Levi looked at Rish as soon as they heard Lucas’s words about showing their wolf form.
They had yet to obtain their wolf. On the day when Levi got fewer, everyone thought she would get her wolf, but it didn’t happen.
So that was still to come.
“What happened? Why did the colour drain from your faces?” Lucas smirked.
Elk looked at him angrily. “They haven’t gotten their wolves yet.”
“How can they be part of a pack when they’re old enough but still haven’t gotten their wolves? Quite shameless, isn’t it?” Lucas remarked callously.
Maya stood beside the Elk. “I don’t think it’s necessary. Not everybody gets their wolves at a certain time. We just come in the pack; it’s not like they’ll magically get wolves. It takes time.”
“Then why did you say they would prove themselves when they don’t even have wolves?” a voice from the crowd rang out.
The party was spoiled, and it was difficult for everyone.
Lucas made it seem like he had been planning this from the start, which Maya would bet on.
He did appear to have been working towards this from the beginning.
“That doesn’t mean only having a wolf can show their worth. And don’t forget, they don’t even have to prove themselves because they’re my children, which shows how they’re part of this pack,” Maya retorted, looking at everyone with determination.
She might be worried and wary of everything, but they couldn’t make it seem like she wasn’t part of this place.
Maybe she left for years and had a reason, but that didn’t mean she would never be part of this pack again.
“I heard that before you left, you wanted to find a Royal blood heir. Now that you’re here, did you find it?” Lucas questioned.
Maya could see how eager and agitated he was to figure it out.
Still, there was no way she would tell the truth. Priya’s identity needed to be hidden, and she was glad Priya wasn’t here. She was with Priyank, God knows where, but it was better than facing all this drama.
“Even if she didn’t find the Royal blood, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s the sister of the late queen, so show some respect,” Jackson defended.
He knew it wasn’t right, as he was the ex-beta and needed to respect Lucas, which he always did no matter how difficult it was.
Now this man was getting on his nerves, so it was nearly impossible to do so.
He just couldn’t stand seeing Maya disrespected; she was his friend.
Elk nodded. “Jackson is right, and even if you drop the sister aspect, I am part of this pack. She is my mate, so that directly shows how useless it is to behave like this, Lucas.”
Maya smiled at Lucas, as if mocking him, which she wanted to do but decided to keep her mouth shut, knowing it was pointless.
Lucas’s face contorted with anger at the united front against him. He hadn’t expected such resistance, especially from Jackson and Elk. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the crowd, searching for supporters.
“Fine,” he spat, “let’s say we accept these… children… without their wolves. What about the Royal blood? Maya, you left us for years on this quest. Surely you have something to show for it?”
Maya’s heart raced, but she kept her composure. “My journey was personal, Lucas. I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation. What matters is that I’m back, and I’m here to stay.”
Rish, sensing the tension, stepped forward. “Alpha Lucas, sir, we may not have our wolves yet, but we’re willing to work hard and prove our worth to the pack. Please, give us a chance.”
Levi nodded in agreement, her eyes fierce with determination. “We’ve been trained by our mother. We might surprise you.”
A murmur ran through the crowd. Some seemed moved by the bravery, while others remained sceptical.
Lucas scoffed. “Trained? By an outsider? That’s hardly-”
“Enough!” Elk’s voice boomed, silencing everyone. “This is supposed to be a party, not an interrogation. Lucas, don’t spoil it.”
The authority in Elk’s voice was undeniable.
“Sure, we have a lot of time on our hands,” Lucas said.
Maya exhaled slowly, relief washing over her. She caught Jackson’s eye and mouthed a silent ‘thank you’. He nodded in response, a small smile on his face.
As the tension began to dissipate, Elk addressed the crowd. “Now, let’s enjoy it.”
Slowly, the atmosphere began to lighten. Music started playing again, and people began to mingle. However, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of their challenges.
She pulled Levi and Rish close. “I’m proud of you both,” she whispered. “Remember, no matter what happens, I am there for you.”
As the party resumed, Maya’s mind raced. She knew she had to find a way to protect Priya’s secret while also securing her family’s place in the pack.
“Wow, that was quite a scene there. Why does your Alpha need to behave like he’s running on steroids?” Lima came forward, sipping her drink as she spoke.
“You’re right, he does seem like it,” Jackson sighed.
“Being a witch, I don’t usually enjoy drama, but this pack has a lot of it. It’s like the source of entertainment never ends here,” Lima joked.
“Why are you looking so happy? He was on our necks,” Maya replied.
“Because I’m not part of the problem. I’m a witch, and whatever happens in this pack is none of my business,” Lima giggled.
Lima’s carefree attitude seemed to lighten the mood slightly. Maya shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the tension still lingering in the air.
“I wish I could be as detached as you, Lima,” Maya said, running a hand through her hair. “But I am part of this pack.”
Jackson nodded in agreement. “Lucas’s behaviour is concerning. He’s been cooking something, I feel.”
Lima’s expression sobered a bit. “I may joke, but I’m not blind. There’s something brewing here, and it’s not just politics.”
“At least you understand it clearly. Lucas always plans ahead and then schemes. In all these years, this is what I learned before I retired as Beta. I’m glad I don’t have to work under him now.”