Chapter 56: Chapter 56

KAIROS

I was stuck in a whirlwind of indecision. I couldn’t make a choice, not before I had a heart-to-heart with Maeve. I needed to understand her motives. Was she feeling so unsafe in our pack that she had to seek additional protection?

“I need to talk to Maeve,” I announced. Irene simply nodded, sinking back into her chair. Her posture was rigid, her gaze fixed on a single point, unblinking.

As I moved towards Maeve, Adelie began to follow. “I need to speak with her alone,” I told her. The idea of not having her by my side seemed to surprise her.

And it was true. I didn’t want her there, but our reasons probably differed.

I wanted Adelie to rule with me, and I had no secrets to keep from her. But I didn’t want her present when Maeve revealed that I had failed to protect our pack.

In a way, Maeve had taken matters into her own hands. I didn’t want to appear as a foolish and negligent Alpha in front of Adelie.

I had to protect her. But how could I, when I couldn’t even safeguard my own omegas?

Adelie didn’t argue. She simply nodded. “I’ll heal her at least,” she said, moving towards Maeve without waiting for my response.

I hated that healing others caused Adelie pain, but I understood it was her calling. If it were a more serious injury, I would have stopped her. But I figured a vampire bite wouldn’t harm her too much.

Adelie was strong, accustomed to physical pain. It sounds harsh, but in her world, pain was a constant companion.

She did her thing, her hand glowing as she drew the pain from Maeve. Within moments, Maeve looked better, as if nothing had happened.

Adelie was okay. She had endured much worse. She had even healed me once from a wolfsbane bullet. Her ability to heal others was a blessing, but it was ironic that she couldn’t heal herself.

I guided Maeve to my study upstairs, my comfort zone.

It was strange to think that I was the one feeling anxious—an Alpha standing before an omega, fearing she might express her feelings of insecurity and her need to protect herself and others.

I wasn’t exactly scared—more like embarrassed that I had let my pack members down.

I gestured for Maeve to sit across from me at my desk. She didn’t argue. She seemed cautious and obedient, as usual.

I wasn’t sure how to begin, how to address the issue.

“Raphael’s incident… it was my fault. I didn’t plan well. I failed to protect him. I won’t deny that it was my mistake.”

I watched her carefully as I spoke. Her face was expressionless, but her eyes darted nervously. It didn’t help me understand her actions.

“People have died in this pack before.” I was referring to the time when Mia wreaked havoc. Maeve had witnessed it all.

“I made everyone train harder to become strong enough to defend themselves and others if needed. I try to consider every suggestion to improve my leadership and the pack.

“I’ve never claimed to be a perfect alpha. That’s why I listen to my pack members. What made you decide to protect the pack in your own way?” I asked her.

Her eyes widened instantly, and she began to shake her head.

“No, I’ve never felt that your decisions were inadequate or insufficient, Alpha. This has nothing to do with my opinion of your protection.

“You’re a great alpha, and I respect everything you do. I wouldn’t do anything differently,” she said, her voice trembling.

But then, why?

“Then what?” I asked. “What made you reach out to them and make such an offer?”

Her gaze fell to the floor as she let out a heavy sigh, her lip caught between her teeth. There was something she was holding back.

“Luna Adelie,” she finally admitted, her eyes closing in resignation.

“She made you do this?” I questioned, my mind a whirlwind of confusion.

“No!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with panic. “She had no idea, and I’m sure she wouldn’t have asked this of me. I just… I did it for her.” Her voice was filled with sincerity.

“Why?” I asked, sinking into my chair, my mind struggling to comprehend. For her?

“Alpha, I respect you, and I know she’s told you some things. But I also know that you know I’m privy to more information,” she said.

Of course, she knew more. She was there when Adelie was pricked by that thorn. Who knows what else she knows? Adelie confided in her, but for some reason, couldn’t confide in me.

“I’m doing this to protect Luna Adelie. Something is after her. I don’t know how powerful it is, but I feel compelled to take every precaution to keep her safe.

“Even if it was a one-off incident, she’s still a target. Her abilities are unique, and there are those who would exploit that, with malicious intent.

“I’ve never questioned my safety here. But now, I question hers. Her powers are unusual, and that makes her a target for those who would want to possess her.

“If you truly want to protect her, you need more than just your kind on her side. If someone were to come for her, they’d come prepared to take down anyone who stands in their way.”

She paused to catch her breath. “Alpha, to protect a luna as powerful as Adelie, we need to create a formidable environment for her.”

How could I have been so blind? I was focused on protecting the pack, but I overlooked her. She wasn’t just another member of the pack.

If someone was determined to capture Adelie, a group of wolves, no matter how well-trained, wouldn’t be enough to stop them. “Why didn’t you come to me first? Before inviting them here?”

“Who in their right mind would willingly let vampires into their home, let alone invite them?” she asked, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips.

“If you had explained it like this…” I tried to convey that I was open to listening.

“I’m trying to balance my loyalty and obedience to both my luna and alpha. I’m never sure how much I can reveal. And I doubt any rational decision would lead to this, to vampires living among us.”

I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

“Thank you, Maeve,” I said, nodding to dismiss her. I could tell our conversation had rattled her. I rarely had one-on-one conversations with omegas.

She was about to leave when I called out to her. “If I were to ask you about Adelie’s secret—” I didn’t get to finish.

“I can’t do that, Alpha,” she interrupted, her head held high. “I pledged my loyalty to her, and I intend to honor that. It’s the least I can do for her,” she said, and I nodded, allowing her to close the door behind her.

I buried my face in my hands, lost in thought. I wasn’t entirely convinced this was the right course of action. Vampires and werewolves were natural enemies. Could we coexist in one pack?

I needed to protect her, to do everything in my power to ensure her safety. Even if she wouldn’t confide in me, I had to protect her.

Ten vampires in my pack. It seemed risky, but perhaps it wasn’t enough.

I descended the stairs to find everyone still seated in silence, Nathan and Maeve frozen in their spots, unsure of their next move.

As I entered the room, everyone rose to their feet, Irene and her clan halting in front of me, and Adelie taking her rightful place by my side.

“Judging by the girl’s response, I’m guessing the outcome is positive?” Irene inquired, her gaze shifting to Maeve. The girl’s confidence seemed to have grown even more.

She was resilient. Perhaps I’d been underestimating her. She was more than just an omega.

“I do have one final stipulation, though,” I announced. I could see Maeve stiffen at my words, and even Adelie seemed on edge.