Ethan pov
I was sitting on my mattress when a stranger approached my door, my heart racing as I quickly glanced at it, a familiar routine by now. The chaos in the pack house involving Amelia, that foolish alpha Lucas’s fiancee, and the two adults I was responsible for, Alessia and Sarah, weighed heavily on my mind.
“Who’s there?” I called out, stretching my neck as if the door was miles away.
“Alpha Ethan, it’s me, Clark. The patriarchs are here for the meeting,” he answered. I got up, adjusted my pajamas, and opened the door.
As I swung it open, I was taken aback by Harper’s untamed beauty. Her raven-black hair fell in disarray over her shoulders, a result of sleep. She wore a faded pack t-shirt and old sweatpants that accentuated her figure perfectly. My mate’s eyes, still heavy with sleep, glimmered with a blend of caution and warmth.
“Clark’s already here?” she inquired, her voice thick with drowsiness.
I nodded, my eyes lingering on her face. “The patriarchs have arrived. They’re eager to talk about… everything. He sent a message, and I thought he was the one knocking, but you sounded just like him.”
Her demeanor transformed from drowsy to alert in a heartbeat. Her gaze sharpened, and her lips formed a firm line. “I’m ready.”
As she moved aside, she stepped into my haven, absorbing the warmth of the space. The bed we had shared countless times was tousled and inviting. The air was filled with the soothing scents of lavender and vanilla, calming my alpha instincts.
“Give me a minute,” Harper said, slipping into her bathroom.
I observed her departure, my ears tuned to the sound of running water and the gentle melody of her morning routine. Clark’s voice outside reminded me of the urgency of the situation.
“Alpha Ethan, the patriarchs are becoming restless,” he called out. I was now certain someone was outside with Harper, trying to get my attention.
I raised my voice, “Tell them I’ll be there soon. Harper needs a moment.”
The door creaked open, and she stepped out, her hair pulled into a messy bun. Her eyes shone with resolve.
“Let’s get this done,” she said, walking past me with purpose.
I followed, my gaze drawn to the confident sway of her hips. My mate was prepared to confront whatever challenges awaited us, and I felt a swell of pride to be by her side.
But then it hit me-she was still in her nightwear, which was odd given the circumstances.
I turned, my heart racing with thoughts. “Wait, Harper, we need to change. We have a pack meeting with the patriarchs,” I said calmly. She suddenly burst into laughter.
I apologize, Ethan, it completely slipped my mind, she said with a sheepish smile.
Let’s switch to something more appropriate; people will think we’ve lost our minds.
Harper’s laughter transformed into a bright smile, easing my tension. Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and for a brief moment, the pack’s issues seemed to vanish.
“Sure, because nothing screams ‘capable alpha’ like attending a patriarchal meeting in pajamas,” she quipped, her tone laced with sarcasm.
I laughed, grateful she was keeping it light. “Let’s get ready. We can’t give them any reason to question us.”
She nodded, her grin unwavering. “Just give me two minutes.”
She rushed into her room, leaving me to pace the hallway. Clark stood patiently outside, his face expressionless.
“Clark, let the patriarchs know we’ll be there soon,” I called out.
“Yes, Alpha,” he responded before disappearing from sight.
I went back to Harper’s room, where she was digging through her closet. “What’s the plan?” she asked, giving me a knowing look.
“Stay calm, assert our authority, and remind them we won’t be intimidated,” I said, watching her slip into a sleek black dress.
Her hair was elegantly styled in a sleek bun, and her makeup was understated yet impactful. In just a few minutes, my friend went from looking drowsy to absolutely radiant.
“You look… impressive,” I remarked, giving my approval.
Harper’s eyes sparkled with confidence. “That’s the plan.”
We made our way back to the meeting room, where the patriarchs awaited us with their serious expressions. However, I could sense a slight change in their attitude. They had misjudged Harper, viewing her as delicate and weak. Today, they would see her true strength.
As we entered, Amelia and Lucas exchanged worried looks. Alessia and Sarah stood confidently, their gazes fixed on Harper with respect.
The patriarchs stood as we approached, their faces revealing a blend of curiosity and skepticism. I positioned myself next to Ember, our solidarity a symbol of resilience.
“Let’s get started,” I announced, commanding the room’s attention.
Harper’s hand brushed against mine, a quiet reminder that we were united in this challenge.
“Let’s get started,” I reiterated, scanning the room.
Patriarch Thompson, a serious elder, cleared his throat. “Alpha Ethan, we are here to address the… troubling issues within your pack.”
Harper’s fingers intertwined with mine, a subtle gesture of encouragement.
“Specifically?” I inquired, keeping my tone even.
Thompson glanced at Amelia and Lucas. “The engagement between Amelia and Alpha Lucas has sparked some worries. There are doubts about the wisdom of merging two strong packs under a single alpha couple.”
Amelia flushed, while Lucas wore a self-satisfied smirk. Harper tightened her grip on my hand.
“I understand,” I replied calmly. “What do you suggest we do about this?”
Patriarch Rodriguez leaned in. “We recommend reconsidering the engagement, given the possible threats to pack stability.”
Harper interjected firmly. “With all due respect, Patriarch Rodriguez, the engagement of Amelia and Lucas is their choice. We won’t interfere, and since they aren’t part of our pack, why is this discussion happening here?”
Amelia shot Harper a grateful look, but Lucas’s expression darkened.
“And what about the custody of Alessia and Sarah?” Thompson inquired, his voice sharp.
Harper stood her ground. “They are under my protection. Their safety is not up for debate.”
Alessia and Sarah exchanged anxious looks, but their eyes reflected trust in Harper.
The patriarchs began to whisper among themselves, their voices rising in intensity. I could feel a rift forming within their ranks.