Chapter Seventy
Hunter’s POV
The next few days, I set everything in motion to reinstate Faelen officially into the pack. I’d made the decision, and I’d stand by it, though I knew there were bound to be a few raised eyebrows.
There’d been a lot of gossip circulating since the dinner, but I didn’t care. They came to respect her, but I knew they still didn’t see her as one of us, which I hoped to change.
What mattered to me was ensuring Faelen knew her place here was solid… that she could trust us as much as I hoped to make everyone trust her as I did.
Early the following morning, I gathered the pack elders and high ranking officers in the palace hall, where I intended to reveal my decision.
The sun had barely set over the estate grounds when I had Caleb call the meeting, and the early morning light pierced through the window touching everyone who walked in there.
My chest tightened nervously when I saw them all seated by the long table, shifting on my feet. I could see they were all eager to know why I summoned them.
Clearing my throat, “Today,” I began, my voice loud and steady, “I called you all here because I’d like to acknowledge someone who has proven her loyalty and bravery. Faelen put herself on the line to protect us.”
I saw Caleb nodding approvingly from the front, and a murmur ran through the crowd as I continued.
“We all know her past, and we know the risks she took.” I paused, looking over at the men and women seated around me. “So, I’m instating her, officially, as a full member of our pack.”
The eyes of some of the council members widened. I could see the shock on some of their faces and also the dissatisfaction, but my decision was already made.
The crowd was already responding, some murmuring among themselves, others nodding.
Caleb stepped forward, clapping his hands, and slowly, the rest of the council joined in, a wave of acceptance moving through them.
Seeing them all accept the decision like that hit me harder than I’d expected. It felt like I’d made the right call.
Hours after the tense meeting, Caleb found me in my study. “You did well with the council, you know,” he said casually, handing me a report. “And I think Faelen deserves this.”
I shrugged, though his words struck something in me. “She earned it,” I said simply, not wanting to get into how I felt.
“Sure,” Caleb replied, “just making sure you know what you’re doing with the council, man.”
“Yeah.” I said, not sure what exactly he was saying.
He left the office soon enough, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
A while later, as I passed the training grounds, I noticed Faelen sitting near among a group, listening carefully to Caleb’s recount of his stories.
Her laugh was carried in the air, and for a moment, I realized then that granting her a second chance among us wasn’t just about what she had done for the pack…
Of course, it was about something deeper between us. But I pushed the thought away, not ready to face the truth in me.
That afternoon, I sat at my desk, the weight of the events of that morning pressing down on my shoulders, when a group of council members stormed my office.
Their faces were a mix of concern and skepticism, and I could tell that they had come to voice their worries about Faelen’s place within our pack.
As the murmurs faded, the eldest among them, a elderly man with white streaks in his hair, stepped forward.
“Alpha Hunter,” he began, his voice shaky yet firm. “We appreciate what Faelen did for us during the attack. She displayed bravery, and for that, we are grateful. However, we cannot overlook her past. We’re afraid a spy will always be a spy. We believe it would be in the best interest of the pack to dismiss her and set her free.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group, and I felt my heart sink. I had expected some resistance, but not like this.
Hearing them suggest sending her back to the very pack that had sent her to infiltrate us felt like a betrayal of everything she did for us.
“She should remain a servant,” another member chimed in, crossing his arms defiantly. “That way, we can keep a proper eye on her. It’s far too risky to allow her any position of power or influence among us.”
I could feel anger boiling just below the surface in my chest. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm as I listened to their concerns.
When they had finished speaking, I leaned forward, my gaze fiery as I met their eyes one by one.
“I understand all your concerns,” I said, keeping my tone measured. “But I trust Faelen completely. She risked her life for this pack, and I will not turn my back on her now. If I send her back, she will be killed for her actions. I refuse to be the cause of her death.”
The room fell silent as I let my words sink in. I could see the doubts lingering in their expressions, but I pushed forward.
“As for keeping an eye on her, I want to do that myself, which is precisely why I’ve kept her close. I will not make her a slave again, not after everything that has happened.”
“Hunter, you cannot be serious,” the elder protested, frustration creeping into his voice. “She may have earned your sympathy, but the pack must come first. Our safety is at stake.”
“I will not compromise my judgment based on your fears or suspicions, Marcus,” I replied, my voice growing firmer. “My decision stands. Faelen will remain a member of this pack, and no one is to harm her while she is under my protection.”
The elders exchanged glances, their dissatisfaction visible. I could see their frustration boiling beneath the surface, but I held my ground.
“You are dismissed,” I said, gesturing toward the door. “And I expect you to respect my wishes.”
With murmurs, they filed out of my office, their grumbling voices fading into the hallway. I sat back in my chair, the tension in my chest slowly easing as I considered what I had just declared.
I knew that some members of the pack would not accept my decision, but I couldn’t allow that to put me off what I felt.
Faelen had proven her loyalty, and I was determined to stand by her side, no matter the cost.
Just as the elders left my office, I caught sight of Gaius standing just outside the door, a warm smile spread across his wrinkled face.
Being the pack doctor, my father’s close friend, and the oldest member of our pack, with a lifetime of wisdom behind him, he was a dear friend of mine.
I raised an eyebrow, curious about what could possibly have him smiling after such a tense meeting.
“Gaius,” I greeted him, motioning for him to enter. “What brings you here?”
He stepped inside, settling into a chair across from me. “I couldn’t help but overhear your discussion with the elders,” he began, his smile widening. “It’s clear to me that you care deeply for that girl, Faelen.”
I felt my cheeks heat slightly, an instinctive defensiveness rising within me. “I wouldn’t say that,” I replied, attempting to brush off the comment.
“Oh, but you do,” he pressed gently, his eyes blinking with understanding. “You remind me of your father when he first fell for a foreigner, your mother. Love can be a powerful force, Hunter. I’ve seen it before, both the beauty it brings and the challenges that follow.”
I shifted in my seat, the weight of his words sinking in. “Gaius, I appreciate your concern, but you know the circumstances surrounding Faelen.”
He nodded, his expression turning serious. “Yes, I know. But you must be careful, Hunter. The elders may be selfish and unreasonable, but they’re not entirely wrong about the dangers of blindly trusting her.”
I leaned back in my chair, taking a moment to digest what Gaius was saying. There was wisdom in his words, and a part of me understood the caution I needed to exercise.
But Faelen’s past was complicated, and my feelings for her were equally complicated.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I finally replied.
He stood up, his smile returning as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I have no doubt you’ll do what’s right. Just remember that love is as much about trust as it is about passion. Be patient with her, and with yourself.”
As he walked toward the door, I felt the weight of his words resonate within me.
I needed to navigate this new emotions I felt carefully, balancing my feelings for Faelen with the safety of my pack.
“Thank you, Gaius,” I called out as he paused in the doorway.
He turned back, nodding before disappearing down the hall. I then sat there for a moment, mulling over the conversation.
Gaius was right… love was complicated. But I felt something undeniable for Faelen, and I couldn’t let that, just as much as the judgments of others dictate my feelings.