Moon of Misfortunes

32

"I think we should start by creating a platform where people can openly suggest improvements to the pack, whether that's physical infrastructure or leadership," I state, my voice steady with determination.

"That's a great idea," Rubio affirms. "It's something that was lacking since I was removed as Alpha."

Matt takes note of my suggestion, typing it into his laptop. The clacking of the keys provides a rhythmic backdrop to our conversation.

"Maybe we could have a formal Town Hall or an anonymous suggestion system—" My sentence is abruptly interrupted by the door slamming open.

Garrett, Nikolai's Beta, stands there panting, his eyes dilated and wild, almost looking rabid as his chest heaves. Rubio instantly rises from his seat, his muscles tensing, ready to pounce if needed. The room goes silent, everyone on high alert. Garrett's eyes narrow in on me. 

"What the fuck are you doing back here with him? Where's Nik," Garrett grounds out at me through his teeth. 

Rubio growls, the sound low and menacing, yanking Garrett's attention away from me. Garrett's fists clench and unclench repeatedly, the anger radiating from him so palpable that I instinctively shrink back into my seat. The tension in the room is almost suffocating. Garrett's eyes flicker between Rubio and me, his chest still heaving from exertion. 

"I didn't come here to fight," he finally says, though his tone suggests otherwise. "But I can't stand by while this... this betrayal happens."

"Betrayal?" Rubio's eyes narrow, his voice cold and sharp, daring him to misspeak. "What are you talking about?"

Garrett takes a step forward, his gaze locking onto mine. 

"You," he spits out. "You think you can just waltz back in here after everything? After what you put Nikolai through? The pack?"

Rubio moves between us, his posture protective. 

"Watch your tone," he warns. "Adaline has every right to be here. Nikolai is dead, and I am reclaiming this pack."

The words hang heavily in the air, the finality of Rubio's statement undeniable. Garrett's face contorts with rage, his knuckles turning white as he clenches his fists again.

"You think you can just take over?" Garrett snarls. "Nikolai's death doesn't change everything. The pack still needs leadership—true leadership."

"And that leadership is me," Rubio declares, his voice unwavering. "This pack deserves better than Nikolai."

Garrett's eyes blaze with fury, but he doesn't move. The room is charged with a dangerous energy, each second stretching out as the tension builds.

"Enough," I say, my voice trembling but determined. "This isn't helping anyone. Garrett, you know he wasn't a good man. Do you remember him berating us, berating you, for hours because he thought we were together? No stable man, much less a leader, does that."

Garrett's expression flickers, a brief moment of doubt crossing his face. He hesitates, his anger wavering as the memories resurface. 

"He was... strict," Garrett mutters, but his voice lacks conviction.

"Strict?" I repeat, my voice gaining strength. "He was paranoid and abusive. He ruled through fear, not respect. And deep down, you know that. We all do."

Garrett looks away, his jaw clenching. 

"And you think you're the answer?" he asks, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"We know we are," Rubio replies, his tone firm but not unkind. "Not because we claim to be perfect, but because we believe in unity and strength through understanding. We want to build a pack where everyone feels valued and safe."