Nicklaus’ POV
I noticed my love had returned to our room, so I decided to find a way to slip away from everyone and join her there. The shower was running, and unsurprisingly, she didn’t notice me entering. I stepped into the bathroom, admiring her back for a few moments before pulling her close. I whispered in her ear, telling her how beautiful she looked, and deep down, I felt immense gratitude for having her in my life.
We were sharing an intimate moment and were about to take things further when Mateo barged in, abruptly interrupting us. My frustration flared; he chose this exact moment, when my connection with my mate was growing more intense, to intrude. I was aroused, and his intrusion only added to my irritation.
Despite my reluctance, I knew I couldn’t ignore the urgent meeting any longer. I was certain it was more than it seemed, likely related to the rat Mateo had caught. I left, promising my mate that I would return to continue what we had started. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, a reminder of the hope I found in her amidst the chaos.
On my way out, I exchanged words with Mateo. “You really need to learn how to knock, don’t you?”
“We’re not used to you having company in your room, especially of the opposite gender. I apologize sincerely,” he responded.
“You’re truly annoying. Now, tell me what you’ve got.”
“I couldn’t locate the rat, but after some intense interrogation of our prisoner, he finally revealed the source of the information being leaked to our enemies. That’s how they’ve been gaining the upper hand in taking our territories.”
“I see. I suppose those days are now behind us. They’re going to experience the consequences of crossing my path. Let’s head in.”
“Of course, after you, Alpha. Everyone’s already inside.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of triumph over outwitting our adversaries.
Upon entering, everyone greeted me and took their seats. As I raised my hands to address the assembly, the room hushed.
“I’ve returned, and this time it’s for good. As you’ve heard, my mate and my daughter are with me.”
“Alpha Nicklaus, what about the fact that she’s the enemy’s daughter? Could she potentially disrupt our peace?” one of them queried.
“She hasn’t had any contact with her father for a long time, so I don’t consider her a factor in this crisis.”
“Alpha, rumors are spreading that she’s a weak omega. Is she truly fit to be our Luna? Shouldn’t you marry a powerful she-wolf who can fight alongside us?” another voice chimed in.
I felt my anger flare at the disrespect towards my mate. “How dare you speak of my Luna in such a manner, you traitor? How dare you?” My outburst shook the room, and their faces registered shock.
“We apologize for provoking you,” one of them quickly apologized.
“Talking about my Luna being weak? No, she’s not. She’s strong and powerful in ways you can’t comprehend. Even if she can’t shift, do you know we have a traitor among us? The welcoming celebration would have turned into a massacre because he sold us out to our enemy.” I pointed at the guilty party, their expressions reflecting surprise and disbelief.
“What?”
“Why would you betray your pack?”
“This is wrong; he needs to be punished.”
“Enough, everyone. I am going to punish him, and this will serve as an example to anyone who tries to play smart with me,” I added, and he seemed indifferent.
“You left us to be with a woman. I had to be on the winning side.”
“Quiet down. I hereby denounce you as a member of the Blood Moon Pack. You are now a rogue. Leave and never return until you’ve learned your lessons out there,” I ordered, finalizing my decision.
He left in anger, and the conversations among the rest continued. The female elder among us raised her hand, indicating she had something to say.
“Go ahead.”
“The Luna celebration needs to take place this weekend now that you both have returned. However, how can she pass the ritual when she can’t shift?” she inquired.
“Do not rush us. I will announce the date of the Luna ceremony myself. As for the ritual, I have made the decision to cancel the requirement for shifting into a wolf. It’s final,” I declared firmly.
“What? Please reconsider. If the ritual isn’t performed, it could bring doom upon us all.”
“My decision stands. This meeting is concluded. Have a good night. Mateo will convey any further important messages in case they arise,” I said, signaling my departure.
“Mateo, fetch me a bottle of vodka. I need a drink,” I requested, and he nodded before hurrying to get it.
I drank from the bottle heavily, and Gabriella noted, “You’re drinking a lot tonight.”
“Why is everyone so concerned about Gabriella’s wolf? I know she can’t shift, but none of this is her fault, and we all know it. Everything is in the hands of the Moon Goddess,” I said, taking more sips.
“You’ve got control of the situation. Your word is final, and no one can go against it,” he reassured.
“Also, Alpha, we managed to eliminate the rat, so we can strategize our plans again,” he reminded me.
“Draft a plan. I need to be with my Luna now.”
“Understood, Alpha. By tomorrow afternoon, everything will be prepared.”
“Good. Have a restful night, and make sure everyone remains attentive and alert,” I instructed, heading to our room to meet Gabriella.
“Hey, love. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long?” I asked upon entering.
“No, not at all. So, how did it go? Care to share?” she inquired, curious.
“It went well. Some of the elders are having their doubts, and my people are divided,” I said, offering a simplified version of the events to avoid worrying her unnecessarily.
“What? That’s not good. What can we do to improve the situation?” she responded, expressing concern.
“Don’t worry; I’ve got things under control. I demoted one of them, and we’re adjusting our strategy. He was a key source of information.”
“Oh, that explains it.” Her tone held a hint of disappointment, and I sensed that perhaps she had anticipated something else. The weight of the Luna’s responsibilities might have been overwhelming for her.
“Yes, and there’s also the pressure from everyone now that we’re back. I told them we’ll take things step by step to resolve everything. I assured them that things will work out,” I added, omitting some of the more negative aspects of the discussions.
“That’s reassuring, then.”
“Lastly, they want the Luna ceremony to take place this weekend, but I think it’s too sudden. I don’t want you to feel stressed.”
“It’s alright. I’m ready. After all, I’m your mate, and I want to be the Luna for the people. They’ve shown me so much love, and I feel prepared to take on that role.”
“Are you absolutely sure? I know you care about me and don’t want to burden yourself, but if you’re not ready, I can choose a later date. As their Alpha, I can do that for you.”
She kissed me tenderly and declared, “I’m ready, my love. I want to do this.”
“Alright, if you say so. By the way, we had some unfinished business before I left. It’s time to take care of that.” I moved in to kiss her, and our intimacy ensued.
The following day, I made the announcement: “Get prepared, everyone. The Luna ceremony will take place on Saturday, under the full moon. Make sure all the necessary arrangements are in order.”