The Chosen One •

23

🐺 Kun 🐺

The air was thick with anticipation as I stood before my pack, my arms crossed and my expression as hard as stone. Tara and Jacob flanked me on either side, while my father stood tall just behind me. Isabel was beside me, her shoulders squared but her nerves visible in the way her hands fidgeted briefly at her sides. I couldn't blame her; this was her first real introduction to the pack—not just as someone visiting, but as my mate.

I stepped forward, my voice loud and clear. "I've called you all here to address what's been happening with the rogues. We've been tracking their attacks, and I can tell you this isn't random. They're organized, and they're using magic and vampire blood to boost their strength."

The murmurs started immediately, shock rippling through the crowd like a wave. I let them process the information for a moment before raising my hand. "Enough. We're not here to panic. We're here to prepare. Training will begin immediately, and it's going to be harder than anything you've done before. These rogues are stronger, faster, and more dangerous. We need to be ready."

The murmurs settled, and I took a deep breath before continuing. "I also have another announcement." My eyes flicked to Isabel for a brief second before locking back on the crowd. "This is Isabel Soto. She is my mate."

A ripple of voices rose at once—mostly in surprise, some in disbelief. I clenched my jaw, letting the noise build for a moment before releasing a low growl that silenced them instantly. "I didn't bring you here to question my choice or the bond. She is my true mate, and that is final."

They quieted, but I could feel the tension in the air. I pressed on. "There's more. Isabel isn't just here as my mate. She's here to help us. The rogues we're facing aren't just wolves—they're under the influence of magic. Isabel is a witch."

This time, the uproar was louder. Anger, disbelief, and distrust filled the space as the pack erupted into chaos. My wolf pushed to the surface, a low snarl ripping from my chest. "Quiet!" I roared, my alpha command rolling over them like a thunderclap.

The pack silenced, though the tension was still thick. I met their gazes one by one, letting them feel the weight of my authority before continuing. "I understand your doubts. But there's something you need to know. Isabel isn't just any witch. She's the only child of Marcus Black."

The silence that followed was deafening. Every wolf around the world knew that name. Marcus Black was legendary—feared, respected, and a figure whose name alone carried weight. They knew what that made Isabel. A hybrid.

I let the truth settle over them, my gaze steady. "That means she's more than capable of helping us. Isabel is going to train us on how to defend against magic, and you will swear your loyalty to her as your future Luna—and to her secret. This isn't up for debate."

There were a few hesitant nods, and some begrudging murmurs of agreement, but I could see the resistance in their eyes. One of the warriors, a broad-shouldered male named Ethan, stepped forward. "If she's so capable, let her prove it. Can she even fight wolves?"

Before I could respond, my father's voice cut through the tension. "She doesn't need to prove herself. She fought five rogues alongside her parents and came out without a scratch. That should be proof enough."

There were murmurs of respect now, the tide shifting slightly. Still, Ethan didn't back down completely. I opened my mouth to end the conversation, but Isabel surprised me by speaking up.

"I don't mind showing you," she said, her tone light but firm. "I'll spar if it'll ease your doubts."

I turned to her, narrowing my eyes. "You don't have to do this."