Free Web NovelChapter 136: Chapter 136
"After you," Alexander said, gesturing toward the massive doors like he owned the place.
Christian’s jaw clenched, but he nodded and led us forward. His hand never left mine as we walked past Alexander and his group of unfamiliar Alphas. I kept my chin up, Luna posture firmly in place even though my stomach was doing flips that had nothing to do with morning sickness.
The council chambers were exactly as imposing inside as out. High ceilings, stone walls, and a massive circular table in the center with chairs for what looked like at least thirty people. Other Alphas and Lunas were already arriving, taking their seats and talking in low voices.
"Shadow Ridge sits there." A council official pointed to two seats near the middle of the circle. "Alpha Christian and Luna Sophie."
We made our way to our designated spots while Marcus and Diana took seats in the gallery behind us—the area reserved for Betas and advisors. I sat down carefully, grateful to be off my feet, and tried to look more confident than I felt.
Christian leaned close, his voice barely a whisper. "You good?"
"So far." I squeezed his hand under the table. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
More Alphas and Lunas filled in over the next twenty minutes. I recognized a few from the sanctuary situation—Alpha James from the Northern Territories gave me a respectful nod. Luna Patricia from the southern region smiled warmly. But there were others who looked at me with clear skepticism or outright hostility.
Alexander Sterling took his seat directly across from us, flanked by two Alphas who looked like they’d been carved from granite. He caught my eye and smiled that sharp, calculating smile again.
A gavel banged, making me jump slightly.
"Council is now in session." An elderly Alpha stood at the head of the table—Council Elder Raymond, according to the nameplate. "Alpha Sterling has called this emergency session. The floor is yours, Alpha."
Alexander stood smoothly. "Thank you, Elder Raymond. I’ve called this session to address a matter of great importance to all packs." He paused, letting his gaze sweep the room. "The legitimacy of the Shadow Ridge Luna bond."
My heart stopped. Christian’s hand found mine again under the table, gripping tight.
"Luna Sophie is human," Alexander continued, his voice carrying easily through the chamber. "This Council has never formally recognized a human Luna. The bond itself may violate pack law regarding Alpha succession and bloodline purity."
"That’s not what this is about." Christian’s voice was controlled but hard as steel. "You’re challenging us because you lost the Alpha challenge and can’t accept it."
Several Alphas shifted in their seats. Some nodded agreement.
"Personal grievances aside," Alexander said smoothly, "the question remains valid. Can a human truly serve as Luna? Can she access pack bonds? Can she fulfill the traditional duties required?"
"I can answer that." I stood up before Christian could stop me. My legs shook slightly, but I locked my knees and faced Alexander directly. "I’ve established Luna bonds with every member of Shadow Ridge Pack. I’ve protected pack members during the sanctuary crisis. I’ve used Luna energy to heal and defend. What exactly do you think I can’t do?"
"You can’t fully understand pack dynamics. And what happens when you bear children? Will they be weak?"
The room erupted in murmurs. I felt my face flush hot, but I kept my voice steady.
"My humanity doesn’t make me weak. It makes me different. And Shadow Ridge is stronger because of that difference."
"Let her speak." Alpha James stood up from his seat in the northern section. "Luna Sophie saved my pack members when Sterling would have killed them. She showed more strength and compassion than many born wolves I know."
"Agreed." Luna Patricia rose as well. "The sanctuary situation proved her capability. She acted as Luna when it mattered most."
"The question isn’t capability," another Alpha interjected—a severe-looking woman from the Eastern territories. "It’s legal. Council law requires—" fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
"Council law requires that an Alpha’s chosen mate be recognized as Luna," Elder Raymond interrupted, pulling out a massive tome. "There is no specification about species. The law assumes werewolf mates because that’s been traditional, but it doesn’t explicitly forbid human Lunas."
Alexander’s expression tightened. "Tradition—"
"Isn’t law." Christian stood beside me now. "Sophie is my mate. She’s been accepted by the Shadow Ridge Pack. She’s fulfilled every duty required of a Luna. Unless you can cite specific legal grounds for challenge, this is harassment."
The room fell silent. Alexander’s jaw worked, clearly scrambling for another angle.
"What about offspring?" He tried again. "The Alpha bloodline—"
"It is none of your concern," Christian cut him off, his Alpha voice making several people flinch. "My mate and future children are Shadow Ridge business, not Council business."
"Unless those children threaten pack stability—"
"Are you threatening my future children, Sterling?" Christian’s voice dropped to something dangerous. "Because that sounds like a direct challenge to my Alpha authority."
Alexander went pale. Threatening an Alpha’s offspring was serious business, apparently. The room’s energy shifted, many Alphas looking at Alexander with disapproval now.
Elder Raymond banged his gavel. "Alpha Sterling, unless you have specific legal grounds for this challenge, I suggest you withdraw it."
"I—" Alexander looked around the room, clearly realizing he’d lost support. "I simply want to ensure pack law is upheld."
"Pack law is being upheld." Luna Patricia’s voice was sharp. "You’re wasting Council time because you’re bitter about losing a challenge. We all see it."
More Alphas nodded. Even some of the ones who’d looked skeptical of me earlier seemed annoyed with Alexander now.
"Let’s vote." Alpha James crossed his arms. "All in favor of recognizing Luna Sophie’s bond as legitimate and legal, raise your hand."
My heart pounded as hands started going up around the circle. Northern territories—all hands up. Southern region—same. Western alliance—most hands up. Even some of the Eastern packs who’d seemed skeptical raised their hands.
Elder Raymond counted carefully. "Twenty-three in favor. Four opposed. Three abstaining." He banged the gavel. "The Council officially recognizes Luna Sophie of Shadow Ridge Pack. This matter is closed."
I felt my knees go weak with relief. Christian’s arm immediately went around my waist, holding me steady.
"Is there any other business?" Elder Raymond asked, clearly tired of the drama.
"Actually, yes." Alpha James stood again. "I’d like to propose a formal commendation for Luna Sophie’s handling of the sanctuary situation. Her actions saved lives and prevented violence between packs."
"Seconded," Luna Patricia said immediately.
More voices chimed in agreement. Elder Raymond looked at Alexander. "Any objection?"
Alexander’s face was stone, but he shook his head tightly. "No objection."
"Then it’s unanimous." The gavel banged again. "Luna Sophie is hereby commended for her service to the greater pack community. Well done, Luna."
The room actually applauded. I felt tears prick my eyes but blinked them back. Christian squeezed my waist gently.
"Any other business?" Elder Raymond repeated.
