Chapter 8: The Alpha King

News of the stolen ruby spread like wildfire throughout the packs. Amelia, the once-rogue, now rejected Luna, had stolen the Stormfang’s precious ruby. It was sacreligious – unheard of! How dare she! Amelia became an enemy of wolves everywhere. People whispered about her; she was a thief and a traitor.

Amelia, however, remained blissfully unaware of the rumors because she was in the human world.  

Seated at a quaint tea table, Amelia and Olivia were talking like only best friends can. The delicate aroma of freshly brewed tea enveloped them, accompanied by the gentle clinking of porcelain cups. As Amelia poured her heart out to Olivia, she found solace in the familiar surroundings of her human city, a place where she felt loved and cherished. She had been back for a month now, and she felt relaxed and at peace.

Moonstone's Villa served as her sanctuary, a breathtaking haven adorned with opulence and luxurious décor. Amelia was telling Olivia all about the man who had shown up on her doorstep two days ago, his arms full of presents fit for a princess, to ask for her hand in marriage!

Amelia laughed as she told the story to Olivia.

“Can you believe it?” Amelia asked. “He even brought a horse. A purebred horse, Liv! And I’ve never even met him.”

“Of course I can believe it, Mila,” Olivia responded. “Do you know how many men want you? Do you have any idea how many men would jump at the chance just to have tea with you?”

“That’s ridiculous,” Amelia said, shaking her head.

“But it’s not,” Olivia responded. “You’re a princess. You’re intelligent and wealthy and powerful. Why WOULDN’T they want you?”

Olivia painted a vivid picture of a future where Amelia would be adored, swept off her feet, and showered with love and luxury. It was a world far removed from the pain she had endured at the hands of Gabriel, a man who didn't deserve even a second glance, let alone her unwavering love. 

It’s strange, Amelia thought to herself. My future here is the opposite of my life with Gabriel. Here, I am adored. Men want me. But with Gabriel, I was denigrated and ridiculed. I’m so glad I returned home.

“In any case,” Amelia continued. “My dad asked me what I thought. I told him that I had no interest in marriage right now. I just want peace for awhile. I want time to readjust to my life here at the Villa.”

“You’ve been through a lot,” Olivia said, smiling sympathetically. “I understand why you don’t want to mate anyone right now.”

Just then, Asher strode into the room, and Amelia noticed a subtle transformation take hold of Olivia. Her vivacious demeanor softened into a quiet and sweet presence. Amelia couldn't help but notice the slight blush that spread across Olivia’s cheeks.  

What a minute! Does Olivia have a thing for my brother? Amelia asked herself as she studied Olivia’s every movement.  

If she did, Asher was oblivious. His attention was focused on the matters at hand.

“Dad is not getting any younger, Amelia,” Asher stated as he sat down beside Olivia. Olivia immediately turned her head to Asher, and then looked away abruptly. “He’s getting too old for this much work. It’s up to us. You and I.”

“What about Alfred?” Amelia asked. Alfred was their other brother. He was smart as a whip and a real ‘people-person’: gregarious, charismatic, and funny - all qualities that helped one excel in business transactions.. Surely he would benefit the family business. But Asher shook his head.

“He has other plans. He’s out touring the world with his art exhibition. That’s where his focus is. He doesn’t want to be part of the family business. We can’t count on him.”

Just then, Olivia leaned in closer to Asher. If Amelia didn’t know better, she’d swear that Olivia had just tried to inhale his scent. Olivia saw Amelia staring at her. She was caught in the act. Olivia gave Amelia a sheepish smile, as if to say - I can’t help it. Amelia smiled back knowingly. She knew all too well what it was like to be attracted to someone who didn’t return the feelings…

“Okay,” Amelia nodded, turning her attention back to her brother. “Then it’s just us. So, what do we do?”

Olivia had moved closer to Asher. Amelia was sure of it. A knowing smile formed at the edge of Amelia’s lips. She would have so much fun teasing Liv about this later.

“I’ll teach you the ropes,” Asher said, completely unaware of the swooning she-wolf beside him. “We’ll go out and I’ll show you everything.”

“Sounds good,” Amelia said. “But only on one condition.”

“What’s that?” Asher asked.

“That Liv comes too.”

Olivia’s eyes widened in shock. She looked to Amelia, who only smiled and nodded in reassurance. Asher looked to Olivia and then back at Amelia.

“She’s in the same line of work, Asher. She’ll be an asset.”

Asher shrugged. He could see that his sister was serious and honestly, he didn’t mind having Olivia around. Amelia was right - she was really intelligent and would likely be an asset. “Sure,” he said. Olivia mouthed ‘thank you’ to Amelia and Amelia winked back at her friend.

“Okay, that brings us to the second reason I’m here,” Asher said. “It’s about the Stormfang Pack. About Gabriel. And you.”

Asher filled them in on everything he had heard. A wave of disbelief washed over Amelia. Gabriel's pack was calling her a thief? Accusing her of stealing the heritage ruby?

“But I didn’t,” Amelia cried out.

“Amelia. You don’t need to defend yourself. Not to us,” Asher assured her. “We know you didn’t steal the ruby.”

“Those ASSHOLES,” Olivia yelled, her anger rising. She felt her wolf coming on. That pack had already done enough damage to her friend. How dare they accuse her of this? This was dangerous territory. This would completely ruin Amelia’s reputation!

The realization hit Amelia like a devastating blow, shattering any remnants of trust she had left for Gabriel. How could he accuse her of such a betrayal? They had been together for two years? She had been their loyal Luna! She had done everything in her power to help and care for that pack. Did that count for nothing?  

Olivia's eyes blazed with indignation. 

No. This isn’t right. I need to put an end to this, Amelia thought to herself. 

“We need Father,” Amelia stated. With a sense of urgency, Amelia turned to Asher, instructing him to seek their father. Amelia knew that her father could help. 

Because Magnus wasn’t just Alpha of the powerful, wealthy Eclipse Pack - he was the Alpha King.  He held the power to issue a top emergency edict that would gather all the pack leaders for a crucial gathering..

Moments later, the Alpha King came into the room, his eyes alight with anger.

"My sweet Amelia! I am outraged by these baseless accusations!" Father Alpha King's words thundered through the room, emphasizing his unwavering conviction. "You are a precious princess, deserving of honor and respect. I will put these lowly wolves in their place! They dare to spread vicious lies about my daughter? They will face the full force of justice."

Amelia smiled at her father’s protective nature, but she didn’t want him to handle this. She needed to handle this herself. She had to show them that she was a powerful, strong princess - not a lowly, thief rogue.

“Thank you, Father. But I want to address the pack leaders myself. Will you please call a meeting of the pack leaders? We can prepare a banquet. Remember, Gabriel doesn’t know who I am. But it’s about time he found out, don’t you think?” Amelia asked her father. 

Alpha Magnus smiled at his daughter, his love and admiration for her thick in his eyes. “Yes, my dear. You are right. It’s time for you to show your power. I will support you and respect your wishings. I will send out the invitations immediately. And there, at the banquet, you can reveal your true identity.”