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CHAPTER 7

In the days that followed Caroline and Ema's dramatic departure, the pack house was full of whispers and sidelong glances. As Amelia moved through the corridors, she felt the weight of innumerable eyes on her, the air heavy with tension and unsaid opinions.

Despite their physical absence, Ema and Caroline had a lasting impact on the dynamics within the pack. It appeared that their impact extended well beyond the Alpha family's immediate circle.

Amelia wandered into the communal gardens of the pack one brisk morning, looking for comfort in the colorful flowers. She turned a corner and heard voices talking passionately in low tones.

"It is unbelievable that the Alpha is still allowing that human to be around," a female voice growled. "After Ema arrived and all of that?"

Another voice said, "I heard she bewitched him somehow." "There is no other way to explain it."

It broke Amelia's heart. She had thought that Bruce's widespread popularity would put an end to these rumors, but it appeared that the pack's disapproval went deeper than she had thought.

She braced herself and came into sight. The exchange ended abruptly, with awkward shuffling and sideways glances taking its place.

Amelia forced a smile and said, "Good morning." “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

The group muttered noncommittal answers and hurried away, leaving Amelia by herself once more. She let out a sigh, feeling the burden of her solitude pressing down on her.

Bruce called Amelia into his study later that afternoon. Uncertain about what to expect, her heartbeat accelerated as she walked into the room.

Raising his head from his desk, Bruce's expression was unreadable. "Amelia," he said in a formal tone. "There was an occurrence. Your car was vandalized last night.

Amelia's shocked eyes grew larger. How come? However, why would anyone—

Bruce went on, his voice tinged with a hint of anger, "It seems that some members of the pack are having trouble accepting your position here."

He indicated a tablet on his desk that displayed security footage of two juvenile werewolves defacing Amelia's car with spray paint. Both "Fake Luna" and "Human Whore" were prominently displayed.

Amelia was feeling very ill. "It is me... I am not sure I get it. Nothing that I have done has affected them.

Bruce’s jaw tightened. “Your mere presence is enough for some. Although I have dealt with those in charge, I worry that this might not be an isolated incident.

Bruce's phone buzzed, seemingly on cue. His scowl grew as he took a quick look at the screen. It appears that my mom is asking to speak with the pack leaders. Without a doubt, to formally challenge your position.

Amelia sank into a nearby chair, her head spinning. “What does this mean?”

When Bruce's eyes met hers, Amelia momentarily believed she saw a glimmer of worry. "That means we have to be ready for a fight, Amelia."

Far away, on the edge of pack territory, Caroline paced angrily across a plush carpet in a lavish estate. Ema sat close by, typing away on her phone, her fingers skimming over the screen.

"This is unacceptable," Caroline cried out. "That human wretch stains our lineage more and more with each day that goes by."

Ema glanced up, a malicious glint in her eyes. Caroline, do not be alarmed. We have only just begun to surprise Amelia with our small gifts. I have maintained contact with a few of my former pack members. They would be more than delighted to complicate things for our "Luna."

Caroline's mouth formed a sly smile. “Excellent. What about the elders, then? Have you made any headway in that regard?

Ema gave an excited nod. "Of the five, three have consented to consider our case. With a little more convincing, I am sure we can win over the other two.

Caroline said, "Good," her voice brimming with contentment. We will soon demonstrate to Bruce his mistakes. That human will be nothing but a distant, unpleasant memory.”

Amelia returned to the pack house and found herself alone more and more. Previously friendly pack members now averted their eyes from her or openly mocked her as she went by. Not even the amiable chef, Kate, seemed eager to talk to her.

The same young werewolves who had damaged Amelia's car approached her as she was walking to the dining hall one evening.

One of them mocked, "Well if it is not the Alpha's pet human." "Savoring every moment while you are at the top?

Amelia attempted to avoid them, but they got in the way. She pleaded, struggling to maintain her composure. "I wish to avoid any trouble."

The group's leader, a burly young man with a menacing twinkle in his eye, moved in closer. "Human, the moment you decided to play Luna, trouble found you."

Just when Amelia thought things would get violent, a strong voice was heard. "Enough already!

Bruce appeared, his eyes flashing dangerously, and the group dispersed. There was a ripple effect of whispers among the onlookers as he put a protective hand on Amelia's shoulder.

"Are you okay?" he inquired in an unexpectedly soft voice.

Though she did not think she could talk, Amelia nodded. Her already turbulent emotions were further confused when she felt the warmth of Bruce's hand on her shoulder.

Bruce spoke to the assembled group, his voice full of authority. "Let me be crystal clear about this. I am here to protect Amelia. There will be dire repercussions for any additional attempts to damage or threaten her. Is that understood?”

A chorus of reluctant agreement echoed through the hall. Bruce turned back to Amelia as the crowd started to thin out. Maybe it would be better if you had dinner alone this evening. Food will be delivered to your quarters by me.

Amelia wanted to object, to argue that running away would only make matters worse, but she was silenced by Bruce's worried expression. With a nod, she let him lead her back to her room.

Bruce's hand stayed at the small of Amelia's back the entire time they were walking, a gesture that felt strangely intimate and protective at the same time. She ignored the perplexing ideas, telling herself that their relationship amounted to nothing more than a business deal.

When Amelia woke up the following morning, there was an envelope under her door. One sheet of paper with the brief, menacing words, "Leave now, or suffer the consequences," was found inside. The only caution I have for you is this.

Amelia brought the note to Bruce, her hands shaking. As he read it, a low growl rumbled in his chest and his expression darkened.

He crumpled the paper in his fist and remarked, "This has gone too far." "With immediate effect, I am assigning you a personal security detail."

Amelia's gaze expanded. Is that really what is needed? I wish to not be a burden.

Bruce interrupted, his voice softer than she had ever heard, "You are not a burden, Amelia." "You are under my... authority." You will not experience any harm from me.

Amelia felt her heart race at the intensity of his stare. She ignored the emotion and concentrated on how serious the situation was.

She questioned, "What about the meeting with the elders?" “Your mother’s challenge?”

Bruce’s expression hardened. It is slated to happen tomorrow night. Amelia, I need you to be there. We have to put up a unified front.

Amelia nodded, but on the inside, she shook at the idea of seeing Caroline and Ema once more. "I will be present," she pledged.

The next evening, Amelia was positioned in front of the pack's elder council. Tension was palpable in the room as Bruce and Amelia were positioned across from Caroline and Ema.

The gathering was called to order by Elder Thorne, a werewolf of advanced years with sharp gray eyes. We have convened to discuss Caroline's (our Alpha's mother) concerns about the suitability of the current Luna. Caroline, feel free to make your case.

Caroline took a step forward, righteous indignation blazing in her eyes. "Honorable elders, I am here today to talk about the future of our pack. Amelia, the human, is completely inappropriate to be our Luna. She is devoid of our strength, heritage, and basic identity as members of our community.

There were murmurs of agreement throughout the space. Confident, Caroline went on. "In addition, I have reason to suspect that she has cast a spell on my son, impairing his judgment and guiding him away from his true calling."

Bruce became visibly agitated at this, but Elder Thorne raised a hand to stop any yelling.

Ema was the next to speak, her tone laced with contrived pity. "I have known Amelia in the human world for a long time. She may have good intentions, but she is unprepared for the duties of a Luna. Our pack deserves better—a true werewolf leading the pack is what it deserves."

Amelia had the impression that she was surrounded by walls. She could see that several of the elders were nodding in agreement with Caroline and Ema's statements, and the tension in the room was evident.

Bruce moved forward as hope was starting to wane. His presence demanded respect and seemed to fill the room.

With a steady and firm voice, he said, "Honored elders." "I stand before you as a wolf who has witnessed the true strength of character in his chosen mate, not just as your Alpha."

Bruce continued, and a quiet hush descended upon the room. Despite being human, Amelia has bravery and tenacity that many werewolves would find admirable. She has persevered and shown grace in the face of discrimination, threats, and open hostility.

Amelia was taken aback when Bruce looked directly into her eyes. She sensed a warmth and admiration that transcended simple duty or obligation.

Bruce turned back to face the elders and said, "As for the accusations of bewitchment, I can assure you that my mind is clearer than it has ever been." Amelia gives our pack a new outlook that, in my opinion, will usher in a time of prosperity and understanding.

Caroline spat in disgust. "This is ridiculous! You can’t possibly—”

Elder Thorne ordered silence. With his aged gaze, he observed Bruce and Amelia closely, as though he could see right into their souls.

After what felt like an eternity, he spoke. “The bond between an Alpha and Luna is sacred, transcending mere biology or tradition. Despite the unusual nature of this circumstance, I do not see any indication of malicious influence or inappropriateness.

Ema took a step forward, her poise faltering. But Elder Thorne, you must not permit this to go on! Consider our future and the bloodline of the pack.

Elder Thorne cut him off, "Young one, blood is not the only factor that determines our destiny. It is molded by vision, character, and the capacity to change with the times.

He turned to speak to the entire room. The Alpha's selection of Luna is not subject to challenge by the council. Amelia will continue to hold her position and all associated rights and obligations.

Reactions to the announcement ranged from shock to outrage to a few quiet nods of agreement. Caroline's expression crumpled in defeat, as though she might burst into rage.

Amelia experienced an odd mixture of relief and apprehension as the meeting came to an end. Although the task had been accomplished, she was aware that her troubles were far from over.

Bruce put his hand on her shoulder and gave her one of his rare smiles. "You did a good job," he murmured. "Maybe there is still hope for us."

Amelia grinned back at him, letting herself sink a little deeper into his touch. She could not get rid of the sensation that something had changed between them as they left the council chambers together—something that went beyond agreements and contracts.

Caroline watched them go in the shadows of the hallway, her eyes burning with barely contained rage. She hissed at Ema, "This is not over." "Not by much."

Ema nodded, her previous defeat giving way to a stern determination. "Be at ease," she reassured. "I have a scheme that will make that human wish she had never come here."

The two scorned women started to plot as Bruce and Amelia vanished from sight, their whispered plans hinting at impending storms.

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