Bloodbond

Chapter 18

I stood in front of the Light Shadows, desperately fighting to keep them from seeing just how anxious and scared I was to address them. How would you feel being the only human in a room full of werewolves? Yea, I thought so. Not so easy, okay.

My gaze scanned the room and each of the eager faces pointed in my direction. They all seemed a bit confused about why I was the one standing on the platform instead of Gabriel, but they chose to keep quiet about it and I was thankful for that. It felt like my heart was trying to pound its way out of my chest. I've never been good at public speaking and I had an irritating habit of speaking too quickly when I was forced to give speeches in front of large crowds. I needed to be really careful here. If I didn't seem natural and comfortable in front of them, then they likely wouldn't feel comfortable putting their trust in me, which is sort of what I was asking them to do.

I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and I set my shoulders before opening my mouth to speak. "I'm glad that you were all able to make it today. I know that the cirumstances of our last meeting were terrible, but I hope that what I have to say to you all today will help put your mind at ease regarding another matter of great importance." I paused when I realized that I was close to speaking too quickly. I can do this. You won't fail; just trust yourself.

"When I first came here, I'll admit that I was terrified and confused. All this was so unbelievable and it was difficult for me to take it. I didn't know what to think about everything that Gabriel and Claire told me, but I made a promise to them and to myself that I would consider things carefully before I made a decision about what I felt was right."

I could see a few nods of encouragement. At least some of the pack understood how hard it must have been and I felt a bit reassured to know that they didn't look down on me for being so lost.

"After being witness to a particularly upsetting conversation," I couldn't keep myself from glancing at Nadia as I said this. I felt satisfaction when I saw her glare at me in understanding. "I had an opportunity to really sit back and reflect on my feelings concerning Gabriel and you all. I realize now that I care very deeply for Gabriel and I very much want to be a part of this pack." I looked around when I said this and saw quite a few smiles. Seeing them look so pleased at my words helped to deflate the nervous bubble that sat in my stomach.

"If you'll have me, of course," I added. Laughter and a few affirmative reassurances floated across the room. Why had I been so worried about this? I had worked myself into a knot for nothing.

"Why should we trust you? It took eight murders before you deigned it convenient to help us, so why should we welcome you with open arms?" I looked over to see who had flung those words so viciously at me. I saw Nadia's evil smile and I forced myself to keep from snarling. Evil bitches like her were the cause of my fear and I seriously wanted to go over there and wipe that smile right off her face.

I stamped my nasty thoughts down and gathered myself. I could totally beat this skank at her own game. This wasn't over yet.

"I'm sorry for the loss of your brothers and for the harm that came to you. It happened before I even knew about the blood bond and truly understood my role with this pack, so there really was nothing I could have done. As for the murders of those six amazing pack members, one of whom I personally knew and cared for, the blame lies solely at the feet of your despicable father. Hate, ignorance, and power blinded him so much that he gave those lives away. Blame me as much as you want, Nadia, but your denial will be your downfall."

I could see Nadia fuming at my words. Ha! I got you, you conniving little...anyways, I looked over the room to see how the rest of the pack had reacted to the response I had given to Nadia. A few were shooting daggers at her, while most looked on in sympathy. She seemed to be an object of pity in their eyes which, while it was completely undeserved, was far better than seeing her as a source of accurate information and concerns. Things would get real hard for me if that were the case and it was hard enough as it is.