Half-Blooded | The Dark Child Prophecy Series [✔️]

Chapter 52: Belong

"It's a tradition that Wolves have been performing as far back as our history goes. If you want to truly prove to the other alphas that this is real and not gossip, your timing couldn't be better to debut her status," William Kipling said from behind me, making me clench my jaw as I stared out the windows from the upstairs alpha den.

"He threatened her, Will," Jason answered him. "They clearly think there is a way to get what they want if they started throwing dirt under my nose. I've been hearing the complaints over simple rumors for months about alliances with Shadow Stalker coven houses and Her Majesty. I won't have it any longer. She's here and she's capable of doing everything this Pack could ever want from a she-alpha."

"Did he threaten any physical action?" Maria asked. "If Alpha Page is talking about lethal intimidation against Alpha-blood, you'll have full rights to do with him as you please for punishment. It's clear insubordination to your dominance."

"No," I said, still not looking at them from my place near the large bay of windows. "He didn't say he would kill me, harm me, or otherwise. He said I shouldn't stay, and I shouldn't 'climb the steps,' for a title I couldn't possibly have because of my heritage."

"He may as well have," Jason said, his tone dark. "Serenity, you said he threatened our potential children."

I bit down on my bottom lip. "He said the Pack wouldn't follow a half-blooded heir. That's all. On the grounds of political movements, you can't apply the clause of intimidation. His followers will call it hearsay and fight back." I reached over to the table to pick up my glass of wine. "He was very careful on how he phrased his words."

"I've never liked Page, but I never thought he would have the balls to actually come after the D'Angelo-Hellmuth line," William said and I glanced over my shoulder to see him shake his head before taking a quick sip of his whiskey. "He's such a bloody ass for even suggesting it."

"Will, language," Nicolette warned him, her voice harsh. "I apologize, Your Majesty."

I heard Aunt Eris giggle from behind me, relieved that I had asked her to sit in on this debate. "No offense taken."

"If Page is gathering others to follow his lead, then there could be trouble," Thomas said, his voice calm and professional. "I would want the full team out with you, if that's the case. A little show of intimidation on our own side may discourage any of them from being stupid."

"Did he mention anyone else that could be aligned with him?" Maria asked.

My head shook. "No, he didn't give me any names. He just kept referring to 'the packs.' If he has allies, he's keeping his cards close to his chest."

"Silvia Hunt," Jason said slowly and I quickly took a sip of my drink. "She didn't mention Killian to me, but she also made the same comment that the Pack as a whole wouldn't support my decision... She seemed adamant that Serenity didn't belong with us."

"That woman is such a bitch," Nicolette sighed heavily, making both William and Eris give a small laugh. "She needs to stop pushing her limits and toe the line."

"If you two were to do this, then tonight might be your last chance until the next full moon. If you assert your dominance now, it might quell any ill will that those two have decided to manifest. Show them what she is and what she's capable of," William added. "It's not the Mating ceremony, but at least it's a step in that direction."

"Leading the hunt in your fur is about as close as you're going to get to proving to them that this is real until then," Maria agreed.

I sat my glass down again and stared out the window as the people below danced and played in the moonlit gardens. There were still remnants of a spring chill despite the fact summer was around the corner. I felt a hint of déjà vu, remembering the exact moment at Meadowlark during my first week with the Pack. I hugged my arms closer to my body, my brow wrinkling for a moment.