Chapter 62
ARIA
Three days blur together after the revelation. The pack buzzes with whispers about the elders sudden removal, but no one dares usk lace directly. He Bands firm in his decision, announcing it publicly the morning after our conversation.
“Their judgment and loyalty to this pack have been compromised,” he tells the gathered members, his voice carrying across the hall. “They’ve withheld critical information and attempted to manipulate pack affairs for their own agenda.”
He pauses, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Elder Thorn will remain on the council. His wisdom and loyalty have never wavered, and we will need his guidance as we rebuild our leadership.”
Elder Thorn stands beside Jace, his weathered face solemn but resolute. The old wolf has always been respected, but now he seems to stand taller, carrying the responsibility of being the sole remaining elder.
No one questions Jace’s decision–not when his voice carries that unmistakable Alpha authority. Not when Phantom lurks so close to the surface, turning his eyes that eerie shade that signals his wolf’s presence.
Gabriel arrives at our cabin that same evening, his face thunderous. At first, I think he’s angry about the pregnancy, but I quickly realize his rage is directed entirely at the former elders.
“Those manipulative bastards,” he growls, pacing our living room while Jace and I sit on the couch. “To withhold something so important–to try forcing this on you both without consent-” He can’t even finish the sentence, his anger choking off his words.
When he finally calms enough to speak properly, he takes my hands in his.
“Are you okay with this, little deer?” he asks, his eyes searching mine. “This is your choice to make. No one else’s.”
I nod, squeezing his hands. “I am, Gabriel. Really.”
He studies me for a long moment before nodding/Then I’m happy for you both.
Now Jace is working with Elder Thorn to select new council members. Elder Thorn’s experience proves invaluable; he knows every pack member’s history, strengths, and character. Jace spends hours in meetings with him, Hunter, and other trusted advisors about potential candidates.
*Elder Thorn has been a godsend during this transition,” Jace tells me one night as we lie in bed. “He knows where all the skeletons are buried–figuratively
Chapter 62
I knock on Jace’s office door, waiting for his response before entering. He’s on the phone, but when he test me, he motions for me to kan be and sit on his lap without hesitation.
“Yes, that sounds like the best way to approach this,” Jace says to whoever is on the other end of the call. “Okay, sounds good. But Alpha Marcit, a world M best if you had me excused for now. My mate and I have an appointment with our pack doctor.”
He listens for a moment longer. “Thank you, Alpha. We will…” He ends the call and turns to me. Sorry about that, baby. The phone meeting took longer than planned.”
“It’s fine. Everything okay?” I ask, playing with his fingers.
“Yes, it is. He just wanted to talk about this year’s Sacred Moonlight Gathering. They’re being held on his lands this year. He wanted confirmation on if we will attend this year.”
“What exactly is the Sacred Moonlight Gathering?” I ask. Gabriel mentioned it a few times during my training, but never in detail.
“It’s an event where packs come together to establish connections. There are tracking challenges through unfamiliar territory, combat demonstrations to showcase warrior skills, and hunting trials to prove prowess.” His hand rests comfortably on my thigh as he explains. “At the end, there’s a huge party for all unmated wolves. Many find their mates there.”
I nod, thinking about how different my life would be if Jace and I hadn’t already found each other, “When is it?”
“In two months.”
“Are we attending?”
‘Yes, Moon Shadow Pack does every year.”
I think about how I might have met Jace there if things had gone differently. “I was planning to attend after my eighteenth birthday
*And you would have kicked ass,” he says with absolute certainty. “I know you can’t compete this year. But if you still want to next year, I’m good with it.
I kiss him, overwhelmed by his understanding. “That’s one of the reasons why I love you, Jace. You always let me be me and not try to make me into something else.”
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Chapter 62
Tess me do fly, taking my and intent But in a leng
wouldn’t want you to
Hand in hand, we walk toward the healing center. Our future–can be full of promise was de
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she didn’t call her anything she spoke to Jace.
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