Chapter 3 A Pack Divided
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Raven
The tension in the pack was like a storm brewing. As I walked through the grounds, it was impossible to miss the hushed whispers and the sideways glances. They were already anticipating the change soon.
I headed toward the training grounds. Warriors sparred, but all stopped when I passed. Whispers started to erupt, but they couldn’t look straight at me and talked directly at me.
“Luna Raven,” a voice called.
I turned to see Connor, one of the warriors, leaning against the fence, a smirk tugging at his lips.
“Still hanging on, huh?”
I stopped but kept my voice steady.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
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Chapter 3 A Pack Divided
He shrugged and stepped forward with that same arrogant look.
“Just wondering how long you‘ 11 be around, now that Celeste‘ s… you know.”
My wolf stirred, but I held her back. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“I’ve earned my place to earn that title. I’m not going anywhere.”
Connor chuckled, crossing his arms.
“This pack needs more than just loyalty, Luna Raven. It needs a future. Celeste‘ s giving them that.”
His words hit like a slap, but I kept my voice cold.
“I’ve given them strength. Leadership. What have you done?”
“Loyalty only goes so far. Without an heir, what’s left to secure the pack‘ s future?”
Before I could respond, Luka, one of the councils, appeared, ending the
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confrontation.
“Connor, that’s enough!”
Connor hesitated but nodded to Luka. He walked away but sneered at me.
Luka turned to me and softly said, “Come on… walk with me.”
We silently walked toward the woods. Once we were deep in the trees, Luka looked around and then finally spoke.
“The pack‘ s worried, Luna Raven.
They’re questioning things.”
“They‘ re questioning me,” I replied, hiding my frustration.
Luka nodded.
“They’re restless. They see the pregnancy and think it’s what the pack needs–a guarantee.”
“So, they’re ready to throw me aside because I haven‘ t given them a child?”
“It’s not that simple. It’s not personally
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about you. It’s about tradition. Legacy.
The pack wanted stability, and they see that in Celeste’s child.”
“So, everything I’ve done means nothing?”
“It does matter. But you need to remind them of why you‘ re Luna. You can’t let this consume you. You have to show them your strength.”
“But I don’t know how,” I admitted, feeling a knot in my chest.
“Every day, they see her. The pregnancy was all they cared about. They are all excited about it.”
“They care about more than that. Being Luna is more than giving the Alpha an heir. Show them what they‘ re risking if they turn against you.”
His words hit home. I had been so consumed by Celeste’s pregnancy that I’d forgotten my strength. I was among those who were a good strategist.
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“You‘ re right. I’ve been letting this
control me. I had lost my focus.”
Luka gave a small nod.
“Good. Because the pack needs you, whether they realize it or not. You just need to remind them,” he said and smiled.
As we walked back, the tension weighing on me started to ease. But as we reached the edge of the woods, a familiar scent of pine mixed with earth hit me.
Alpha Xavier.
I froze, spotting him talking to Celeste. They were standing close, their voices low, but I could hear fragments of their conversation as I approached.
“Stop worrying about her. Can’t you see everything falling into place now?” Celeste said softly but with confidence.
“Once the baby‘ s here, things will be different. You’ll see that it was the best decision you ever made because the pack
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would be happy. After all, like you said, the pack is the most important. And you will forget about Raven. You could cast her
away easily because she will not be useful to you.”
Alpha Xavier’s voice was quieter, but there was tension in it.
“It’s not that simple, Celeste. Raven is my mate. She had supported me and the pack for five years. She is in pain, and I understood that. But I cannot just abandon her. She is still part of the pack.”
Celeste stepped closer, her hand brushing his arm.
“For the pack. For our child. It’s the right thing to do, even if it’s harsh for her. She is just one person, Alpha Xavier. What is losing one against losing the entire pack.”
I stopped, and my heart pounded. They hadn’t seen me, but their words cut deep. I turned and walked away before they
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could notice me. Luka rushed after me, preventing another confrontation.
“Now’s not the time to confront them,” he warned quietly.
“I know,” I muttered, my mind racing. But it didn’t mean I would stand back and let Celeste take everything.
As we neared the packhouse, a plan started forming. But as I reached the steps, something or someone caught my eye. A figure stepped out of the shadows,
watching me closely. It was Cassandra, one of the pack’s healers.
“Luna Raven,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I slowed, confusion creeping in.
“Cassandra? What is it?”
Cassandra didn’t respond. She was a shy girl but an excellent healer. She easily learned anything that you teach her. However, because of her shyness and
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jealousy of others, she often gets bullied.
“Do you need help, Cassandra?” I asked, concerned.
Her expression was calm, but her eyes were sharp and focused. She seemed upset
and sad.
“We need to talk.
There was something in her tone that made my heart race. I glanced around to make sure no one was nearby. Luka had left, and we were the only ones left.
“What is it?” I asked again, keeping my voice steady despite the growing unease.
She stepped closer, her voice dropping
lower.
“It’s about Celeste. There’s something you need to know.”
My blood ran cold.
“What?” I whispered, my heart pounding as dread settled in.
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