9- THE MEETING

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CHAPTER TWO

-WILHELMINA-

The next morning marked the start of my duties as the freshly appointed Delta. Despite the unsettling encounter with Boris, I was ecstatic to finally be fulfilling my lifelong dream. Before the sun even peeked over the horizon, Weldon and I departed from the house and headed towards the pack mansion.

The mansion was a sprawling edifice that had stood strong for centuries, the stoic backbone of our pack's heritage. It gleamed in the first light of morning, encased in dew-kissed ivy and nestled amidst lush greenery. The sight of it always filled me with a mixture of awe and reverence; a castle made of stone and timber, standing tall against the backdrop of dense woodland.

It felt surreal to walk down those long halls as an authority figure rather than a subordinate. Weldon by my side, I reveled in this new reality, drinking in every pristine corner of this age-old mansion.

Our first task of the day was to meet with the pack's elders and the previous leadership. As we entered the grand meeting room, four pairs of eyes lifted onto us. Across the room stood Boris, the current Alpha, with his father and predecessor, Leon Gravemaw. Beside them were Matus Greymane, the former Delta, and our own father, who had held the position of Beta.

The room was large and imposing, with a high arched ceiling that held chandeliers of wrought iron and crystal. A long rectangular table spread across the middle, made of dark walnut and filled with scrolls, quills, papers, and other essentials for a meeting. The walls were covered with tapestries showing the history of our pack while majestic windows were cloaked in heavy drapes of rich velvet.

Boris and I made eye contact for only a moment before I turned my attention away. His gaze was as icy and menacing as it had been the night before, sparking a sense of unease that momentarily made me lose my focus.

"Wilhelmina," Leon called, his baritone voice reverberating throughout the room. His stare was intense, but not unkind like his son's. As I walked over to him, he extended a hand out to me. "Congratulations on becoming the new Delta. You will do an amazing job during your term."

"Thank you, Mr. Leon," I replied, shaking his hand firmly. His grip was strong and commanding, yet there was a sense of warmth in his touch that eased some of my anxiety.

"I believe in your abilities, Wilhelmina," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "I've watched you grow into the strong, intelligent, and capable woman you are today. I've seen your dedication to the pack, your tireless efforts in serving our kind. I know you'll uphold our values and set a great example for the rest."

His words filled me with courage and determination. I was grateful for his support, especially amidst the eerie hostility that came from Boris.

"Thank you for your faith in me," I told Leon, feeling a rush of gratitude welling up in my chest.

"Please," he said, releasing my hand and gesturing towards the grand seating arrangement at the end of the table. "Take your place at the table, Wilhelmina."

I nodded, took a deep breath, and then proceeded to one of the ornately carved chairs at the end of the table. A trio of chairs sat at the head of the table, with the one in the middle standing out for its size and intricate design. That chair belonged to the Alpha.

To the left was the chair designed for the Beta, slightly smaller though still grand, bathed in the soft glow of the crystal chandelier overhead. To the right was the seat I was to occupy. The Delta's chair was not as elaborate as the other two, but it carried its own dignity and importance.

With the gravity of my new role sinking in, I glanced back at Weldon and gave him an encouraging smile. He returned it with a nod of approval and assurance.

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