, so we were aware of who we faced if we were to come across them and who they were. A few moments later, Jax came in with a smile spread across his face, his chocolate eyes scanning my body like nothing had changed between us since that first day. He chose the seat directly in the middle so that he was facing directly at me. As he sat down, Derek took a seat next to him, his face blank like he wasn't sure why he was there. Jax then wiggled his four fingers in a nonchalant wave in my direction with a smug smile across his face. I chose to ignore it and looked back at another empty spot. Just a few more minutes and the meeting will be adjourned. Before long, a few stragglers joined us, and I knew the meeting was now ready to start.

"Thank you all for the attendance-" I started to say before being cut off.

"Not like it was a choice." I brushed off the smart remark and continued to speak.

"As I was saying before being interrupted, thank you all for attending, we will start the meeting by opening the floor to questions, as I know you all must have many. Next, we will go over the whys, hows, and my plans for the future to correct order among us all and create healthy boundaries to be able to work together. Now to open the floor, does anyone want to ask a question?" As soon as it left my mouth, murmuring and questions were flying all around the room as many tried to speak over one another.

"UHUM" I cleared my throat very loudly to get the attention of all those speaking. As the room fell silent, I spoke once more.

"I plan to address every question, but to do so we cannot speak over one another. How about we go around the room, allowing each person a chance to have everyone's full attention so we can address their questions? That way, everyone has the opportunity to speak before I get into the logistics of it all." After everyone remained silent after a few uhuhs and head nods, I looked to my right, the person next to Blain being Alpha Jared.

"Alpha Jared, the floor is yours."

"What makes you think any leader in their right mind will blindly follow you? This is a bunch of bullshit. You don't think that anyone will think you are a goddess heir. Hell, the moon goddess is a legend we live by, yet we have never seen her, never heard her, never, so why the fuck would anyone believe a child like yourself?" A growl came from Gunner as he abruptly stood ready to challenge the old man with gray hair. I placed my hand on Gunner and stood looking directly at Jared.

"That is exactly what today is about, we are here to show proof, to allow you all to ask questions, as well as voice your concerns and we are ready to address any confused leaders like yourself." Yes, it was a small jab, however, I'd rather play it his way, than force him to submit. After I finished my sentence, he growled, showing me, he wasn't pleased with the way I spoke. I am not sure why these Alpha men think they can speak however they want, but when a woman reacts the same way, they get upset. I already knew this would happen; I was ready for the leaders that were set in their ways to not agree with what I was saying to them.

"Now little girl, you WILL SHOW ELDERS RESPECT." He roared out, as he stood, his eyes flashing back and forth, signifying his wolf was coming forth, being the first to challenge me. I was already standing so I allowed just a little bit of my power to seep out, not for a forceful submission, but to show I was more than a little girl and I would be shown respect. I felt my power radiate outward, knowing my body had its glow on display, as well as my eyes becoming a white color.

"You will address me with respect, Alpha Jared. You may be an elder in age, but I am your superior. I will take your next actions as a threat if it is continued. If you want to try me, I will quickly embarrass you, putting you in your place, which is indeed below me. My first advice to you is to sit back down, ask questions politely and listen. My second advice is that you quit acting as a child would."

I could almost see a tremble as he sat down, his wolf noticing my own as his superior. A moment later, a breath was released. "Shit, that was a bit overwhelming. Next time don't try challenging someone who is stating they are a goddess before you know the facts, dumbass." Another Alpha by the name of Dalton said, which in turn made Jared release a low growl.

"I don't mind answering questions, but I do not take threats lightly, nor will they be overlooked," I said as I looked around the room. Immediately a laugh came out. My eyes scanned the room before landing on none other than Jax himself.

"Where did this confidence come from, little frail mate?" Once the word mate left his mouth, a few murmurs erupted all over the room in confusion before Gunner stood back up in anger.

"You have no right to try and use that term!" He yelled out with anger.

"Oh, no? I was her first mate, was I not?" He asked rhetorically.

"Was, you are no longer considered her mate, so tread lightly Jax, you are only here on the account of your pack's idiocy to allow you to continue to lead them." When Gunner finished that sentence, more murmurs came out all around the room. I took the opportunity to step in. I placed my hand back on Gunner to use my mate bond to calm his wolf some.

'I've got this babe, it's okay, sit down please.' I mind-linked him in private. He did as he was asked and sat down with a huff.

"Jax, I do not believe you were addressed, nor is it your turn. I suggest you wait." I said to him, Eyes were shooting around the room in confusion.

"But you didn't answer my question, do these leaders not know that you had another mate?" He asked as he looked at each member trying to stir a pot that never had liquid to stir.

"They knew I had a first mate, but it was never released as to who that was. However, if you would like to enlighten them on exactly why we are no longer mates, please feel free to be my guest. But I promise it won't end how you think it will."

"Oh, no? How will it end, Ms. Richards, or should I say Ms. Lane?"

"Well, this was going to be the last issue addressed but why not be the first?" I asked aloud, more faces contorting into confusion.

"Today we will be holding our very first trial as the leaders." I then said, snapping my fingers and instantly magical cuffs encasing both Jax and Derek’s hands.

"Oh, this is going to be good!" Dalton laughed as he watched on.

I was going to allow them to be part of the meeting and address their trial at the end but fuck it. If Jax wanted to run his mouth, I would help him put his shoe right back in it. This will not end how he expected, nor do I care, he and Derek both deserve what was in store for them today.