“Why is everyone so silent today? The party isn’t even going well.”
Suddenly, the music stopped, and a voice rang out.
Levi and Rish stopped dancing, their eyes falling on Lucas, who stood looking expensive and authoritative.
“What’s happening?” Levi whispered in Rish’s ear, not understanding why the music had suddenly stopped.
She had been thoroughly enjoying herself, and this sudden disturbance really ruined the mood.
For many years, they had lived in poverty, so attending a party was something unachievable. This was the first party for both Levi and Rish, and in the pack they belonged to but had never been able to see due to circumstances.
“How would I know? It’s better if we go to where everyone is. This man isn’t safe, and we’re both powerful too,” Rish answered, holding his sister’s hand and leading Levi out, walking toward where Jackson and Lima were sitting.
Maya and Elk also approached to see Lucas.
“This party happens every year, and it’s nothing new, but this year there’s something very special you all need to know,” Lucas announced, his voice gripped with the authority he possessed.
As Alpha, no matter what, he was still the most powerful man present.
“What the fuck is he trying to do?” Lima cursed. “I really hate this Alpha and your useless pack.”
Jackson’s eyes narrowed. Being the ex-beta, he had never liked Lucas either, but he couldn’t deny that Lucas lacked nothing to be Alpha.
Even if he hated him, Jackson had to admit that Lucas had been the right candidate at the time. There was no one else who could have held the whole pack together in that crucial situation.
Whatever the case, Lucas was an intelligent man. There was no denying that hard-core truth.
“He doesn’t even look right. He looks like he’s going to create some issue,” Levi spoke her thoughts aloud.
The tension in the air was palpable as Lucas surveyed the crowd, his eyes lingering on Maya and her children. A smirk played at the corners of his mouth, sending a chill down Levi’s spine.
“As you all know,” Lucas continued, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent gathering, “our pack has faced many challenges over the years. But we persevered, grown stronger.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Elk stepped forward, his posture tense. “What are you getting at, Lucas?”
Lucas’s smirk widened. “Patience, old friend. I’m getting there.” He turned back to the crowd. “Today, we welcome back some long-lost members of our pack. Maya, why don’t you step forward with your children?”
Maya froze, her eyes wide with alarm. Rish instinctively moved closer to Levi, shielding her partially from view.
“Come now,” Lucas coaxed, his tone deceptively gentle. “Don’t be shy. After all, this is a family reunion of sorts, isn’t it?”
Jackson growled low in his throat. “Lucas, whatever game you’re playing-”
“No games, Jackson,” Lucas cut him off sharply. “Just the truth. The truth our pack deserves to know.”
With deliberate slowness, Lucas turned to face Maya directly. “Why don’t you greet them Maya? Been so many years, and you are back.”
Everyone looked at Maya with eyes she knew all too well – questioning, hateful. It was exactly what she had suffered 18 years ago, and she hadn’t expected to face it again. But now that she was here, she couldn’t just back away. It wouldn’t help her in any way; she had to face this even if she wanted to run.
“Yes, I’m back. What’s the issue? I’m a member of this pack too. It doesn’t seem like a problem to me,” Maya loudly proclaimed, determined not to show weakness.
“When you leave a pack without official procedures, you’re considered a rogue. So your kids are rogues too. How can rogues be here?” A voice called out from the crowd.
“They’re my kids too, and I’m part of this pack,” Elk interjected, trying to protect her. “If anyone’s forgotten, Maya is my mate. So she’s not a rogue, no matter how many years have passed since she left.”
Maya’s heart fluttered. Earlier, Elk had been so emotionless with her, but now, in front of everyone, he was protecting her. It was quite unexpected and beyond what she had anticipated.
The crowd murmured, some nodding in agreement with Elk, others still looking sceptical. Lucas’s eyes narrowed, clearly not pleased with this turn of events.
“Be that as it may,” Lucas said, his voice cutting through the chatter, “the fact remains that these children have grown up outside our pack. They know nothing of our ways, our traditions. How can they possibly claim a place here, let alone any right to stay here?”
Levi stepped forward, her chin raised defiantly. “We may not know everything about this pack, but we’re quick learners. And we’re here now, ready to take our place.”
Rish nodded, standing beside his sister. “Our mother taught us about our heritage. We may have been raised away from here, but we’ve always known who we are.”
Lucas sneered. “Pretty words. But words alone don’t make a fighter.”
“No,” Elk agreed, moving to stand beside his children. “Actions do. And I think it’s time we gave them a chance to prove themselves.”
Maya felt a surge of pride and hope seeing Elk defend their children. She joined them, forming a united front.
She knows Levi and Rish are not that powerful, but she is still happy at least they are trying to stand up for themselves.
“If you have any challenges for them, Lucas,” Maya said, her voice steady, “let’s hear them. But remember, they’re pack members by blood and by right. You can’t deny that.”
The crowd watched in tense silence, waiting to see how Lucas would respond. The Alpha’s face was a mask of barely contained fury, but he was clearly weighing his options.
Finally, he spoke. “Very well. If you want to prove yourselves, you’ll have the chance. But don’t think for a moment that this will be easy. You’ve got years of absence to make up for.”
Levi and Rish exchanged a determined glance. “We’re ready,” they said in unison.
“How about showing us your wolf form first? It’s very important; without that, you can’t do anything. Let us see how strong your wolf form is so we can judge.”