All the Alphes
save the the Alples of other packs over the years. Some of them have wisted Woon Grove and my father took the family with him to visit the other pecks offten. The visits grew less frequent over time as my father collected mote enemies than allies, I know that our pack used to be on good terms witn most packs during my grandfather’s tenure as Alpha, but Bernard’s
unstoppable greed and ambition poisoned whatever good will Standpa Cotton had achieved during his ifetime
I try to remain calm and hide my TeTVOUSTESS as the Alphas arrive at the mansion. They bring their entourages, believing in the power of numbers as all shifters do. I greet them at the front door, introducing myself as the new Alpra of the Woomake pack. Most of them look at me warily, probably trying to assess frow Smillaram to my father
I don’t look much like my father, inheriting my looks from my mother’s side of the family. Con is as tall as our father, but his coloring is similar to mine. Somehow, neither of us inherited much of our father’s appearance except for Lots who inherned his grey eyes. It’s not a bad thing this time as no one would look at me and be reminded of Bernard instantly.
Alpha Bastille of the Silvercrest pack arrives. He’s the Alpha that assisted Bernard in trying to attack Castle Graystone. I don’t hold any ill will against him as Bernard had tricked him imo thinking Kane had stolen me from my pack to De a feeder against my will
Alpha Bastille,” I say “I’m glad you could come.”
Alphe Emony he replies. I’m glad to be here especially after the last time we Saw each other I’m hoping you don’t hold what happened against me.”
Bastille Sthercrest is known to be a family man with half a dozen daughters. If a vampire King had stolen any of his own daughters, he would have also marched off to war with his pack. No one could fault him for his sense of trotor and duty.
To at all reasure him. “Your heart was in the right place. And I hold no gutges for past events. I lay all the blame at
Bastille smiles in relief. “That’s good as to hope we can be allies if not good friends
I smile hope that this is going to work lighting within me. “I would like that.”
We have dinner first in the large formal dining room we rarely use except for special occasion,s and we had plenty of guests to accommodate. It’s like Winter Solstice dinner with the spread of food on display. The shifters dig in, most of them starving from their long travels.
All of the Alphas are older than me and easily could be my parents or even grandparents. They’ve known each other for years, and the wine and good food put them into the mood for talking and enjoying each other’s company. Soon, they’re retelling old stories and laughing with each other.
To my right is the wife of one of the oldest Alphas. Luna Mary Claire of the Boldlight pack was childhood friends with my grandmother and told me about their youth.
“Your grandmother Emory, your namesake, was originally supposed to marry the her father’s Beta who was twice her age. That was until your grandfather swooped in and eloped with her. It was a big scandal. Your great–grandfather Elias nearly disowned her for it.”
“Colton was a heartbreaker before he met Emory,” her husband Alpha Silas interjects. “He left a long line of girls hoping to be his Luna crying before he settled down.”
“I had no idea Grandpa Colton was like that when he was younger. How did he meet my grandmother?”
“That was me, dear,” another older Alpha Nigel cut in. “Colton and I were friends from school. I knew Emory because I dated her sister Isobel. We all happened to be at the same party, and I made the introductions. It was clear right away they were fated mates.”
“You have old Nigel here to thank for your existence,” Mary Claire concludes.” And I’m sure he will never let you forget it.”
Nigel winks at me. “You’re welcome.”
e stick listening to Alpha Gerald recount
took down a grizzly bear when they were me and lambaving a good time getting to know fox the youngest Alphat the table, and I know that the
will be useful as I navigate learning to lead my
we are having dessert, I can see everyone is relaxed from the good food,
chatter Before I can bring it into the conversation, Alpha Silas beats unch and asks. “My dear, I am curious, is there more to this dinner
cing yourself to us?”
od, trying to hide my apprehension. “I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know all of you, but I do have another reason I wanted you all to be here.”
The table goes quiet, and the Alphas and the dignitaries stare at me where I’m seated at the head of the table. I meet Cat’s eyes who nods at me
encouragingly, I look over the faces of our guests and take a steadying breath. I need to be trave
“As you may be aware, I have an alliance with the vampire king of Crimson Peak, King Kane is one of my most loyal allies,” I start. “You may also know about the burgeoning war between him and King Peter of Scarlett Thunder.”
There’s some grumbling as the shifters murmur to each other. I try to ignore the whispers and continue. “King Kane needs allies to aid him with this war. Cm fully committed to assisting him, but cannot do it on my own. That’s why I imited you all here. I’m hoping that you are willing to help us in any way that you are able.”
A deafening silence fills the room. The Alphas stare at me then whisper amongst each other. Alpha Gerald slams his first on the dining table. Everyone silences and locks to him.
“Let me get this clear,” he says. “You want us to throw our support behind a vampire king your pack was at war with for years? Because of a war he is baving with another vampire king, a war that has nothing to do with our kind?”
My mouth is dry. I swallow and reply, “Something like that.”
There is another pause
Aghout buss me ugh he sees for his wine glass And nough your er was the resonate Do you really think I’m going to
after Bermad tied to take over
**
artwatch my father in the face for all the orbe she has
me
Te to in the hadn’t been such a dick in the past I wouldn’t be
obey alles
newing such a tough time trying to convince
makes The Mango bad to Caste Graystone and punen him in the facing an
Wyne’s as COS E Qetable Jam trulsory for the harm he has Custisa Trying to prevent more ham from being done by making sure King Kane wins this wat There is no word where King Peter being the wist will be good for any of us. I have heard he’s alled insaf with King
Weres
That makes the shites whister more ferce King Myenas’s reputation is well Known even among the shifters He’s a cruel king who makes King Peter look ike a siten des aso tumored to be associated with sextrafficg
caniculary of young gris.
Shiteror’s
Apra Vie mois disanomed Save you thought this through, my dear? Gemmy mower with the roubles of vampires has historically never worked trus is only caused us more strife down the line.”
If you tan said wou were the one at war, we might have considered it” Alpha Sles areas. “But to use our people and resources to aid a vampire king is
“We al have great respect for your grandfather, and that’s why most of us have STOWN in Inday, despite our history with your father Abha Nigel explains. ” ASKING US TO OD To war for you is a big request.”
“And from what he heard you and the vampire king are more than allies.” Apa berat acts in He points to me. Theard he’s the father of your child.”
Wy face gres red but it’s not from embarassment. I’m angry. I try to recover and say “King Kane and do have a relationship. He is the father of my unborn
I’m not ashamed of Kane, and I’m not astmed of our baby. I’ll be damned before some Alpha makes me feel like committing a crime for being in love.
“Are you sure?” Mary Claire asks. “Our kid and his have never been able to have children together before.”
“There are myths about hybrids,” Alpha Nigel’s wife, Luna Angela, speaks up They’re rare and tend to be omens of bad times to come.”
A hand protectively cradles my swollen belly. All the folktales about hybrids being nightmarish monsters are always at the back of my mind. “My baby is not an omen. He or she will be just like any other child. And yes, I’m sure the child is Kane’s. It couldn’t possibly be anyone else’s child.”
“Your kid is going to be the heir to two territories. He will have claim to both Moon Grove and Crimson Peak,” Alpha Silas points out. “Your child will not be like other children. The power they’ll inherit alone will be substantial
“And that should incentivize your cooperation,” Coit jumps in, trying to help.” When Emory’s child ascends the throne, you will be allied to a powerful king and Alpha. Are you really going to pass that up?”
Alpha Silas looks contemplative. “This child will be a ruler that will truly unite vampires and shifters as they’ll be a part of both worlds. Not even a marriage alliance could have secured this.”
“Isn’t that what my grandfather wanted? He wanted us to live in peace with vampires. To work together with them instead of being at war.” I look around at each of them, trying to drive my point home.
“It sounds like a dream,” Alpha Nigel declares. “A far fetched dream that is too good to be true.”
“It doesn’t have to be. We can have that future if you’ll help me fight this war with Scarlett Thunder,” I say. “And I promise you I will work on creating a future we all want. No more living in fear of being oppressed. We can finally co–exist with vampires.”
I meet the eyes of everyone at the table, geeing their expression soften. I know I’m getting through to them. Alpha Gerald’s face remains stole. His facial hair really makes it hard to see if he’s smiling or not. He finishes his glass of wine
and immediately refills it.
“Are you fighting with me or not?” I question. “And if it helps at all, we have Bernard locked up in the dungeons of Castle Graystone. He’ll spend the rest of his life there for trying to take over your territories.”
Alpha Gerard laughs again. “I like you, girl. You’ve got spunk.”
I look at the other Alphas. Alpha Silas raises his hands in surrender. “All right. I’m willing to listen. What do you need from me?”
Alpha Nigel grins. “Your grandfather would be proud. I don’t think we’ve all agreed on the same thing in years.”
The other Alphas join in after them, taking their cues from the older Alphas. I catch my mother’s gaze, and she’s smiling proudly at me. I smile in relief. The tight ball of anxiety inside my chest uncoils.
I have done it. I have my army.
I can’t wait to tell Kane.
