Chapter3

The next morning, Ryan came to knock on my door himself.

He stood in the doorway, expression returned to its usual calm and restraint, as if last night's argument had never happened.

"You have to attend tonight's Pack gathering," he said.

I set down the document in my hand and looked up at him. "Are you telling me or asking me?"

He walked in, closed the door, and lowered his voice. "Rumors are already spreading outside. The Alliance is watching too. You standing by my side is the most direct response. Blackridge needs stability."

I looked at him, suddenly feeling ironic.

"So I'm supposed to cooperate with you and put on a show of harmony?" I asked.

His brow furrowed slightly. "This isn't a show. You're the Luna. This is your duty."

"What about her?" I stared at him. "What's her status?"

He was silent for two seconds before answering:

"She's just one of the Alliance representatives. She's only attending tonight. I promise nothing will cross the line."

I didn't press further.

I just nodded. "Fine. I'll go."

He visibly relaxed, his tone softening.

"Claire, I know this is hard for you. But as long as tonight goes smoothly, I'll handle everything after."

I looked up at him. "Handle it to what extent?"

He avoided my gaze. "I'll get everything back on track."

Back on track.

I didn't say anything more.

——

On the day of the gathering, the main hall blazed with light as elders and representatives from various branches filed in. The air carried a suppressed tension.

I wore the Luna's formal attire, standing at Ryan's side.

He reached out to grip my wrist, pressure firm, as if declaring something to everyone present.

"Don't look uneasy," he said quietly. "Everyone's watching."

I answered calmly, "I'm not uneasy."

He glanced at me sideways, gaze complex, seemingly wanting to say something but ultimately staying silent.

Shortly after the meeting began, the doors opened again.

Every pair of eyes turned simultaneously.

Serena Hale walked in.

She wore a light-colored dress, hand gently resting on her swollen belly, steps measured.

She stopped not far from us, nodding slightly, as if accepting everyone's attention.

That posture was so natural.

Natural as another lady of the house.

Murmurs rose around us.

"Why is she here?"

"The Alliance's position is pretty clear."

"I heard the child is..."

Voices dropped low, but remained piercing enough.

I turned to look at Ryan.

"You said she was just attending," my tone icy.

His voice was low. "She represents the Alliance and her tribe. Her presence tonight is necessary."

"Necessary enough to stand in that position?" I asked.

His brow tightened. "Claire, now's not the time to argue."

I watched that woman standing in the light.

Her hand rested gently on her belly, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Ryan.

Those eyes held softness and dependence.

She looked more like a Luna than I did.

The meeting continued.

Elders reported border issues, Ryan made decisions. His voice remained steady and commanding.

Just as the discussion reached midpoint, a side door suddenly burst open.

Several dark figures rushed in.

"Rogue wolves!"

Someone shouted.

Chaos erupted instantly.

Tables and chairs toppled, Alpha dominance flooded the hall, guards rushed forward to block them.

The crowd surged toward the exits.

I was shoved from behind and lost my balance.

Someone slammed hard into my shoulder and I fell forward, knee hitting the ground hard.

Pain shot through my elbow.

I braced myself against the floor and looked up.

In the chaos, I saw Ryan just a few meters away.

He saw me too.

Our eyes met.

In that instant, he clearly stopped.

His gaze moved between me and Serena.

Serena stood on the other side, expression panicked, protecting her belly.

I was on the ground, chaos spiraling around me.

Time seemed to stretch.

My heart pounded heavily in my chest.

He hesitated for only a moment.

Then he turned.

And ran toward her.