Chapter Forty-Nine

Daphne's Point of View

My mating ceremony was a few days ago, and although it was not the wonderful event we had

originally planned, in the end I was still bound to Caleb. I was also announced as the Luna of our

pack. Life did not slow down from there.

The only living heirs to my father's pack were my sister and I. My sister also happens to be the only

living heir to her pack in California. On top of all of this, Scarlet has also discovered that she and

Theo are second chance mates. There has been so much going on lately that Caleb and I have not

been able to celebrate our mating ceremony.

Right now, we are in talks with Beta Noah regarding the Silver Moon pack and the line of

succession. Scarlet has already stated that she has no desire to be the acting Luna of the pack. The

next in line for the job is me. I have no desire to try to lead people that could not even treat me like

I was human; however, I do not want there to be any mistreatment of the people there. There have

been suggestions back and forth about Noah taking over, or one of our warriors stepping forward

as the new Alpha. There is also the issue of Theo being Scarlet's mate. By all rights even if Scarlet

does not desire the position, Theo could step forward as the new Alpha. Noah is not aware of that

situation though.

“Noah if you do not mind, there is a lot of information for my family to discuss. If you could step

outside, I will have Hannah take you downstairs and get you fed some lunch while we discuss the

options.” Caleb's voice is firm but friendly. I marvel at how well he does politically. Noah nods at him

and leaves the room.

Caleb turns to face Scarlet, Theo, and I. I can see the worry lines creasing his forehead already.

"Scarlet, I know that you believe that you have been away too long, to be an effective leader to the

Silver Moon pack. Theo you as her mate have a choice, one that I will back either way. You have

always been an excellent Beta, and I believe with all my heart that you will make an amazing Alpha. I

know that the two of you have a lot of heavy decisions on your shoulders right now so Daphne and

I will leave you alone to discuss the options.” With Caleb's words I stand. I am ready to get out of

this room for a minute. We leave them alone to talk, and retreat into our bedroom.

“Caleb, if Theo does decide to become the next Alpha who would be your Beta?” Out of everything I

heard in the den, this was the one question that I was worried about the most. I am aware that I

have trust issues, and I want to make sure that the next Beta is someone that both Caleb and I can

trust.

“No matter who I choose no one is going to be as good as Theo.” Caleb's head is bowed, and I can

tell that this is weighing heavily on him. I walk over and wrap my arms around his waist giving him a

tight hug so that he knows I am here for him. “Theo and I have grown up together. We trained

together; we have fought together. We have found love together; we have gone through everything

in our lives together. I want what is best for him, but the thought of him leaving is making me sad.”

Caleb is resting his head on top of mine, and I rub his back simply trying to provide a sense of

comfort to him.

“Think about it this way love, if Theo does decide to be the next Alpha then he is still very close. It

also means that you will have another allied pack close to us. Plus, it is an opportunity for Theo, as

you said he is a great Beta but would make an excellent Alpha.” I am hoping that my words will

provide Caleb some comfort.

"Hmmm I have such a smart and beautiful mate. How did I get so lucky?” Caleb lets out a little

laugh. I am glad that I was able to ease the tension somewhat.

“Unfortunately, I think we need to get back in there and see if they have reached a decision. We still

have other meetings to get to today, and it is already past lunch.” I did not want to let go of Caleb,

and I definitely did not want to go back to meetings. I knew that we had to finish them though, it

was the only way that Caleb and I would be able to finally get some time together. Linking my hand

with Caleb's hand I start to lead us out of the bedroom.

Caleb knocked before we went back into the den. Looking at Scarlet and Theo I can see that their

decisions have not been easy for them to make. My heart breaks a little for them. They have had

such a tragic start to what will hopefully become a better future for them both.

“Caleb, Daphne we have a few things to discuss with you two before we get Noah back up here.”

Theo's voice is all business. “Scarlet and I have tried to look at this from every angle, taking in every

scenario. We need to settle things with the Cedar Wood pack. Scarlet is their Luna, and we both feel

that we have a responsibility to ensuring that what remains of the pack is taken care of. Dorian

caused a lot of damage, and we need to fix as much of it as we can.” Theo pauses to take a deep

breath and squeezes Scarlet's hand in reassurance.

“Although Scarlet is also the rightful accession to the Silver Moon pack, she does not feel like she

has any strong ties there. We have a potential plan that we have talked through and we need your

input on it. Do you want to take it from here?” Theo asks Scarlet.

"Yes, so um I want what is best for everyone involved. Dorian caused a lot of damage within the

Cedar Wood pack. In truth the pack is broke, I have no idea who or if we have any allies, and I do

not even know if anyone would choose to stay under my leadership. Theo is happy here, this is his

home and I can see why he is happy. At one time this was also my home, and I really want to stay

and continue growing my bond with my sister. There is no one left in the Cedar Wood pack that

would be able to take over the Alpha position, Dorian’s warriors are snakes in the grass. I would be

worried that they would continue destroying what is left of the pack. After speaking with Theo and

seeing how great you two work together I would like to offer the rest of the pack the option to

relocate here, and pledge allegiance to your pack.” With this declaration, I can see that Scarlet is

starting to get nervous. “I was thinking and hoping to offer the territory to the Red Wood pack,

which is the closest pack to our territory. Now I would need to meet with their Alpha, because

ultimately, 1 would love for the pack members that do not want to relocate, to be able to join a

neighboring pack.” Scarlet is definitely nervous and rushes through the ending of her speech.

Caleb takes a moment to process everything that they just explained to us. I am new to politics so I

can not really jump in with an opinion on the whole subject. “I would openly accept anyone that

wanted to be apart of our pack as long as their hearts are aligned with our pack values.” Caleb I can

tell is trying to reassure my sister. “I think that you have a great plan in mind for your pack, and I

have to say that I think it is very mature and wise. It takes a lot of strength, and courage to try to

right the wrongs of other people.” Scarlet smiles at Caleb's praise.

“Theo, I love you as if you were my true blood brother. We have been through many things in this

life together. I am proud of you always.” Caleb gets emotional as he addresses Theo.

"I feel the same brother, which is why Scarlet and I both think that Noah should take over the Silver

Moon pack. I have investigated his character, and I believe that he will be a strong, but fair Alpha. I

do not care for his wife, nor his daughter but I believe that he can keep their attitudes in check.

Scarlet and I wish to stay here, with you and Daphne. I have never had the desire to be an Alpha,

and I would like the opportunity to get to know my mate better before trying to lead an entire

pack.” Theo is also getting emotional.

“You will always have a home here with us. I will help arrange everything that you and Scarlet will

need to travel to her pack. We will also cover the expenses of anyone that would like to relocate

here as well. I will send you with some of the pack warriors to help in negotiations with the

neighboring pack. I would feel better if I knew you had our men at your back.” Caleb and Theo go

on to discuss more of the logistics, but I am worried about Scarlet.

“Scarlet, are you sure this is what you want?” I cannot help but ask her. She was nervous through her

speech and I do not want her to feel pressured to give her pack up.

"Actually, I was the one that talked Theo into all of this. Daphne, I think that I would make a good

Luna, but I was Dorian’s mate. No matter how great I am, there will always be some anger at the

past. That is not good for any pack. This plan was the best that I could come up with that may help

heal some of the pain that they have had to deal with.” Scarlet looks down at her hands, and I can

tell that she is reliving some of the worst of Dorian’s behaviors.

“Besides, I think that Theo and I could have something great. We have both experienced tragedy,

love, misery, and pain. Those kinds of things change how a person views life, and love.” Scarlet looks

over at Theo and there is a slight shimmer in her eyes. “I did not truly believe in second chance

mates, and neither did Theo. Perhaps this was the Moon Goddess's way of blessing me for finally

coming to my senses.”

The boys finish up their preplanning of the trip and we ask Noah to rejoin us all in the den. Caleb

and Theo explain to Noah that Scarlet and I do not wish to lead the pack. Caleb, Theo and Noah

hammer out the finer details of allies, future trades, and whatever else they could think of. Since

night was falling Noah decided to stay one more night with our pack before going home tomorrow.

Theo and Scarlet also planned to leave for California tomorrow.

Finally, all the negotiations were done, and Caleb and I were getting ready for bed. The long talks

and the stress of the last few days have left me exhausted. I can only imagine the toll it has taken on

Caleb as well.

"Are you excited that Scarlet is going to be so close now?" Caleb asks me as he is changing.

"Yes, I am very happy about it. I am worried and sad for her and Theo though. Those two have been

through so much, and they deserve some happiness.” I am already yawning as I slip under the

covers

“I agree love. Hopefully, they can find some of that happiness together.” Caleb is also yawning as he

slides into bed, wrapping his arm around my waist and spooning me close to him. Even with all the

hectic drama we have been dealing with I am grateful that I am in his arms every night. Soon we are

both fast asleep.