Chapter 15 Introducing her to the pack
River
The sun peeks through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I stretch and blink awake, the events of yesterday flooding back into my mind. Dust is still sleeping, curled up beside me, her peaceful face makes warmth bloom inside me. I feel a rush of gratitude as I watch her sleep; she’s my anchor, my source of strength.
I shake off the remnants of sleep, feeling the energy coursing through me. The poison that had threatened to take me down has faded, and I’m nearly fully healed. It’s time to show Dust my world, to introduce her to my pack and officially claim her as my mate.
I gently nudge her awake, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Princess,” I whisper, a teasing smile on my lips, “it’s time to rise and shine.”
Her eyes flutter open, and a soft smile spreads across her face. “Good morning, River,” she replies, her voice still thick with sleep. “What’s the plan for today?”
I sit up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. “I want to introduce you to the pack. They need to know who you are, and that you’re mine. You deserve their respect, and I’m not going to let anyone treat you any less.”
Dust sits up, her expression shifting from sleepy to a mixture of excitement and apprehension. “I’m just… a girl, River. What if they don’t accept me?”
“Dust,” I say firmly, turning to face her fully. “You’re not just a girl. You’re my mate, and that makes you special. They will respect you because of that, and if they don’t, they’ll have to answer to me.”
She nods, though I can see the uncertainty still lingering in her eyes. I reach out, taking her hand in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. “Trust me,” I say softly. “You’re going to be amazing.”
After a quick breakfast, we head out to the main hall where the pack gathers. The air is rich with the scent of pine and wildflowers, and I take a deep breath, allowing the fresh energy of the morning to fill me. I can feel the eyes of my pack upon us as we enter, their whispers echoing in the back of my mind.
“Attention!” I call out, my voice steady and commanding. The chatter fades, and I feel the tension in the room shift as they turn to face us. “I have something important to share with all of you.”
Dust stands beside me, her posture slightly stiff, but I can feel her strength beneath the surface. “This is Dust,” I say, gesturing to her with pride. “She is my mate, and from this day forward, she deserves your respect and loyalty as the future Luna of this pack.”
A murmur ripples through the crowd, some faces lighting up with smiles while others darken with discontent. I catch a glimpse of a few wolves in the back, their expressions skeptical, and a flicker of unease settles in my gut.
“Dust is not just my mate,” I continue, my voice rising. “She is a part of us now. Treat her as you would treat your own family, because she is family. Anyone who disrespects her will answer to me.”
I scan the room, locking eyes with those who seem less than thrilled. They may be my pack, but I won’t tolerate any dissent. I can feel Dust’s hand tense in mine, and I give it a reassuring squeeze. “Together, we will thrive,” I add, my tone firm.
As the pack begins to disperse, I notice a few lingering stares directed toward Dust, and I make a mental note to keep an eye on them. It’s vital that she feels safe and welcomed among us, and I won’t let anyone undermine that.
“Let’s get some fresh air,” I suggest, leading Dust outside. The sun shines brightly, and I take a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air. “How do you feel?”
She glances around, a mix of awe and apprehension on her face. “It’s beautiful here,” she admits, her eyes sparkling with wonder. “But do you think they’ll accept me?”
“They will,” I assure her, my voice steady. “Just give them time. You’re more than you realize, Dust. You’ll show them who you are.”
As we stand together, I can’t shake the feeling that something deeper is at play. The threat against Dust isn’t just personal; it’s political. I know I need to confront the man who attacked her. I can’t let this go unanswered.
“I have to go interrogate that guy who attacked you,” I tell her, my voice low. “I need answers, and I won’t rest until I get them.”
Her eyes widen with concern. “What if he hurts you?”
“I can handle myself,” I reply, my resolve firm. “I’m not just an Alpha for show. I’ll find out why he yelled ‘death to the princess.’ There’s more to this than meets the eye, and I won’t let anyone put you in danger again.”
We share a moment, before I take her back to Our rooms, where she will be guarded. “I’ll be waiting for you,” she says quietly..
I lean down and press a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it. Stay strong, Princess.”
With one last reassuring look, I turn and head toward the training grounds where they’re holding the man. I can feel the tension in the air as I approach, the anticipation of answers swirling in my gut.
The man is bound with silver, his face bruised and swollen from the earlier confrontation. He looks up as I enter, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. “You,” he sneers, his voice raspy but defiant.
“Why did you attack her?” I demand, stepping closer, my presence looming over him. “What do you want with Dust.”
He laughs bitterly, shaking his head. “You don’t even know, do you?”
“Tell me,” I growl, my patience wearing thin. “Why did you yell ‘death to the princess’?”
His eyes narrow, and there’s a moment of hesitation before he answers. “Because she is the lost princess.”