Chapter Chapter fourteen
Doctor Farkas left the room, and I turned back to Aria, squeezing her hand gently. "Rest now," I murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Take care of yourself and our baby. We'll talk more later."
I walked out of the room, my mind immediately drifting to the girl who had caused all of this in the first place: Erinne.
I summoned a few of my guards. "Find the slave Erinne and bring her to the main hall," I ordered. "Immediately."
Within minutes, Erinne was dragged into the hall, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. She had no idea what was coming.
"Alpha.... Alpha Logan," she stammered as the guards threw her to the ground before me. "What is this about?"
I stood tall, my voice cold and commanding. "I got news that you were the one who caused Aria's fall."
Her eyes widened, panic setting in. "Alpha, I didn't mean "
"Were you or were you not involved in bullying her?" I snapped.
The slave girl stared at me with terror in her eyes, before nodding slowly. "Yes, Alpha."
I leaned forward, keeping my eyes on her. "Do you know the consequences of what you have done?"
Erinne shook her head in alarm. "Alpha-"
"Silence!" I thundered, the authority in my voice echoing through the hall. "Aria is carrying my child. My heir! Your actions endangered not only her but the future of this pack. Such behavior will not go unpunished." Erinne's face paled, and she began to tremble. "Please, Alpha, I didn't know..."
I stepped closer to her, trying to keep my anger in check. "Ignorance is no excuse. You will face the consequences of your actions."
I turned to my head guard. "Take her to the dungeons. She will spend the next two weeks there, with no contact with the outside world. Ensure she is given only the basic necessities to survive. Let her reflect on her actions." The guard nodded, and Erinne was hauled to her feet, her pleas falling on deaf ears. "Please, Alpha, show mercy!"
As soon as Erinne was taken away, I knew I had more important things to do. Aria was not just carrying my child and the future of my lineage; she was going to be my Luna. It was time to make it official.
I turned to my guards, who stood in a corner. "I need you to gather the entire pack," I ordered. "Tell them to meet in the Great Hall in one hour. We have a very important announcement."
They bowed and hurried off to spread the word. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling a mix of excitement and determination.
An hour later, the Great Hall was filled with pack members. The room buzzed with curiosity and anticipation. I stood at the front, waiting for them to quieten.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," I began, my voice echoing through the hall. "Today, I have news that will shape the future
The crowd fell silent, all eyes on me. I took a deep breath and continued.
our pack."
"Aria is pregnant with my child," I announced, a smile spreading across my face. Gasps and murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd, but I raised a hand to quiet them. "She was a slave, but will now be the mother of our next Alpha. And because of this, I have decided to make her my Luna."
Applause erupted, and I saw faces light up with joy and approval.
"This calls for celebration!" A werewolf yelled from the corner of the room, and everyone else murmured in assent.
"That's very correct!" I agreed. "We meet in this hall tonight to celebrate!"
********
The night air was thick with celebration. The Great Hall had been transformed into a festive place. The tables were filled with an abundance of food and drink. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and an array of desserts filled the room, mingling with the sound of laughter and music.
Lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the assembled pack members. They were dancing, singing, and toasting to the new Luna.
Large platters of grilled venison, roasted boar, and savory stews were accompanied by fresh vegetables, fruits, and an assortment of pies and cakes.
I sat at the head of the main table with Aria by my side. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, her hand resting protectively on her growing belly. While the pack celebrated, I couldn't help but notice her distraction.
Her eyes flitted around the room, worry clouding her expression. I didn't let it bother me. If I was being honest, I didn't care much about her feelings. All that mattered was the baby she carried. My heir, the future Alpha of the pack. The Council of Alphas would have no reason to snatch my pack from me after this!
I turned to Aria, offering her a goblet of wine. She took it with a small smile but barely sipped. Her distraction was very obvious, but I chose to ignore it. This night was about securing my legacy, solidifying my position as Alpha. The child in her belly was the key to my throne.
"Enjoy yourself, Aria," I uttered. "Tonight is your night."
She nodded, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. I watched the pack members from my seat, my mind already strategizing the future. Aria's feelings were a small price to pay for the security of my reign as Alpha. Besides, she was still a slave. Her feelings mattered little to me. She had done her part by carrying my heir. That was all that mattered.
Suddenly, the celebration was interrupted. The doors to the Great Hall burst open, and a group of guards stormed in. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the intruders. I saw the insignia on their armor. These weren't my guards. It was obvious that they'd come from another pack.
Frowning in confusion, I stood to my feet. "What is the meaning of this?" I demanded. "What gave you the right to barge into our celebrations?"
The lead guard stepped forward, his expression stern. "Alpha Logan, we have orders to search your pack. We are looking for a certain woman."
"And who dares to give these orders?" I roared in anger. "Who sent you here?!"
The guards exchanged looks, before speaking the single name that changed it all.
"Alpha Denderick."