Chapter 7
ZIA
I was surprised that Aiden didn’t come running to me right after getting a beating but my surprise diappeared when I was informed that the council meeting was being held in a few hours.
The council room was filled with authoritative auras as I entered. The long table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by high–backed chairs that spoke of centuries of power and tradition
Four alphas sat on the rectangle table, their presence casting long shadows across the room. Maximus sat at the head of the table, his mere presence demanding attention,
My eyes quickly moved to cach Alpha, taking in their commanding forms. Alpha Zane, all and imposing with a rugged demeanor, was accompanied by his Luna, Luna Avery, a graceful woman with long suburn hair and emerald eyes.
Sive sat beside him with a quier dignity, her calm presence balancing his intense energy
Alpha Kai was next, his aura sharp and calculating His Luna Natasha, a striking woman with sleek black hair and piercing gray eyes.
cexuded an air of quiet strength. She held herself with poise, her gaze sweeping over the room with a calculated coolness. The way she rested her hand on Kai’s arm spoke of a deep, unwavering support and a strong bond between them
Alpha Enzo, with his calm but powerful presence, was seated with his Luna, a petite woman with golden hair and warm brown eyes. She was Luna Lola—the only woman I knew in this room
She was the picture of serenity, her gentle smile and so demeanor contrasting sharply with the fierceness of her mate
Then there was Maximus. He sat alone at the head of the table, his commanding presence making the empty seat beside him feel like a void that no one could fill. His dark hair was styled back, revealing his broad forehead, and his chiseled features were partially illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier above.
His eyes were sharp and intense, holding a gaze that could cut through steel. He was the epitome of dominance, and everyone in the room seemed 10 recognize and respect that
I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I approached the table. The eyes of the Alphas, and their Lunas, were on me.
They seemed to be surprised at my arrival because the seat of Aiden’s Luna was already filled by Emily. She was smiling at me as if mocking my position when she was supposed to be ashamed.
Anger and hurt swelled in my chest because Aiden didn’t think twice before seating her at the council meeting table.
He was truly stripping me of my position and he liked to think that I could still be his Luna,
– What are you doing here, Zia! Aiden inquired, his brows furrowed in anger. Emily is my Luna for today. Go back to your r
Toon.
– You can not choose to seat anyone beside you. Aiden. She is not your Lana. She can not be unless you mark her. “I rolled my eyes.
If he still thought I would not make a scene to get what belonged to me, he was wrong. Emily’s smirk was infuriating and it was wiped out when I pointed out the obvious
“I am the Alpha. “Aiden gritted his jaw. “I will do whatever I want. If I say you must go back, you must!”
Before I could respond, Maximus’s deep, authoritative voice cut through the tension. Aiden, send Emily away. She is not a Luna. She is a mistress.
The room fell into a stunned silence. Maximus’s words were like a slap to Emily’s face. I suppressed a grin. It was definitely a good idea to have Maxle on my side.
Allen’s face turned a bright shade of red and Emily shot me a venomous glare as she stood, and sprinted out of the room. But she didn’t forget to halt by the door to throw a teary, sad look towards Aiden.
Drama Queen! I scoffed inside my head
A small smile touched my lips when I realized Maximus had taken my side.
I took a deep breath and sat beside Aiden who was fuming. He didn’t care that other Alpha and Lunas could sense his anger and see him glaring at me hatefully.
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Chapter 7
The meeting began, but I struggled to focus. The topic of discussion was the ongoing war with Alpha Rhys‘ pack, but my attention was constantly drawn to Maximus.
His eyes, though unreadable, were fixed on me with a fiery intensity. He didn’t care that he was staring at me either.
So, this must be a common trait among Caine men to egle at romen in plain sight..
I wanted to shoot Maximus a smile but my heart was pounding too fast for that and I was scared that I would get caught before I even became Maximus mate.
“Zia.” Maximus voice echoed in the room and everyone went silent
I
gasped, shifting my attention to him once more, What did this man want, halting the conversation to speak to me?
– What are your thoughts on the current situation with Alpha Rhys He asked and blinked calmly.
י
My shoulders tensed, and the room seemed to disappear for a second. Four powerful Alphas were sitting at this table, and they were the ones speaking. Lunas were not allowed to speak or to give their opinion
But the Alpha King didn’t care.
He wanted to hear what I had to say.
Something inside my heart brightened at his question and I suppressed another smile..
– Uis, 1 believe we shouldn’t attack him first. For now, we only know that he might attack us for revenge but we can’t be too sure. Maybe, he will decide to not be vengeful. “I shrugged, my gee roaming around the still faces. If that’s the case, we shouldn’t risk starting a war. Actually, we should send someone to Alpha Rhys and have a peaceful talk with him.
I could tell, by the faces of the Alphas that they didn’t like my suggestion. They preferred to shed blood and take things by force
I swallowed, my cheeks warming at the thought of making enemies before even putting my demands forward
Maximus’s eyes remained locked on mine, and I felt the weight of his gaze. The other alphas nodded in agreement- Maximus, but their attention seemed to shift between the discussion and the silent exchange between Maximus and me.
What was he trying to do!
My
ly heart trembled in my chest
-Send someone. Ask Rhys what he wants. Maximus announced, ending the war discussions before they even began
But Alpha King- Alpha Zane started but a look from Maxmus made him go silent…
A shudder slithered down my spine as 1 became the target of glares, some suspicious and some angry.
As you wish, Alpha King “Alpha Kai murmured
-just to not infuriate
They were saying something che too but my heart was starting to beat in my cars. Aiden’s hand gripped mine under the table and squeezed so hard… that a painful gasp erupted from my mouth.
It didn’t go unnoticed by anyone, but they ignored it. Except for Maximus, who looked into my eyes and lowered his gaze to my arm.
But to my disappointmest, he looked away as soon as our eyes met.
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