Meeting

Chapter 9: meeting

Ryker's car rolled into the compound, and Emilia rushed to his side, relief washing over her face.

"Where have you been?" Emilia asked, concern etching her voice. "You made me so scared."

Ryker's expression turned cold, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "I told you I'd be back. Why are you so paranoid?"

He stepped out of the car, his movements abrupt.

"Please, just leave me alone, Emilia," Ryker said dismissively, striding away.

Emilia's face fell, hurt by his brusque tone. She hesitated, then followed him.

"Ryker, wait! What's wrong? You're scaring me," Emilia called out.

Ryker's pace quickened, his silence a stark contrast to Emilia's growing unease.

"Please inform the Alpha that Ryker's returned," Emilia instructed the guards, her voice firm.

She swiftly followed Ryker, catching up to him with ease.

Ryker didn't acknowledge her presence, his long strides eating up the distance.

Emilia matched his pace, her eyes fixed on his broad back.

As they approached the mansion, the guards' radio crackled to life.

"Alpha notified ma'am," a guard's voice echoed.

Emilia nodded, her gaze never leaving Ryker's retreating figure.

*

Elijah's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face.

"What do you think Ryker's planning? He returns, yet avoids the Alpha's presence entirely."

Elisa's expression turned enigmatic. "Let's give him space, Elijah. Observe from a distance."

Her gaze drifted toward the window, lost in thought.

Elijah's eyes narrowed. "You think he's hiding something?"

"Possibly. Ryker's actions are calculated. Let's wait and see his next move." Elisa's voice remained measured.

Keal entered the room with a quiet reverence, his head bowed in respect. "Alpha, Ryker has returned to the palace."

Elisa's gaze lifted from the documents scattered across her desk, her expression unreadable. She nodded curtly, acknowledging the information.

"Thank you, Keal. Inform the guards to keep a close eye on him."

Keal's bow deepened before he straightened. "Already done, Alpha. Shall I summon Ryker to your presence?"

Elisa's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. "Not yet. Let's observe his movements first."

With a nod, Keal departed, leaving Elisa to ponder Ryker's intentions.

*

Raven hood Pack

Alpha Blaze shared a delightful dinner with his family and their newest member, Luna Freya. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy, now that the toxic influence of the previous Luna, Elisa, was gone.

"I can't express how thrilled I am," Judy exclaimed. "With the bad egg gone and our new Luna by our side, the pack feels rejuvenated!" The group erupted into laughter.

Luna Freya smiled graciously. "Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I promise to never disappoint you. I'll strive to be a better Luna than Elisa ever was."

"Who knows where she ended up?" Kayla said with a shrug. "She's probably struggling to survive in the woods."

Freya chuckled, her voice dripping with amusement. "She'll come crawling back, begging for scraps. That worthless omega, an orphan with no one to turn to – she's got no other options."

"I'll take her as my maid when she comes back," Freya said.

They all burst out laughing.

*

Moonstone Pack

Alpha Elisa stood before the mirror, her royal dresser and maids assisting her as she prepared for the day.

"What's on my schedule this morning?" Elisa asked Zac, her guard.

"You have a council meeting scheduled, Your Majesty," Zac replied.

"Notify them I'll arrive in ten minutes," Elisa said, applying gloss, Zac bowed and walked out of the room.

Beta Kael entered, bowing. "The meeting with the pack women is arranged, as requested."

Elisa nodded. "Prepare the hall and inform me when everything's ready," she commanded.

"And have the chef prepare a nice meal for us after the meeting," Alpha Elisa instructed.

"Yes, Alpha," Beta Kael bowed before exiting.

Elisa stood up. "I'll head to the council meeting first."

“All done Alpha,” The Royal dresser said and Elisa stood up.

Elisa stood and proceeded to the throne room, her guards following closely behind.

As she entered, the council members rose from their seats, bowing respectfully. "Alpha Elisa," they greeted in unison.

"Let's begin," Elisa said, taking her seat at the head of the table.

Zac, her guard, stood at attention beside her, while the council members settled into their seats.

"Councilor Ryder, please present the first agenda item," Elisa instructed.

Ryder, a seasoned elder, nodded. "Thank you, Alpha. Our first matter concerns the recent border disputes with the neighboring pack. There have been reports of trespassing and threats from their side."

"What evidence do we have?" Elisa asked.

"We have eyewitness accounts from our patrols and markings on the trees indicating their pack's presence," Ryder replied.

Elisa's expression turned thoughtful. "Have we tried diplomatic channels?"

"Yes, Alpha. Beta Kael met with their representative, but no agreement was reached," Ryder said.

The room fell silent as Elisa pondered the situation.

"What are our options?" she asked finally.

Councilor Thompson spoke up. "We could strengthen our border patrols or send a delegation to negotiate."

Elisa nodded. "Prepare a proposal for both options. I want it on my desk by sundown."

The council members nodded, scribbling notes.

"Next item?" Elisa asked.

Councilor Lee spoke up. "The harvest festival preparations are underway, Alpha. The pack women have requested your approval for the event layout."

Elisa smiled. "I'll review it after this meeting and I also have a meeting with the pack women later so I guess we’ll talk about it”

"Regarding the border dispute," Councilor Thompson said, "do we have any intelligence on the neighboring pack's intentions?"

"We've gathered some information," Ryder replied, "but it's unclear if they're seeking conflict or merely testing boundaries."

"I want more concrete intelligence," Elisa said. "Assign someone to gather information discreetly."

"Yes, Alpha," Ryder said, jotting down notes.

Councilor Lee spoke up. "Alpha, what's our stance on the upcoming Gathering of Packs?"

Elisa leaned back in her chair. "We'll attend, but with caution. Our pack's strength and unity will be on display."

The council members nodded, taking notes.

Elisa glanced around the table. "Any other pressing matters?"

The council members exchanged glances, shaking their heads.

"Then this meeting is adjourned," Elisa declared, standing up.

Her guards fell into step beside her as she exited the throne room.

"Time for the pack women's meeting," Elisa said to Zac.

"Yes, Alpha," Zac replied. "Beta Kael has prepared the hall as instructed."

Elisa nodded, making her way to the designated hall. The sound of chatter and laughter grew louder as they approached.

Inside, the pack women were seated, awaiting her arrival. Elisa's entrance was met with warm smiles and respectful nods.

Beta Kael stepped forward, announcing, "The Alpha has arrived."

The room fell silent as Elisa made her way to the front, her confident stride commanding attention.

"Thank you for gathering, sisters," Elisa said, her voice warm and authoritative. "I value your input and perspectives."

The pack women relaxed, their faces eager. Elisa took a seat, gesturing for the discussion to begin.

Zara, the elder pack woman, spoke up.

"Alpha, we've prepared a report on the pack's social dynamics and suggestions for strengthening our community."

Elisa nodded, interested. "Please, share your findings."

Zara handed Elisa a parchment, which she scanned before nodding for her to proceed.

"Thank you, Alpha," Zara said with a smile. "As you've seen, our main concern is the integration of new pack members. We propose a mentorship program to ease their transition."

Elisa nodded thoughtfully. "I like it. How do you suggest we implement this?"

Zara gestured to another pack woman, Maya, who spoke up. "We've identified willing mentors and created a basic structure. We just need your approval to move forward."

Elisa turned to Beta Kael. "Kael, what are your thoughts?"

Kael leaned forward. "I think it's a great idea, Alpha. It'll strengthen pack bonds and help new members feel welcome."

Elisa smiled. "Approved. Make it happen."

The pack women exchanged pleased glances, nodding in unison.

"Thank you, Alpha," Zara said, beaming.

Elisa's gaze swept the room. "Any other proposals or concerns?"

Another woman spoke up. "One more thing, Alpha. The harvest festival preparations are underway. We request your presence at the final planning meeting."

Elisa nodded. "I'll be there. You've done an excellent job organizing this."

As the meeting was about to end, Elisa stood, her presence commanding attention.

"Remember, sisters, our pack's strength lies in unity and compassion. Let's continue to support one another."

The pack women rose, murmuring agreements and smiles.

"Dismissed," Elisa said with a warm smile.

The room filled with chatter as the pack women began to disperse.