Caleb
"Alpha Caleb. Luna Ava." Myron's voice boomed through the chamber, laced with authority and just a hint of irritation. "Thank you for honoring our request for a meeting. Though I must admit, we're rather surprised to see you here, given the… news."
I offered a polite nod, not missing the way his words dripped with judgment. They didnt expect I would bring Ava with me.
"Thank you, Elder Myron. I understand there are concerns about my decision regarding Lily." A murmur ran through the council members. Myron leaned forward, his fingers steepled.
"Concern is putting it mildly. You've left the leadership of your pack in the hands of a child. A… peculiar decision, to say the least."
"Lily is nearly an adult, but she's proven herself time and again regardless of her age, and i trust her more than anyone else." I replied, keeping my tone steady. "Age doesn't define ability. I trust her, and so does the pack. Considering most of you here are beyond your prime I thought you would be thrilled to see some life injected back into the leadership."
Elder Sienna, seated beside Myron, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "But this isn't just about age, Alpha Caleb. It's about trust, tradition, and setting an example. By putting her in charge, you're undermining the very structure we uphold."
Ava stepped forward, her voice clear and steady.
"With all due respect, Elder Sienna, isn't it also a leader's duty to prepare the next generation? To show faith in those we believe in and allow them the chance to grow?"
Sienna's gaze flicked to Ava, her mouth pressing into a thin line. "It's not your position to question the council's concerns, Girl, I'm not even sure why you came since we only summoned the Alpha" she replied, dismissively.
The way she said "Girl" grated on me. She spoke as though Ava was some nobody, rather than the fierce, resilient woman beside me. I leaned forward, letting a hint of my irritation show. That's when I felt it.
As elder Sienna's dismissive words hung in the air, I saw Ava's gaze harden. She didn't shrink away or look to me for defense; instead, she took a single step forward, standing tall and composed, her voice steady as she spoke. It felt like she had an alpha aura too, and by the look on the councils face, they think its me doing it....
"Sienna," she began to speak but with each word another wave of pressure rolled out from her. "as your Luna, it is absolutely my place to speak on matters concerning our pack. My role isn't simply decorative. My insight and judgment have earned Caleb's trust, and as such, I expect it to be respected here as well."
Sienna's eyes narrowed, clearly not expecting Ava to respond, let alone with such conviction. She opened her mouth, but Ava didn't give her the chance. Another wave of pressure melted off of Ava and I stepped forward placing my hand at her back in support as she continued. The others in the room squirmed in their seats clearly feeling the affects of Avas aura. My mate was fucking awesome.
"Luna is more than a title. It's a position I take seriously, just as you do your role on this council . Dismissing my voice does nothing but insult the very foundation of this council and the bond between an Alpha and his Luna. Disrespecting me is, in essence, disrespecting the Alpha's decision."
A murmur ran through the room, council members exchanging uneasy glances. I watched Ava, pride swelling in my chest as she held her ground. Elder Myron shifted slightly, his gaze on Ava now with a different glint in his eye—cautious respect. Ava held her gaze on Sienna, who looked both taken aback and annoyed.
"It would serve us all well to remember," Ava continued, her tone calm but firm, "that in times like these, unity and respect are paramount. We all want what's best for our pack, do we not?"
A brief silence stretched, thick with unspoken words, until Myron finally nodded, acknowledging Ava with a slight dip of his head.
"Well spoken, Luna Ava," he said, his tone softer now. "It's clear why Alpha Caleb values your insight."
With that, Ava gave a subtle nod, taking a step back beside me, her expression as calm as ever, though I could feel her pulse racing through our clasped hands. Pride surged through me, not just for her words, but for the way she'd put them in their place with strength and grace.
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, clearly not used to being spoken to so directly by someone other than me. Myron cleared his throat, attempting to regain control of the conversation.
"Alpha Caleb, we appreciate your confidence in Lily, but this isn't just about internal pack matters. Decisions like these reflect upon all of us. Imagine the message it sends to other packs—to enemies—if they know a sixteen-year-old girl is left to lead in your absence."
"She won't be alone," I said, standing firm. "Lily has the support of our strongest warriors, and I've left her with clear instructions. If anyone dares to question her authority, they're questioning mine."
A tense silence filled the room. Myron sat back, his fingers tapping against the armrest, deep in thought.
"And if this plan fails? If this choice proves detrimental?" he finally asked, his voice heavy with warning.
"Then the responsibility falls on me as Alpha of course." I replied, unwavering. "But I don't believe it will. Lily's proven herself capable of handling whatever comes her way. This isn't a gamble. It's a calculated decision, one I believe in wholeheartedly."
I felt Ava's hand squeeze mine, grounding me. She was with me every step of the way, and that gave me strength. The council could sneer, criticize, and doubt all they wanted—my mind wouldn't be changed. Myron let out a slow breath, nodding.
"Very well, Alpha. But remember, your actions reflect on all of us. We can only hope your faith in this... unconventional arrangement is well-placed." The subtle threat in his words wasn't lost on me, but I only inclined my head in a curt nod.
"I appreciate your understanding. And I expect you all to support Lily." Without waiting for dismissal, I turned, guiding Ava back toward the doors, keeping my expression neutral until we were out of the council's sight. As soon as the doors shut behind us, I let out a breath, feeling the tension release from my shoulders. Ava squeezed my hand, offering me a small smile.
"They'll come around."
"They don't have to," I replied, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. "We'll show them."
As we left the council chamber, a heavy silence settled over us for a few moments. I glanced at Ava, who walked beside me with her head held high, eyes fixed ahead, unwavering. She had stood her ground in there, and though it hadn't been easy, she'd done it with more courage and grace than most could muster.
When we reached the hall that opened up to the main party area, I felt the tension begin to ease. The sounds of laughter and lively conversation filled the space, and I could already tell the atmosphere was worlds apart from the council chamber. Ava squeezed my hand, as if sensing my relief, and gave me a small, supportive smile.
"You ready to rejoin the chaos?" I asked, nodding toward the pack members gathered just inside.
"Absolutely," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "It's good to be back where we're appreciated."
As we stepped into the party, it wasn't long before we spotted Lily at the center of it all. She was surrounded by a group of warriors, younger members, and even a few of the elder pack members. Their admiration for her was clear in their expressions, in the way they hung onto her every word, laughing at her jokes and leaning in close as she recounted some tale or another with animated gestures.
She looked confident, poised, her eyes shining with a mischievous glint as she expertly commanded the attention of everyone around her. And though she'd usually be a bit more reserved in a large crowd, tonight she seemed to thrive on the excitement.
"Looks like she's doing just fine," Ava commented with a grin, watching Lily with an approving eye.
"More than fine," I replied, feeling a swell of pride. "They love her."
A few of the pack members noticed us then, and their attention shifted, but Lily turned, catching my eye, and waved us over with a bright smile.
"Alpha! Luna! Finally! I thought you two would never escape those dusty old council members." Her tone was light, teasing, but the respect in her eyes never wavered.
"Had to make sure they were ready to let you run things while we're gone," I said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as we reached her. "And by the looks of it, I'd say they're missing out." Lily laughed, looking a bit bashful but clearly pleased.
"I think they'll survive. We've got everything under control here." Her gaze darted to Ava. "And, Luna Ava you look stunning tonight." Ava inclined her head slightly, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"You're more than capable of leading this pack, Lily. And anyone who doubts that will have to deal with me. Besides," she added with a playful wink, "I think you enjoy proving people wrong."
"It's one of my favorite things." Lily laughed again, a spark of defiance in her eyes.
Ava excused herself to go to the restroom so I took the opportunity to brag about my wife.
"I've got to tell you something." I leaned in a bit closer, lowering my voice so it wouldn't carry over the music and chatter. "Ava was incredible in the council meeting." Her brow furrowed slightly, as if she wasn't sure what I was getting at.
"One of the elders," I continued, "tried to dismiss her. Said it wasn't her place to speak." Lily's eyes flashed with interest now, her lips curving into a knowing smile.
"Oh?Let me guess...Seinna huh? And how did that go?" with a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yep, she stood her ground though," I said, unable to keep the pride out of my voice. "Told them straight up that disrespecting her was disrespecting me, and that as Luna, she has every right to speak for the pack. Put Sienna right in her place." Lily laughed, a gleam of admiration lighting up her face.
"I knew it. There's a something about Ava that you can't miss. The council was no match for her, not once she decided to stand her ground." I nodded, looking back toward Ava, who was deep in conversation with some of the warriors, a soft smile on her face.
"You're right. She's always had that strength, even when she doesn't see it in herself." Lily took a sip of her drink, still smiling.
"You're lucky, Caleb. Ava's is something special. The council might have trouble seeing that now, but they'll come around. They'll have to."
"I know," I said, feeling a deep warmth spread through me. "I've always known she's special. But seeing her stand up to them today… it was like watching a whole new side of her emerge. Like she was meant for this all along."
Several pack members came over to wish us well and remind Lily of various responsibilities she'd need to take on while we were away. She took it all in stride, nodding, asking questions, and listening intently to each of them. As I watched her, I could see why the council's disapproval didn't matter. Lily was a natural. The pack trusted her, and they respected her because she'd earned it, not because of her age or proximity to me.
One of the elders, Garret, approached, clapping me on the shoulder.
"Leaving us in good hands, I see," he said, nodding toward Lily with an approving smile. "She's sharp, that one. She's got the respect of the whole pack. You did well, Alpha."
"Couldn't agree more," I replied, feeling a surge of satisfaction as I watched Lily banter with the younger pack members, each of them looking to her as if she was the glue holding the pack together.
Ava caught my gaze and headed back over to my side, her voice soft. "See? You trusted your instincts, and so did Lily. The council may come around eventually, but the pack is already there."
I turned to look at her, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Couldn't have done it without my Luna by my side." she smiled her cheeks giving way to a red undertone.
The party continued late into the night, laughter and music filling the air, and Lily never faltered, slipping seamlessly into her role as leader. And when the time came to leave, with the pack gathered to see us off, I felt a sense of peace. Knowing that Lily had earned their respect and support meant everything.