Alpha Ramon’s house was a mansion built in renaissance style of white marble and walls and walkways, beautiful fountains and gardens by the very first Alpha of Claws Peak. Over the years, subsequent Luna's had added modern fittings and accessories to the interiors without changing the original design of the building.
The beta walked into the house with his family, followed by Arnold with his in tow. They were led by an omega into the Alpha’s home office where Ramos was seen seating behind a huge mahogany desk with a pile of documents stacked on his table. He looked up at the crowd with a stern look and ordered them all to sit.
He glazed his eyes over and after a few minutes luna Star joined them and sat in a single leather chair facing her husband to everyone’s surprise. Alpha Ramos said nothing and proceeded to speak.
‘Cybele and Sinder, step forward' he ordered authoritatively. Both girls stood before him with their heads bowed.
‘I was informed that you both shifted and engaged in physical combat in beta Lionel’s house. Is this true?’
‘Yes Alpha’ both girls responded.
‘You both deliberately disobeyed pack laws and put innocent lives in danger. I am disappointed in you both.’
‘She attacked me without provocation alpha Ramos, I had no other choice but to defend myself’, Cybele claimed in her defense.
‘What do you mean by without provocation? Don’t stand there acting like you don’t know why I attacked you. You attacked Ari, who had just returned to us. What did you think would happen after I had warned you that if I ever found out you attacked Ari again, I would rip your throat out?’, Sinder responded in anger.
‘I AM YOUR FUTURE LUNA!’, Cybele screamed at her
‘YOU WILL NEVER BE MY LUNA, EVER!’, Sinder screamed back.
‘SILENCE, BOTH OF YOU!’, Alpha Ramos barked at them rising from his seat, making the girls kneel before him for several minutes, bearing their necks.
‘Special or not, you will know your place in my pack’, Alpha Ramos continued.
‘Alpha, please calm down your wolf, this matter requires diplomacy not force’, Star said to her husband gaining the attention of everyone in the room. The adults in the room though sensing the tension between the alpha and his Luna said nothing of it but we’re grateful for her timely intervention. Alpha Ramos looks at her and sits back down.
‘What did you mean by warning her before Sinder, Ari just arrived from the hospital yesterday morning?’, Star asked making both girls look at her and then each other.
‘Sinder, our luna asked you a question? What did you mean by warning her if she attacked Ari again?’, her father asked again but Sinder looked at him and replied, ‘We were told not to tell.’
‘Sinder as your Alpha I order you to tell us what you know. What did you mean by your words?’, Ramos asked using his alpha tone.
‘Cybele almost killed Ari, while she was in coma’, Sinder said looking down.
‘What?’, said everyone in the room looking at Cybele who was shaking in fear.
‘She’s lying. Mum, dad please don’t listen to her.’
‘You were with a pillow when we walked in and her heart stopped . That’s the real reason why Ricard hates you and became distant with Anna, because we saw both of you. You were both accusing each other, but you were the one with the pillow’, Sinder continued addressing Cybele
‘SHUT UP! STOP LYING’ screamed Cybele.
‘IF I’M LYING, WOULD DOCTOR FRANK TELL THE SAME LIE? AND WHAT ABOUT OUR FUTURE ALPHA? WOULD YOU ACCUSE HIM OF LYING TOO? CAUSE WE ALL SAW YOU!’
Beta Lionel pulled out his phone from his pockets and started dialing a number
‘Dad?’ Cybele whispered but was stopped by the stern look on his face when he looked at her.
‘Hi Frank, yes it’s me. I need to ask you something’, Lionel said before putting the phone on speakerphone.
‘Sure, go ahead’, Frank replied
‘Was Ari at any point in danger at the hospital?, Lionel asked and the line became silent.
‘Frank!’, Lionel shouted
‘Yes, I’m here’, the doctor responded.
‘Then answer the damn question!’ Alpha Ramos spat looking at Cybele who was visibly shaking. His wife came to him to calm him down and he held her hand.
‘Alpha, the royal inquisitors were in the pack at the time, your son advised that an escalation of the incident would have soiled our reputation as a pack. We were able to revive Ari in time and keep her safe till she woke up.’
‘FRANK I ORDER YOU AS YOUR BETA TO TELL ME WHO ATTACKED MY CHILD!’ Lionel ordered.
‘It was Anna with Cybele, both of them blamed each other but Cybele was with the pillow’, the doctor replied and Sarai gasped looking at her daughter.
‘When I am done here, you and I will serious discussion about what happened and why I wasn’t informed’, Ramos said
‘Yes sir’, the doctor replied before cutting the call.
Lionel thumped his phone on the table a few times before smashing it on one of the walls in the office. He looked at Cybele with his pupils turned gold saying,
‘I should strangle you with my bare hands’
‘Father please let me explain’, Cybele responded
‘The only thing I want to hear from you is why?’ Lionel growled back, walking towards her.
‘Why Cybele?’, Sarai asked crying
‘I hate her because of you! Ever since we were little, it was always Ari this and Ari that.
What about me? WHAT ABOUT ME! I was forced to I’ve beneath the shadow of her spotlight, no matter how hard I tried; I dimmed beneath the shadow of Ari the little miss perfect. But you are not perfect are you? You’re a thief', Cybele spat looking at Ari.
'You’re the thief that takes everything from me. Everything important to me was marred by your presence because eventually it would be about you, including my mate. My own mate’, Cybele laughed sadly cleaning tears from her eyes.
‘Do you know what he did? On the most important night of my life? He pulled away from me, he left me. He publicly humiliated me and ran to you, but at least he noticed me. My own parents didn’t give me a moments glance, as always you were the star of the night.’
‘She was dying Cybele! Your sister was dying!’, Sarai whispered in tears.
‘She experienced death only once, you and dad have killed me many times over! I should have killed her to hurt you like you hurt me’, Cybele replied earning a slap to the face from her father to everyone’s surprise, making Cybele fall to the ground.
Alpha Ramos held Lionel back to prevent him from doing what he would regret, while Cybele remained on the ground holding her cheek while weeping on the floor.
'Stand up Cybele and tell us what led you to attack your sister in the hospital?'
Cybele shook her head, wiped her tears and said, ' when the royals declared Ari wolfless, I was elated because I figured that being wolfless she would no longer be a threat to me but I was wrong. Ricard descended into depression and drank alcohol like a fish and wouldn't even look at me, never wanted to see me nor talk to me. One night he was so drunk and could barely walk and I wanted to take him to his room. I just wanted to take care of him but we react to our mate bond and ended up mating. And when he was done with me, he called me Ari. I was heart broken and scared that he would reject me so I marked him but when he woke up the next morning and saw my mark on him, he threw me out of his room and threatened to kill me if I ever came near him again. I found out I was pregnant and I was so happy that I ran to tell him but he called me selfish and heartless and said not even our child will stop him from marrying Ari. If it weren't for elder Nara's intervention, he was trying to force a rejection of our bond despite knowing I was carrying his child. That's when I realized that as long as Ari lives, I will never find happiness.'
'Why didn't you come us Cybele? Why didn't you tell us you what you were going through?', Sarai asked
'Did you think I didn't try? Neither of you was ever home. You were always too busy for me, taking care of you precious Ari. Ari was all you and dad saw, you never even looked at me or cared about me.'
After listening to Cybele,alpha Ramos and the other adults in the room mind-linked for several minutes and asked the three girls to leave the office. Two guards were called in and instructed to separate the girls in different rooms within the house until further instructions .
Ari and Sinder were led a library on the ground floor and sat together on a double seated couch. Sinder looked worriedly at Ari who lay on her back shutting her eyes.
'Ari are you ok?', Sinder asked
'Did you know about the child?' Ari asked but Sinder understood the question and responded, 'yes, I did'.
'You should have let me die Sinder', Ari said curling up.
'Ari please don't say that', Sinder said hugging her as she sobbed
'I hurt her Sinder, Cybele suffered alot because of me. Why didn't you let her take my life Sinder?' Ari asked again
'Dont be ridiculous, you did nothing wrong. Even if all she said was true, it had nothing to do with you. You didn't know they were mates. there's no way anyone would have known, what Ricard did was very wrong but that's on him, not you.'
'What would you have done if Ricard did the same thing to me? If he accepted her and rejected me, knowing that I am carrying his child. Would things be different?
'I don't know Ari, but I know I would still protect you regardless', Sinder replied
'I want to leave this place, I want to just go away from here. I don't want to stay here anymore', Ari said
'Lets listen to what Alpha Ramos and our parents decide first. If after listening to them you still want to leave then we'll go together, alright', Sinder replied reassuringly and Ari nodded still nested in her arms. Omegas brought food while the girls waited to be called and after a few minutes of eating, a warrior was sent to bring them back.
When Ari and Sinder arrived in the Alpha's office, several pack elders were seated with the alpha and Luna. Cybele arrived soon after followed by her parents, her face giving all the evidences of crying. The elders asked them all to sit so they could begin.
'Ari, welcome back. It is good to see you on your feet again, you had us worried young lady', said the longest serving of pack elder, elder beta Gideon; smiling at her.
'Forgive me for troubling you sir', Ari responded smiling back.
'Very well then since we are all here, let us begin', said alpha Ramos.
'Cybele, step forward', said elder Gideon said making the girl leave her seat and kneel before the council of pack elders.
'We have made a careful review of your actions and the events that led to them. As a father I sympathize with what you had to endure from your mate for a long time. As an elder I am grateful that our pack was given a future luna who has the gift of long suffering. However, your experience should not have driven you to attack a member of your pack, certainly not the most vulnerable one. The position of Luna is a tasking one that serves as both a blessing and a curse which the current Luna can attest to. Your patience will constantly be tested but unlike your Alpha, you will always have to wear your emotions beneath a mask, away from the world. In my experience, the greatest Alpha's were famous for their courage and ferocity but the greatest Luna's were famous for their tenacity, patience, analytical minds and most importantly strong will because they understood that the wants of their people come before their own. The betrayal of a mate can be difficult and I cannot say I truly understand how you feel but if you had taken the time to seriously analyse the situation, you would have realized that you sister did not wrong you.'
Cybele looked up to speak but the elder raised his hand to stop her, 'I know what it is you wish to say Cybele but let us reason together. Her relationship with your mate began long before your realization and upon the realization she was unconscious and totally unaware of what was happening around her. None of Ricard's actions were influenced by her, you may argue that they were because of his love for her but you cannot blame her for the future Alpha's feelings. Your position as Luna will be a tough and sometimes lonely one especially if you do not have a circle of trust around you and who better to trust than your own blood. I have scolded your parents for their negligence towards you and they have promised to make amends. I will advise that you let go of your resentment, and start again with your family. For your attack on a defenseless pack member, you Cybele stormblood have been found guilty. However given the complexity of the situation, we the council have decided to show clemency and drop all charges. However, you are never to touch your sister again, wolfless or not, she is still a member of our pack and must be accorded the same respect. if you ever provoke such an attack again, you will be stripped of your position, your child will be taken from you and you will be banished from the pack, am I clear?'
'Yes sir, thank you elders', Cybele responded.
'Good, also be aware that you will be moving into the Alpha's quarters immediately. Your Luna training will begin so you may truly understand your position and responsibilities', said the elder again. Cybele nodded and stood up.
'Sinder, step forward', said elder Gideon again.
Sinder knelt before them in a warriors stance making the elders smile at her. 'Daughter of the house of warriors. Descendant of the clan of iron claws, you have proven the reputation your bloodline, by showing loyalty and courage even in the face of death, well done Sinder. However, you were wrong to attack Cybele. Regardless of her crimes, you did not have the right to play both judge and executioner. That is the job of our Alpha. Has he or the council of elders given you a reason not to trust our judgement?'
'No sir, I did not mean to disrespect neither you nor our Alpha. I apologize for making the wrong decision, please forgive me', Sinder responded
'Cybele made a mistake but that doesn't make her your enemy and she is right to tell you that she is your future Luna. It's a statement of fact that you must accept because as a future warrior, your most important duty will be to protect her- the heart of the pack. If your head and heart are clouded by resentment, do you think you will be able to do so successfully?' asked the elder.
Sinder exhaled loudly before shaking her head.
'Let it end Sinder, you both are the future of the pack and both of you were blessed by the moon. I need to believe that your gifts will be used to build our pack not destroy it. Can I trust you to protect Cybele?'
'Forgive me elder, I will need time deal with my feelings to make such a promise. All I can promise you is not to attack her', Sinder replied
'Fair enough, also you have being nominated by the elders for training with the elite guards and Alpha Ramos has gracefully approved. You have earned the position with your actions and I believe you will do well', said the elder to Sinder who looked up at him like he had grown an extra head with her mouth open wide.
'You are welcome, you may return to your seat', elder Gideon said
'Ari, step forward', said elder Gideon.
Ari got up and knelt before the council. 'I know this must be difficult for you. Waking up to a reality far different from the one you once knew, not knowing if you are still dreaming and expecting that soon you will wake up to the life you once knew. No one can ever fully comprehend that experience more than I who has lived it.'
Ari looked at the elder surprised at his words.
'I fought in the great war and was badly injured. I was in a coma for three years. I can tell you from experience that it may not seem that way right now but it will get better. My only advice is not to cling to the past and forget what was, instead grab the opportunities that the future brings. Do you understand?'
'Yes sir', Ari replies
'And now we come to the reason for our gathering, your future in claws peak. Before we begin do you have anything to say?'
'Yes elder I do. Even though I have only been awake for a few days. I am well aware of the tension my abrupt presence has caused those I love. Cybele, I am so sorry. I'm so sorry for the pain you endured because of me.To this point everything that has happened to me has been bearable, except for the thought of your hate. It's a burden I cannot bear. If it is my life you desire to bring you peace Cybele, I gladly give it to you, please take it but please; don't hate me. Growing up, no matter how much we fought or argued before friends and family, you and Sinder would still be the first ones I see to come to my aid. Always the first to arrive at any event I host, and though you would tell everyone that you're only there to see me fail yet you would intervene if you saw anything going wrong. You thought I didn't notice you, but I did and in my heart I knew no matter how angry you were with me, you would never abandon me. But when you needed me to be there for you, I abandoned you, I failed you. You have every reason to hate me Cybele and to take my life. If it is is my life that will end your sorrow Cybele, I give it to you gladly but please , please don't hate ...', Ari was saying but was stopped by Cybele who held her in a tight hug whispering in a quivering voice, 'enough you fool', enough'. Both girls held themselves for a few minutes sobbing then Cybele upon leaving Ari stated, ' you're all flesh and bones.'
'Sucking on tubes for eleven months can do that do you', Ari responded. Alpha Ramon cleared his throat to gain their attention and said, 'as much as we are pleased to see your feud resolved, I wish to finish this gathering quickly to prepare for my flight. Kindly return to your seat Cybele so we may proceed'
'Sorry Alpha', both girls said simultaneously, before Cybele returned back.
'Ari, I believe that your parents have discussed my son's intentions to you?', Alpha Ramos asked
'Yes Alpha', Ari responded
'Then you are aware of the role he wishes for you to play in his life and in the pack?', the alpha asked again
'Yes Alpha'
'I was hoping to make this a private discussion however given the time restraint and the circumstances, I'm afraid the council and I will require to have this conversation openly. Cybele, the council and I I have just spoken to Ricard and he has made it clear that he will only take the alpha title if Ari is accepted as his official concubine. After listening to you today, I can now fully understand your initial reaction to the news, however for the sake of the pack ...'
'I accept', Cybele said surprising everyone.
'Cybele?', Ari said, before looking at Alpha Ramos, 'I reject the proposal Alpha, I don't want to be Ricard's concubine', Ari responded.
'I would rather it be you than anyone else. At least I'm sure that with you, I won't have to worry about being stabbed in the back and I won't have to worry about you all the time.'
'But your wolf..'
'Will learn to cope with time', Cybele said looking Ari.
Cybele looked at Alpha Ramos saying; I, Cybele Catherine watergate accept to nominate Ari as my mate's mistress.'
'We, the council of elders accept the nomination of miss Ari Cather as mistress to the Ricard Phillipe Stormblood, future alpha of Claws peak' said elder Gideon beaming.
'Very well then, I will make my proposal clear to you Ari that as Ricard's concubine, your children will be raised as Alpha's but will never be allowed to take the title, the title will be reserved to the offsprings of the Luna alone. In the event that Cybele fails to bear sons; her first daughter will take the title of Alpha and your sons will sent to the palace as pack consuls to the royals. Do you have any questions or reservations?'
'What if my children turnout to be wolfless like me, what happens then?', Ari asked
Alpha Ramos smiled, crossing his hands across his chest and responded, 'We would still love them the same as we love you now. Though to be honest I doubt it ever come to that, but if it does then we will cross the bridge when we get there.'
'I Ariana Clementine watergate accept the future alpha's proposal', Ari responded.
'Excellent', said Ramos smiling. Then I will make my request to the king upon my arrival at the palace tonight. Thank you all for time, and good night. Lionel please stay behind, I need us to conclude on certain issues before I leave.'
'Yes Alpha' beta Lionel.