Chapter 5

~STORM

What kind of changes? I almost asked him as I scanned the crowd. His gaze locked onto mine for a brief moment, accompanied by a smirk, before he looked away. Suddenly, swallowing felt like a Herculean task, and I began wringing my hands nervously as I focused on him.

“First of all, I have no interest in being the Alpha of all three packs.” I blinked, stunned by his admission. “The three packs will hereby be unified as one, adopting the Navarre name. The pack will be led by the former Alpha.”

Curiosity nudged me to crane my neck for Richard’s reaction. His expression was a tight frown, and he resolutely stared at his feet, refusing to acknowledge Kieran’s announcement.

Pride flashed in Danielle’s eyes as they lit up with excitement. I scanned her body for any bruises, but they seemed to have vanished. Her wolf must have worked its magic to aid her healing.

Kieran gestured for Richard to come to the stage, and he approached with his shoulders hunched, his demeanor deflated.

“He will be heading the pack,” Kieran stated, motioning toward him. “But…”

I should have anticipated it. Kieran never made a move without adding a “but” to the equation.

“He will report to me at all times. He must seek my permission before making any decisions or undertaking any tasks. And if I’m unavailable, he can always consult Beta Ian.” Kieran motioned towards the man who stood behind him, a smirk plastered on his face.

An Alpha reporting to a Beta? The very notion provoked a suppressed laugh within me. This was the unfortunate outcome of Richard’s reckless choices. I noticed his frown deepening as Kieran listed off the new rules.

“Secondly,” Kieran continued, “the council chiefs will remain unchanged. There will be no additional members.”

Cheers erupted from the crowd. They already adored their new Alpha.

“Thirdly, I would like to collect a reward for winning over the pack.”

Everyone leaned closer, anticipation hanging thick in the air. What on earth could he ask for? We collectively held our breaths as he finally raised his hands, directing his gaze toward me.

“Mrs. Storm Evire. Mind coming down here for a minute?”

Avira nodded and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze as I made my way toward the stage. My heart thumped loudly in my ears with each shaky step.

When I reached the stage, Kieran directed me to stand beside him, his hand settling onto the small of my back. My spine stiffened instinctively at his touch.

“I wish to take her… as my reward,” he announced while licking his lips.

“She’s still with the Alpha!” someone shouted from the audience, a note of shock evident in their voice.

Kieran chuckled. “He has a mistress. All packs are aware of the story, and now, he must reject her.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Avira pressed a hand over her mouth, and Richard’s expression turned a violent shade of red.

For a moment, I considered embracing Kieran for delivering me from this prison of a marriage. But was it truly better? Was it more favorable to remain with my unfaithful husband or to be set free as a reward from someone I’d wronged in the past?

“Come on, say it,” Kieran urged, impatience lacing his voice as his hand remained on my back.

“I, Richard Evire, hereby reject Storm Evire, setting her free from our holy matrimony. She may do as she pleases, as long as she remains in the pack and abides by all the rules,” he stated, eyes tightly shut.

Every word felt like a cold bucket of water being dumped over me. A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd of three packs. I had no idea they held me in such high regard. Tears pricked at my eyes as I scanned their faces, overwhelmed. Kieran's hand slid off my back, leaving a lingering warmth behind.

He seized my hand, and electricity coursed through my entire being. My wolf stirred within me, her whispers swirling in excitement, but I couldn’t quite decipher her words amidst all the chaos. I sensed a healing on my neck as the bite mark began to close up.

“You’re free now, Stormy,” Kieran murmured over the howling and cheering.

A flood of gratitude swelled within me, threatening to spill out, but I restrained myself. This was no time for softness. I merely nodded, feigning confidence.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, tonight will be dedicated to my victory in the fight, my ascendance as Alpha, and the liberation of Miss Storm Tevaro.”

The swift invocation of my maiden name sent a shiver of realization through me. The pack would expect Kieran and me to mate soon. And once that happened, the elders would undoubtedly start probing for heirs. The future Alpha.

He must have sensed my anxiety because he added, “Calm down, Storm. I’m not here to hurt you. We can celebrate now.”

As the thought of throwing a party flickered in my mind, my heart sank at the realization of how long it might take Avira and me to prepare everything. We had built a reputation as the Lock Heart pack’s unofficial event planners. No, wait... the Navarre pack. It would take time to adjust to those changes.

When we finally descended into the events hall, everything sparkled—food, drinks, decorations, all perfectly arranged. The crowd quickly swarmed toward the buffet, while I found myself retreating to a corner, lost in thought about my life ahead. It felt like navigating a swirling storm.

“Luna,” Beta Ian called as he approached me. “Kieran is looking for you.”

“Where is he?” I asked, frowning.

“On the terrace. He’s waiting for you.”

“Tell him I’ll be there,” I replied. Just before he left, I stopped him. “You call him by his name?”

Ian nodded, a smile creeping onto his face. “Don’t go all Alpha or Gamma on him. He prefers it when you drop the formalities.”

Nothing had changed about Ian, it seemed. I dropped my glass of juice in excitement, rushing back to my room to touch up my makeup. I needed to look my best for whatever Kieran had in store.

Thankfully, no one sought me out. The party had absorbed everyone’s attention.

Pushing through the crowd, I finally made it to the terrace and found Kieran waiting there.

“You didn’t come,” he stated, his back still turned toward me.

“Come where?” I asked, confusion knitting my brow.

“That night,” he replied, his voice low and heavy.

He remembered.

Shit!