Torn Between Tides

Chapter Twenty Two

An all-pack meeting meant that everyone— from babies to the elderly— were present. They knew that it had to be something important, as the last time such a gathering was held was when Colt had taken over as the Alpha.

Everyone waited impatiently, and Colt could sense the unease that his people were feeling. The air was tense, and it didn't help that Colt still wasn't sure of how he was going to address the pack.

"It's going to be okay," Theo said as he kept a reassuring hand on Colt's shoulder.

"You really think so?" Colt asked. "After what mom did..."

"You are not your mother," Theo stated, his tone stern. "Everyone knows that. You are a great Alpha, and I'm sure they're going to treat Roman with the same respect that they have for you. Werewolf or not, he's meant to lead beside you."

"I wouldn't blame them for having doubts, though," Colt muttered.

"Doubting a true mate is blasphemous," Theo scoffed. "Your bond is sacred. Anyone that has anything other than that to say can deal with me."

"But—"

"No buts, Colt," Theo spoke. "If you don't want your pack to have doubts, then you need to stop doubting yourself first."

Theo was right. Colt had to be confident in himself and his relationship. Both with his mate and with his pack. If they trusted him, then they would trust Roman automatically. And if not...then he clearly had bigger cracks to fill.

Lack of trust in a pack was dangerous. Especially if the root of it was the pack's Alpha.

Colt nodded, before finally heading to the backyard of the pack house where the meeting was being held. The chatter began dying down as soon as he entered, and by the time he reached the front— there was pin drop silence.

Colt cleared his throat as he looked at his pack. They were all people that he grew up with, people that he considered no less than his family. And yet he was feeling nervous around them for the very first time.

"I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you here tonight. And I'm certain that some of you have heard rumors floating as well," Colt paused. He just had to bite the bullet and do it. "I have found my mate. My true mate."

Colt didn't even know how, but it felt like the silence had gotten even more...quiet? Nobody said a word, as they all waited for their Alpha to continue.

"His name is Roman, and he's human. Some of you might have seen him around here," Colt spoke. "He doesn't know about werewolves yet, so I request all of you to not mention anything regarding that until I give the all clear. I know there must be questions and doubts in your mind but...but there is no need to worry. My pack is my priority. You all are my family, and I'm never going to let you down. That being said, I hope you show Roman the same respect that you show me. That will be all. Thank you."

With that, Colt left.

He knew he dropped a bomb, and now he was going to have to deal with the aftermath of it. All he could do was wait now.

Colt went home, pacing around in the living room until he heard footsteps on his porch. Before his visitors could even knock, he rushed to the front door and opened it.

Theo, Trevor, Diana and Vanessa were there, and Colt stepped aside to let them enter, his heart beating fast.

"So? How did everyone take the news?" Colt asked the question that was burning in his head.

"Mostly good," Theo replied. "Some were shocked but I think many weren't too surprised because they had already heard the rumors. There are qualms about Roman being human but...I think for the most part everyone's just happy that you found your mate."