Unveiling Truths and a Meeting

Addy

The pounding ceases as a high-pitched shriek echoes from the other side of the door. A voice fades down the hallway, protesting against someone manhandling the future Luna.

I glance at the now silent door. “What just happened?”

“Security took care of her,” he explains, his eyes darting back and forth. “I mind-linked them to handle the situation outside my door. They arrived within a minute of my call.”

Myra grumbles, her gaze fixed on the closed door. “She’s going to be a big issue. Dad will have to take drastic measures to make her understand that this life isn’t hers.”

Drake nods in agreement. “We’ll address it in the meeting. I’m not sure how he’ll react to her behavior towards you, Addy, but it won’t be what she’s expecting.”

“You should’ve never gotten involved with her,” Myra mutters. “We all knew she was trouble, but you let your lust cloud your judgment.”

He shoots her a look that I can’t quite interpret, and she falls silent. He turns back to me, letting out a heavy sigh. “I’m aware my past isn’t perfect, Addy. There have been countless times I’ve regretted my actions. But I can promise you this; you’re the only one for me now. No other she-wolf will ever catch my eye. Everything I do will be to make you proud and cater to your needs. From the moment we met today, my life has revolved around you. Don’t hesitate to talk to me about anything. We’ll establish some rules about when to discuss certain matters, and others that won’t require your interruption,” he says, his finger tracing my face gently.

I survey the room that’s now mine due to our union. My eyes land on Myra, who’s seated on a smaller sofa across from us. “What’s your take on all this?”

Her face breaks into a wide grin. “Which part? You becoming my sister-in-law or getting to live here with everyone?”

I return her smile, albeit a small one. “I know you’re thrilled about me being your brother’s mate, hence a part of your life. But what about everything that follows? I have no idea how to lead a pack or handle this title.”

She throws her head back, laughing heartily. “That’s what we’re here for, along with mom. Each Alpha has their own style, but the basics remain the same. I’ve been observing mom for years, preparing for the possibility of my mate being an Alpha. It’s likely, as it’s rare for an Alpha’s daughter to be paired with a Beta. We’ll find out at the party tomorrow. Don’t stress about learning to be a Luna, Addy. Much of it will come naturally, and you’ll have plenty of help. We’ll also guide you on who to ignore; some might try to mislead you to make your decisions look bad.”

Drake growls lowly. “My pack members better not, unless they want to face my wrath.”

She chuckles again. “You haven’t been paying much attention, have you? Look at all the warnings you ignored because of a bat of eyelashes or a sweet word. This will be a learning curve for both of you as everything unfolds. Drake needs to stay focused and be aware of everything.”

His eyes narrow at his sister. “How do you know all this?”

She waves her hand dismissively. “Mom, you dummy. I’ve been by her side all these years, listening to her point out your flaws that need correcting. She’ll also guide Addy on her responsibilities now that she’s your other half. She’ll be the calm presence that helps you stay centered as you lead this pack.”

He shakes his head. “I should’ve known. I’ve been so overwhelmed since finding her that I haven’t been thinking clearly. I need to regain my composure and prepare for what’s to come.”

I lower my head, overwhelmed by all this. His finger lifts my chin, guiding my gaze back to his. “I don’t know if I’m cut out for this. What if I mess up?”

They both laugh before Myra reassures me. “That’s nothing to worry about. Mom and Dad have made plenty of mistakes. No leader is perfect; you’ll make plenty, and so will Drake.”

Drake plants a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth. “We’ll navigate this journey together, as it’s meant to be. We’ll grow stronger as we learn from our mistakes.”

A gentle knock interrupts us. “Drake, your father sent me to inform you that he’s waiting in his office.” The footsteps recede after the announcement.

He stands up and extends his hand to me. “Let’s go. You need to change before we head down there. I want my mate to look the part,” he smirks.

Myra stands up, shooing him away. “I’ll help her get ready. You wait outside.”

He pouts but exits the room, the door clicking softly behind him. She grunts as she sifts through the closet, her fingers skimming over the new dresses and outfits. She selects a mint green short set with a matching shirt and holds it up to me.

“This will complement your tan. Hurry up and change in the bathroom. My father doesn’t like to be kept waiting,” she nudges me forward.

“Alright, stop pushing. I’ll change,” I say, taking the clothes from her and swatting her hands away.

She giggles and flops back onto the couch, watching me retreat into the bathroom. The bathroom is as grand as the bedroom, adorned with gold tiles surrounded by navy blue and white. The pattern depicts waves crashing onto a golden beach, with the blue waves topped with white foam. I trace the pattern with my finger, taking in the size of the bathroom, which is larger than my parents’ dining room. A massive glass shower stands in one corner, boasting a huge square head in the center. I undress slowly, dropping my clothes down a chute labeled ‘laundry’. I fumble with the new clothes, finally managing to put them on after a few nerve-wracking moments. The silk shirt feels luxurious against my skin, and I button up the shorts and zip them up.

“Addy, we need to go. If we don’t leave now, my dad will tear us apart for being late,” Myra’s voice filters through the door.

I turn the knob and step out, wringing my hands nervously. “Is this okay to wear?”

Her eyes sparkle in the sunlight. “Are you kidding? You look stunning. My brother will have to fend off the unmated males.”

The door opens as Drake re-enters, but he freezes in his tracks. His eyes roam over my outfit as I stand there, trembling slightly under his intense gaze. Myra steps forward, snapping her fingers to bring him back to reality.

“Sorry, I heard she was ready. Let’s go, we need to get to the meeting before dad starts fussing.” He offers me his arm, his eyes reflecting his approval of my outfit.

As we leave his room, the males bow their heads at Drake. I notice him watching their eyes, which quickly avert their gaze. A few don’t, eliciting a low growl from him until they look away. We descend the main staircase, turning left at the bottom and walking down a seemingly endless hallway. Finally, we stop in front of two massive wooden doors, where he knocks sharply.

“Come in,” a low voice commands from the other side.

I tremble as his hand pushes open the door. “Relax, Addy,” Myra soothes. “It’s no different than all the dinners you’ve had with him.”

“It is different,” I whisper. “He wasn’t the Alpha then. Just your father enjoying dinner with his family.”

Drake looks down at me, smiling. “He’s the same person as he was then. He was the Alpha at every meal you shared with us; it just feels different now because you’ll see him in that role.”

The door swings open to reveal his dad, who looks up and smiles. “Good afternoon. Please come in, we have a lot to discuss.”

Drake tugs on my arm as my eyes sweep the office, relieved to find it empty. He leads me to a sofa facing his father, helping me sit down. I’m sandwiched between them, my eyes darting around the room as I try to suppress my trembling.

“We need to talk before everyone arrives. Drake, you mentioned that these photos your phone sent were from Macie’s attack?” His fingers glide over his phone.

“Yeah, Dad. I’m to blame. Myra asked me repeatedly to stop her, but I didn’t follow up on my orders to leave Myra alone,” he admits, lowering his gaze.

His father’s gaze is sharp as he looks up. “You’ve been so busy proving you’re ready for this role that you let this slip, huh?”

Drake swallows hard. “Yes, sir. I ignored Myra’s pleas. I didn’t see any signs of an attack, but I didn’t realize how well she hid it.”

His father chuckles. “I get it, son. It’s tough to keep up with everything. Did you assign anyone to watch her while you investigated?”

“I asked Kevin to keep an eye on her. But he couldn’t prevent the last attack because he couldn’t enter the girls’ locker room. Myra managed to stop it, but the damage was done. She was covered in bruises,” he gestures to the phone.

His father grunts, looking up from the phone. “She did a terrible thing to her. Everyone in the Silverleaf pack knows this kind of violence isn’t tolerated on my land. What do you think should be done with her?”

This time, Myra speaks up. “Dad, she should be made a rogue. She attacks Addy every day.”

Her father looks at her but shakes his head. “I understand how you feel, but I have a different idea.”

I lift my head, which I’d dropped when he asked for suggestions. “What are you thinking, Alpha?”

He laughs heartily, causing me to lower my gaze. “Addy, you don’t have to call me that. You’ll be family soon. You can call me by my name, dear. Sherman, not Alpha.”

I look up slowly. “That wouldn’t be right, sir. You’re the Alpha of the pack, which makes you my Alpha.”

He strokes his chin, nodding slowly. “That’s true, but since you’re Drake’s mate, things are different. He’s the future Alpha, so there’s no need for formality. My name is proper enough.”

There’s a knock at the door. He invites them in and Macie enters, her parents trailing behind her. They sit in empty chairs while Macie stands in front of me.

“Move, reject. You’re in my seat,” she snarls.

Myra’s hand grips my leg as I start to stand. “You need to sit over there,” she points to a green chair. “This seat is taken.”

Macie glares at Myra. “You can’t tell me where to sit. I want this seat, so she needs to move.”

Drake rises. “You were told where to sit; I suggest you listen to my sister.”

Macie huffs, flipping her hair over her shoulder and stomping to the empty chair.

Sherman taps his finger on the desk. “We’ve called this meeting to discuss some very troubling incidents involving a pack member.”

Her parents shift uncomfortably. “We’ve heard about the attacks over the past few days. We’ve reprimanded her, but after what we saw, I don’t think she took our words seriously.”

Sherman nods. “That’s what we’re here to discuss. Now, let’s figure out what to do about it.”