Chapter 8
CARINA
There was probably only one thing Faden cared for more than Nasia–the park.
to him, the park was everything, his top priority, and the reason behind every decision he made.
was also a factor in why he had wamed Natalis to become the Loma. She was strong, intelligent, and capable of helping hum protect test he cared for the mos
However, her abarnce had thrown everything into chaos.
And now, the chaos rested heavily on Falco’s shoulders.
The room was filled with murmurs as I entered. Falco had called for a meeting involving the ranked wolves–guards, doctors, apprentices, and hunters.
I sat quietly near the back of the meeting hall, my fingers tracing patterns on the edge of the worn wooden bench. My parents were near the front, probably discussing what had gone down this morning.
Falco wasn’t in the room yet. He must be loaded with work since we’ve been getting more attacks than usual.
I continued tracing on the wood when I felt someone behind my back.
*Boo!”
I covered my mouth to stifle a shout, glaring at the culprit.
It was none other than Carter. I sighed and shook my head, already feeling tired, although we hadn’t even talked yet.
“Carina,” he said smoothly as he leaned against the wall.
Then, he took my hand and pressed a light kiss to it, his lips brushing my skin with an irritating familiarity. He had been like this ever since he was hailed as the Beta.
I pulled my hand away quickly, scowling. “Don’t.”
Carter’s grin widened, his sharp teeth catching the dim light. “Still shy, I see. It’s charming.”
“Go find someone else to bother,” I muttered, turning my attention back to the front of the room.
“Not a chance,” he replied, staying where he was, his arms crossed as he observed my irritated expression.
However, before he could say anything else, Falco entered the room. He quickly straightened his posture and went to the front.
I shook my head in amusement. Carter may be annoying, but Falco always contained him.
Everyone settled down, quickly finding their seats. Falco’s gaze swept over the gathered wolves, his eyes staying on me for a second longer.
Or, maybe that was my delusions taking over.
Then, he cleared his throat. “I’m sure all of you already know why I called for this meeting,” he started off.
The ranked wolves murmured in agreement.
1/3
11:40 Mon, 3 Mar
Chapes *
“tures have been stars in the poor veere been pacing tack wd forth is brows were furroweit, showing is free with the restives “Meat of the from over few this year for paved asking amand
“its and three months in and there had already been riphy
ward through the mom. I pored my ich was then that restore how grave the nation of our pack truly was
*** teen more ansk, on set parks in the past few years, but the Onyzfor pack has been the specific target for this
tinued, mataging the bulge of his nose. “The smacks aren’t post from rogues. Most are from other packs,
digued a rogura
道
one fise our supplies. Our resources. Just last week, our wash of meat had been halved because of the attack,” he
leave warnings. So far, we’ve lost two of our own,” he added, looking down the ground with a guilty expression.
A heavy silence followed his words.
“And now,” Carter chimed, leaning forward in his chair, “we’ve received a letter from the council.”
The room erupted into hushed conversations as everyone turned to look at one another. Carter leaned back in his seat. opening the letter and reading it out loud.
“They’re giving us until next month,” he said, summarizing the content.
“Next month?” someone repeated, disbelief heard in their voice.
Falco raised a hand, and the room fell silent again.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “The council believes we’re vulnerable. Our numbers are strong, but they see our land as an opportunity. They see us as weak because my Luna hasn’t returned.”
The mention of Natalia sent a pang through my chest.
Even though I wasn’t too fond of her presence, it made me wonder where she was and why she hadn’t come back. The other ranked wolves turned to look at my parents, their expressions expectant.
“Do you know where your daughter is?” someone asked bluntly.
My mother shook her head, her face tight with worry. “No. We haven’t heard from her.”
“She could be dead,” another voice murmured.
“Our daughter is not dead,” my dad said with a glare. “Natalia is strong. She can hold up on her own.”
“Then, where is she? We need our Luna!” the head female guard said.
“Enough,” Falco said, his voice cutting through the rising chatter. His sharp tone silenced the room immediately.
I watched him closely, my breath catching as his expression changed–hardening into something I couldn’t quite place.
“This pack will not be torn apart,” he said firmly. “Not by the council, not by other packs, and not by rogues. Natalia’s absence is a loss, but we will not let it destroy us.”
The pack members nodded, fully trusting in their Alpha.
“And so,” Falco continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathered wolves, “I’ve made a decision. I will get married. And my bride shall be hailed as Luna in the meantime.”
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IVIOTT, S Ividi
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Chapter 8
Gasps filled the room.
“Who is it?” someone asked, their voice echoing the question that was now on everyone’s mind.
“If it isn’t Natalia, who is fit to become our Luna?”
“Alpha does not have a special someone aside from her, does he?”
Falco sighed. “I made this decision for the pack. Now, it can be temporary. Maybe, until Natalia comes back. However, with the council and the other packs on our backs, I believe this is a necessary choice.
I sat frozen in my seat, my heart hammering in my chest. The ground seemed to shake, everything narrowing to the moment as Falco’s eyes found mine.
“Carina,” he said, his gaze still holding mine. “Carina shall be my bride.”
