Chapter Fifty-Seven

Regan’s POV

I knew for a fact that Jasmine was uncomfortable with all the attention she was getting.

News of her being of the Royal bloodline had spread throughout out the pack and our pack members started to treat her with something akin to worship.

Unfortunately, my made was not fond of such attention.

She especially did not like having to start a meal before everyone else.

She often argued that since I was her mate, it was certain that I should be accorded the same respect.

I always reminded her that unlike her, I did not have a drop of Royal blood. Okay hitch was not entirely true since Alphas were known to be descendants from the Royal bloodline. Though not direct descendants that had claim to the throne like my mate.

After our evening meal, she had asked for a private meeting with Nana and Gaia where I had later learned she had apologized for how she had walked out on them the last time.

According to Lena, who had been privileged to be present, they had graciously accepted her apology, claiming there was no need to do so since her reaction was justified.

Currently, Gaia had requested another meeting with us to discuss the way forward.

After seeking her opinion, I had decided to attend alone since my mate was too wary to hear more tidings about war.

Lena chose not to attend as well, opting to keep her friend company instead.

So, I made my way to my study at the pack house where I had decided we were to meet.

On getting there, I already caught their scent before pushing open the doors to my study and walking in.

They were already seated on the various chairs provided in the study and I made my way behind my desk to my seat and sat down.

“My apologies for keeping you all waiting”, I told them.

They graciously nodded their heads.

“I believe we are to determine our next course of action”, I said. “Before I share mine, I would like to hear your thoughts and opinions concerning this matter”, I told them.

Gaia spoke first.

“Alpha Regan”, she said. “I would like to enquire as to the health of the Luna”, she said. “How is she taking the news?” She asked.

“I believe you had a private meeting with her”, i reminded.

“Yes”, she said. “But unfortunately, we did not have much time to discuss before her presence was needed elsewhere”, she told.

I took in her words in silence for a moment, allowing my gaze move around the room and briefly rest on each person present.

When my gaze finally rested on Luke, the hint of worry in his gaze that I could only recognize due to the many years I had known him, I finally spoke.

“I have had a discovery with my mate”, I said to them. “And I have given her my word that she will have as much time as she needs to come to terms with this situation”, I told them. “So, I would greatly appreciate it if you will all refrain from discussing anything pertaining to the coming war or danger with her”, I told them. “Whatever needs to be discussed or handled shall be decided upon by me. If anyone has any objection to this, speak now”, I said and waited for any objection but heard none.

I turned to Gaia.

“You once mentioned a cousin in the West whose help we can count on?” I asked just to be sure.

She nodded.

“Her name is Alia, High witch of the West”, she said. “She is a direct descendant of the Earth Goddess and a very powerful witch”, she told me. “She is highly respected by the witches in the West. And I am certain we can count on her support to stand against Arwyn and Alaric”, she said.

I nodded at her words.

“How soon can we get a message to her?” I asked.

“I can have a message delivered to her before nightfall”, she said confidently.

“Then do so”, I told her. “I hope to receive her response before nightfall, tomorrow”.

She nodded her agreement. “I will do as you have said”.

I turned next to Alpha Gaius.

“Gaius”, I addressed informally as he had requested. “Can I count on your support?” I asked, knowing he knew exactly what I meant.

A small smile softened his stern expression and lightened the mood of the dreary office.

“I fear I risk loosing my mate if I refuse to do all in my power to support you, your mate and your pack”, He said, earning a smile from everyone in the room in return, included me.

“You will have my support and that of all the warriors under my command whenever you need”, he pledged. “Whenever you call, the Whitestorm pack will answer”, he said with a short bow of his head.

I smiled in appreciation.

“You have my thanks, Gaius”, I told him, already growing fond of him.

Something about him eased my worry about him treating Lena well. He seemed like a honorable werewolf and it was obvious that he already completely adored Lena.

Though that would not stop me from ripping him apart if he hurt Lena in any way.

I turned to Luke, already knowing the certainty of his loyalty.

“I will begin to prepare the warriors”, he said, already knowing what was on my mind.

“And I will write to all our ally packs and everyone who had pledged their loyalty to us”, I said.

“I will write to all my old friends”, Nana said. “I am certain they will be very eager to answer our call”, she said.

“Then it is settled”, I said. “Write to all those whose help you believe we would need”, I told them. “I will write to the council of Elders and request for their presence here as soon as it can be arranged”, I told them.

“As this is no ordinary matter, I am certain they will answer your call”, Gaia said. “But they will ask to see her for themselves”, she pointed out.

“They will see her when she is ready and not a moment before”, I said firmly. “We will delay the letter to the Elders if need be”.

“I understand your reason and concern Alpha Regan”, Gaia said. “And quite frankly, I agree with it”, she said. “But I must also point out that time is of the essence”, she reasoned. “The earlier we have everything ready for Alaric’s attack, the better it will be for us all”, she paused to look right at me. “Because whether you want to believe it or not, or whether the Luna wishes to accept it or not, it is coming”, she said. “So I ask that you do all in your power to help the Luna get ready on time”she said.

“I agree with Gaia”, Nana said. “There are many who we must convince in order for them to join our cause”, she said. “And many will not believe until they have seen it with their own eyes”, she pointed out. “You know how much I adore Jasmine”, she told me. “I will do everything in my power to protect her and the pup”, she said. “But we need her to accept who she is in order for everyone to accept her”, she said. “It is the only way to protect them and keep them safe”, she urged.

I knew she was right, but I still did not wish to trouble or pressure Jasmine when I knew for certain she was not ready.

Still, I nodded, understanding the urgent of the situation.

Glad that she had made her point, Nana went on.

“I can speak to her as well”, she said. “I believe she will respect me enough to listen to my words or at least, consider them”.

I agreed with Nana.

Jasmine held her in the highest esteem and I knew she would listen to Nana’s words of wisdom, knowing she would never advice her wrong.

Still, I wanted her to do it at her own time.

After a moment of pondering, I spoke.

“I will speak with my mate and hear what she has to say concerning the matter”, I told them. “Afterwards, we may reconvene to discuss more on it”, I said. “I believe that is all for now”.

Nodding, they all started to rise to their feet.

“How about Blackmoon pack?” Gaius suddenly asked, halting all our movements.

I tensed at the sound of the name, memories that I was not fond of suddenly coming to the surface at the mention.

Innocently oblivious to this, he continued.

“I heard it is the nearest neighboring pack to your pack”, he said. “Would it not be wise to inform them first so that they are aware of the happenings before the other packs start to appear”, he suggested.

Rage growled at the insinuation of us needing help or anything at all from Blackmoon pack.

Rather than respond to his suggestion, I asked him.

“Pardon me for asking Gaius”, I said, struggling to remain calm as I spoke. “But what have you heard about Blackmoon pack?” I asked.

He looked thoughtful for a short moment as if trying to recall everything he had heard about the pack.

“I believe the only thing I have heard about them is that they are the closest pack to yours in proximity”, he said and suddenly looked embarrassed. “I am embarrassed to say that I only had knowledge of the existence of your pack in the East until my mother informed me of our impending visit”, he said, lifting a hand to scratch at the back of his head. “Everything else I know of any other packs in the East are simply their proximity to yours as I had no time to delve deeper”, he said.

For some reason, I breathed out in relief.

For a moment, it had crossed my mind that there was a possibility that he was friends with Blackmoon pack. A possibility I detested in earnest since I believed that anyone associated with Blackmoon pack lacked honor and dignity and so, could never be trusted.

So to hear that he was not associated with them in any way, eased my concerns tremendously.

I decided to be honest with him in my reply.

“As you are Lena’s mate, I consider you a part of my family”, I told him. “And it is because of that fact that I am telling you this”, I said and made my way around my desk to where he was seated.

“Blackmoon pack is considered an enemy to this pack”, I said plainly.

I could immediately see his obvious surprise and confusion, and so, chose to elaborate. As clearly, his mother had never mentioned the tragedy that had befallen our pack to him.

“Many years ago”, I told him. “Our pack was attacked and more than half of us killed”, I said, trying not to allow the memory of that day slip in. “My parents were killed in that attack. And the parents, sister and family members of your mate as well”, I informed him. “The attacker was Blackmoon pack”, I said.

He froze in shock at my words, his eyes filling with worry and pain for his mate.

“That is not their only crime”, I told him.

Though I was reluctant to share the next part, I needed him to completely understand why Blackmoon pack would always be considered our enemy.

“As though that was not enough crime”, I said. “They still launched little attacks on my pack members a few times”, I said before delivering the biggest news.

“Asides that, Tyler Carson, the present Alpha of Blackmoon pack was my mate’s original mate”, I said.

If he looked shocked before, he had certainly become dumbfounded.

“He treated her abominably and rejected her”, I told him as he recovered. “So I hope you see why I consider them and any friend of theirs an enemy?” I asked, locking eyes with him to get my message across.

He nodded firmly. “I understand”.

I turned away from him to go back around my desk. “That will be all for now”, I said. “You must excuse me as I have a lot of work to handle”, I said with a short bow.

They bowed in return and promptly made their way out of my study, understanding my words for the dismissal it was.