As the time neared for the pack meeting, Mom and Dad came to tell me goodbye since they had to be present per Alpha Richard’s command.
“We will see you after the pack meeting. We will be bringing King Friedrich, Queen Philipa, Princess Sophia, and Princess Ophelia back with us unless something changes. Get some rest. Love you,” comforted Mom as she kissed me on the cheek and hugged me before Dad did.
“I will Mom. I don’t think Anthony will let me move from this position. Be careful and be safe. I’ll see you when you get back. Love you too,” I cooed after our hug and kiss.
“By kiddo, behave yourself. We’ll be back soon,” exclaimed Dad after he hugged and kissed me.
“I’ll behave myself, Dad. Love you too, Dad,” I gushed as he and Mom walked out of the bedroom.
Anthony kissed me gently on the lips, “I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Okay,” I replied as I watched him walk after my parents. I knew he wanted to talk to them about something before the pack meeting. I also knew that Anthony had been keeping his emotions in check for me. I knew he was upset over losing one of the babies and wanted to kill Prince Michael for hurting me.
Anthony came back looking a little flushed but in control. I decided I wasn’t going to ask him any questions. I was going to allow him to tell me when he was ready because I knew he would. Anthony slid into the bed next to me and cuddled with me. Did I mention I love my mate?
____________
The pack assembled at the Training Grounds per Alpha Richard’s request for the pack meeting. They were surprised to see both Alpha Kings in attendance and the High Council. Now, the pack was beginning to understand the magnitude of the assault on Delta Melanie by Prince Michael.
Pack Meeting
Good afternoon Brookwood Pack, by now all of you have heard of the events that took place yesterday afternoon. However, as the events are told, some half-truths are told as well. I need to clarify and correct false information. Before we begin, I must say You are all now under an Alpha command not to speak of what you hear in the meeting to anyone unless I command it. Do you understand?” commanded Alpha Richard.
“Yes Alpha,” responded the pack in unison.
“Let me start with yesterday morning, we were attacked by a group of rogues. Their target was former Delta Troy Miller. They had silver knives in order to kill him. Delta Anthony intervened and saved Troy’s life by taking a knife wound to the left shoulder and suffering silver poisoning. The doctors were able to remove all the silver and he is currently at home recovering with Delta Melanie,” assured Alpha Richard to the pack. He paused to let that sink in.
“Delta Melanie was asked to be the third neutral party individual in talks between both Alpha Kings in order to avoid a war between both countries. They were meeting in the Conference Room in the afternoon when the incident took place. Delta Melanie was on her way out the door when Prince Michael barged in without knocking, knocking her into the wall and onto the floor. Then telling her to ‘Watch where she was going,’ and proceeded to tell her ‘To get out of his way,’ by kicking her in her stomach,’ explained Alpha Richard.
Growls and gasps were heard from the pack members.
“Silence! I need you all to listen very carefully to the next part. Delta Melanie was taken to the pack hospital where it was confirmed that she lost one of her twins. She is on bed rest for the remainder of the weekend. She will be confined to light duties until it is determined that her other baby is out of danger. Now then, Prince Michael is in the dungeons. He will be taken into custody by the Council today. You will not speak to him, touch him, or do anything to him. The Council is responsible for his punishment since he is a Prince. Do you understand?” commanded Alpha Richard.
“Yes Alpha,” answered the pack in unison.
“We all know that Delta Melanie is not one for sitting around doing nothing. She will still act as the third neutral party individual in the talks. The talks will be held at her house. We will let the pack know when they will take place so you can avoid the area. Also, do not be surprised when you see a lot more individuals from Europe show up on our doorstep as former Delta Female Louise was from there,” advised Alpha Richard as he paused to let everything sink in once again.
Alpha Richard turned and asked if anyone wanted to say anything to the pack while they were assembled. Alpha King Matthew stepped forward to address the pack.
“Brookwood Pack, Queen Diana, and I are deeply troubled by the actions of our son, Prince Michael. We are saddened that Delta Melanie lost one of her babies due to his actions. We do not condone his actions in any way shape or form. We will abide by the Council and the punishment they deem appropriate for his crime against Delta Melanie. Please accept our heartfelt apology,” pleaded Alpha King Matthew as he bowed to the pack as a sign of respect. As a sign of acceptance, the pack knelt in front of the Alpha King.
Everyone understood that Alpha King Matthew was not to blame for his son’s actions. All he could do was apologize. His son had been out of control for a while. It had been a matter of time before something of this magnitude had happened.
“Alpha King Matthew, I speak on behalf of the Royal family of Europe, namely my brother, Duke Vladimir. We accept your apology for your son’s actions,” advised Alpha King Friedrich.
When King Friedrich named his brother, a few on the Council had a shocked reaction as well as from the pack.
“Brookwood Pack, If you have any questions or concerns, please see me or Beta Micah. You are dismissed! Enjoy the rest of your day,” commanded Alpha Richard.
Everyone left the training grounds to go about their business. The Council, Alpha King Matthew, Queen Diana, and Alpha Richard stayed behind. The Council wanted to know what Alpha King Friedrich meant by the statement about Duke Vladimir and the Royal family of Europe.
“Is Delta Melanie related to Duke Vladimir?” demanded Elder Brown to no one in particular.
“Yes, she is. He is her uncle. Former Delta Female Louise is Duke Vladimir’s sister,” explained Alpha Richard. “It is not common knowledge but it is in this pack. It is a well-guarded secret for a reason. Everyone is under Alpha’s command not to disclose that information.”
“I see. So, this incident as well as the rejection of Princess Sophia could start a war between our countries?” inquired Elder Lee.
“Yes, unfortunately, it could be Elder Lee. Just because Alpha King Friedrich accepted my apology for my son’s actions, it doesn’t mean they can’t declare war for what he did. The Duke is presently on his way here to check on his niece. He is described as being livid. He and his mate were not blessed with pups so either Melanie or Daniel will succeed him in his position as Duke,” explained Alpha King Matthew.
“This just gets better and better, doesn’t it? How come no one thought to inform the Council of this?! We needed to know this!” fumed Elder Marshall.
“No, not really since right now, it’s still only a family matter. That was another reason why we chose Melanie as our third-party neutral individual, because of ‘who’ she was,” declared Alpha King Matthew. “The European Council will be arriving in two days to hammer out a peace agreement. If a peace agreement cannot be reached, then a war will ensue. I suggest we all get ready,” explained Alpha King Matthew.
___________
Everyone arrived back at Melanie’s house after the pack meeting. Mom and Rebecca went immediately into the kitchen to finish preparing the feast for lunch. Everyone was surprised to see Melanie sitting on the couch.
“Why are you on the couch instead of in bed?” demanded my Dad.
“Anthony and I compromised. Because we were going to have guests, I didn’t want everyone to be in the bedroom, I could be downstairs with my feet up and still be immobile. I promised not to move or try to walk around,” I explained to Dad and everyone else.
“It’s good to see you again Melanie. How are you feeling? How’s the baby?” asked King Friedrich.
“So far so good. It still hurts where he kicked me, but I’m doing better. I can’t believe he did that,” I sniffled.
“Well, you need to prepare yourself because Vladimir is on his way here and he’s pissed. I don’t know what else to tell you,” soothed King Friedrich.
“Dad, we’d better explain to Anthony and his Grandparents about our ‘other’ family before they get here. We have to prepare them. Otherwise, they are in for a rude awakening when he gets here,” I said right before Mom announced that lunch was ready.
Anthony picked me up and took me to the dining room table. We all sat around the table and started eating our lunch. The conversation centered around the pack meeting and what was discussed. When it came to the part where King Friedrich accepted King Matthew’s apology, we had to explain our relationship to the European Royal family.
Here goes nothing.