Ch. 541..550

Chapter 541 Talia's determination (2)

Maya lifted her head to see that Talia was not glowing anymore.

"What's the plan? How will you get out of here without your guards noticing?", Maya asked. "I can distract them for some time, but not for the whole night."

Talia was pleased to see that Maya was onboard. "Cornelia prepared a teleporting diagram in the groove beyond the garden. We will sneak through the back exit using the blind spots of security cameras, and Cornelia will return the same way." Actually, if someone sees Cornelia returning, no one will care.

"I will also go with you.", James said. "Cora is still new in this realm, and I don't want anyone to take advantage of her." James had no intention to separate from Cornelia.

Talia didn't mind if James comes but she found it super cute that they were holding hands and there was that adorable nickname also. Cora.

Talia spoke to Maya, "The idea is that we will tell my guards how we are doing a sleepover in my room, or yours. The fact that I'm with you, the Beta, should make my guards relax a bit and they won't dare to come and disturb us."

Maya saw so many problems with this, but even if the crazy idea works, there was still one issue. "You sneaking out like that will be perceived as their incompetence. Damon will either punish them or relieve them of their duty. But even if a miracle happens and they come out of this scot-free, it will be a smear in their record as warriors."

"Not if I tell Damon that I used my power on them."

Maya's interest was piqued. "What power?"

"For them not to notice me leaving."

"Do you have such power?", Maya asked.

"No. But they don't know that.", Talia responded with a grin.

Maya looked at Talia helplessly.

"Maya, I know you are worried, and I am worried as well, but for other reasons. I took the herbs to suppress my scent so they can't track me and they won't care if Cornelia's or your scents are here or not. As for pacifying Damon, leave him to me. I gave him a slip several times and he won't have any right to call others incompetent because they lost me."

Maya agreed with this point. She remembered when Talia went into the forest and Damon summoned all warriors to search for her, and then he went to fetch Talia personally. Talia was skilled in moving without being noticed, it was like her super-power.

Maya had another question. "When are you going?"

Talia glanced at the time. "In fifteen minutes."

Maya was not happy with this. "If you can teleport there, why are you going this early? Why not at dawn?" Then Maya won't need to lie to Talia's guards for a long time, and with any luck, they will think that Talia is sleeping.

"There are things I need to settle in the Lightclaw pack before Alpha Magnus goes to attend the meeting.", Talia said.

Maya's eyes darted randomly as she connected the dots. "You want to persuade Alpha Magnus to support Damon."

"I hope I can do that.", Talia responded.

"You will need much more than hope, Lia.", Maya said. "Alpha Magnus is not an easy man to sway."

"All this is happening because Alpha Edward wants Marcy to be Damon's Luna. Alpha Magnus and Luna Alicia are fated mates and I believe that he will understand how pushing into Damon's arms Marcy or any other when he has a fated mate is not the right thing to do. It goes against the will of the Moon Goddess." Or something like that.

Maya puffed her cheeks. "You are forgetting that Alpha Magnus is a misogynist. Damon pampers you because of his feelings, because of the mate bond, because he doesn't want you for benefits, and because he sees women and men as equals. Luna Alicia is not so lucky as Alpha Magnus appreciates her in the bedroom and how she manages the packhouse, but when it comes to the pack business and important stuff, she is being pushed aside. No matter what your arguments are, you will be lucky if he doesn't kick you out of his study. Types like Alpha Magnus think of women as decorative vases."

Talia knew that Maya was saying that because she came from a pack where patriarchy ruled, and females were treated as baby machines that needed to clean and please their mates. And maybe the situation there was still the same. Talia wondered if she could persuade Damon to go there and see if they can make some changes, but she couldn't get distracted by those issues now.

"I don't expect it will be easy.", Talia said. "But I won't know unless I try. As for benefits, won't it be enough to think that we will be allies? Just by being on good terms with Damon and me, the Lightclaw pack will prosper."

Maya snorted. "Good luck with that." She looked at Talia seriously. "Alpha Magnus won't be easy to talk to. No matter what happens, don't lose your temper. If you use your power on him, it's a declaration of war."

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Maya, Cornelia, and Talia went to Maya's room. It was on the second floor, and Cornelia and Talia decided to come out of the window, and then use the cover of bushes to meet with James who will be waiting for them in the garden.

"Keith and Caleb will want to see you on our shift change.", Liam told Talia as she was about to close the door of Maya's room.

"That won't be necessary.", Talia said. "We will be wearing nightgowns and if Alpha or Beta find out that you saw us like that, you will be in trouble."

Liam and Pierce exchanged concerned gazes. Damon told them that at any moment at least two guards should be looking at Talia, and she already spent half an hour in the study without them!

"Don't tell me that you want to join us in bed.", Maya said while standing behind Talia. "I will be with her. What can go wrong?" So many things, but Maya didn't dare say that aloud.

Talia wanted to talk with her guards and explain the whole sleepover thing, but Maya said how that won't be necessary.

"The more you talk about it, the more suspicious it will get. This is their first night in the packhouse and let them think that these sleepovers are normal.", Maya advised.

With all that settled, and guards accepting to stay in the hallway without intruding unless there is a cry for help, Talia moved toward the open window and looked down.

"How do we get out? Jump?" It didn't look safe.

"With this.", Maya said, and Talia's eyes widened at the sight of a long rope.

"Why do you have such a thing in your room?"

Maya smiled mischievously. "You don't need to know. I didn't think it will come in handy outside of bed."

Talia gaped at Maya. She knew that Maya and Caden were playful, but… ropes? The most she did with Damon was when he covered her eyes but then, maybe in a few years, they will be adventurous to try other things as well.

 

Chapter 542 Talia's determination (2)

Maya lifted her head to see that Talia was not glowing anymore.

"What's the plan? How will you get out of here without your guards noticing?", Maya asked. "I can distract them for some time, but not for the whole night."

Talia was pleased to see that Maya was onboard. "Cornelia prepared a teleporting diagram in the groove beyond the garden. We will sneak through the back exit using the blind spots of security cameras, and Cornelia will return the same way." Actually, if someone sees Cornelia returning, no one will care.

"I will also go with you.", James said. "Cora is still new in this realm, and I don't want anyone to take advantage of her." James had no intention to separate from Cornelia.

Talia didn't mind if James comes but she found it super cute that they were holding hands and there was that adorable nickname also. Cora.

Talia spoke to Maya, "The idea is that we will tell my guards how we are doing a sleepover in my room, or yours. The fact that I'm with you, the Beta, should make my guards relax a bit and they won't dare to come and disturb us."

Maya saw so many problems with this, but even if the crazy idea works, there was still one issue. "You sneaking out like that will be perceived as their incompetence. Damon will either punish them or relieve them of their duty. But even if a miracle happens and they come out of this scot-free, it will be a smear in their record as warriors."

"Not if I tell Damon that I used my power on them."

Maya's interest was piqued. "What power?"

"For them not to notice me leaving."

"Do you have such power?", Maya asked.

"No. But they don't know that.", Talia responded with a grin.

Maya looked at Talia helplessly.

"Maya, I know you are worried, and I am worried as well, but for other reasons. I took the herbs to suppress my scent so they can't track me and they won't care if Cornelia's or your scents are here or not. As for pacifying Damon, leave him to me. I gave him a slip several times and he won't have any right to call others incompetent because they lost me."

Maya agreed with this point. She remembered when Talia went into the forest and Damon summoned all warriors to search for her, and then he went to fetch Talia personally. Talia was skilled in moving without being noticed, it was like her super-power.

Maya had another question. "When are you going?"

Talia glanced at the time. "In fifteen minutes."

Maya was not happy with this. "If you can teleport there, why are you going this early? Why not at dawn?" Then Maya won't need to lie to Talia's guards for a long time, and with any luck, they will think that Talia is sleeping.

"There are things I need to settle in the Lightclaw pack before Alpha Magnus goes to attend the meeting.", Talia said.

Maya's eyes darted randomly as she connected the dots. "You want to persuade Alpha Magnus to support Damon."

"I hope I can do that.", Talia responded.

"You will need much more than hope, Lia.", Maya said. "Alpha Magnus is not an easy man to sway."

"All this is happening because Alpha Edward wants Marcy to be Damon's Luna. Alpha Magnus and Luna Alicia are fated mates and I believe that he will understand how pushing into Damon's arms Marcy or any other when he has a fated mate is not the right thing to do. It goes against the will of the Moon Goddess." Or something like that.

Maya puffed her cheeks. "You are forgetting that Alpha Magnus is a misogynist. Damon pampers you because of his feelings, because of the mate bond, because he doesn't want you for benefits, and because he sees women and men as equals. Luna Alicia is not so lucky as Alpha Magnus appreciates her in the bedroom and how she manages the packhouse, but when it comes to the pack business and important stuff, she is being pushed aside. No matter what your arguments are, you will be lucky if he doesn't kick you out of his study. Types like Alpha Magnus think of women as decorative vases."

Talia knew that Maya was saying that because she came from a pack where patriarchy ruled, and females were treated as baby machines that needed to clean and please their mates. And maybe the situation there was still the same. Talia wondered if she could persuade Damon to go there and see if they can make some changes, but she couldn't get distracted by those issues now.

"I don't expect it will be easy.", Talia said. "But I won't know unless I try. As for benefits, won't it be enough to think that we will be allies? Just by being on good terms with Damon and me, the Lightclaw pack will prosper."

Maya snorted. "Good luck with that." She looked at Talia seriously. "Alpha Magnus won't be easy to talk to. No matter what happens, don't lose your temper. If you use your power on him, it's a declaration of war."

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Maya, Cornelia, and Talia went to Maya's room. It was on the second floor, and Cornelia and Talia decided to come out of the window, and then use the cover of bushes to meet with James who will be waiting for them in the garden.

"Keith and Caleb will want to see you on our shift change.", Liam told Talia as she was about to close the door of Maya's room.

"That won't be necessary.", Talia said. "We will be wearing nightgowns and if Alpha or Beta find out that you saw us like that, you will be in trouble."

Liam and Pierce exchanged concerned gazes. Damon told them that at any moment at least two guards should be looking at Talia, and she already spent half an hour in the study without them!

"Don't tell me that you want to join us in bed.", Maya said while standing behind Talia. "I will be with her. What can go wrong?" So many things, but Maya didn't dare say that aloud.

Talia wanted to talk with her guards and explain the whole sleepover thing, but Maya said how that won't be necessary.

"The more you talk about it, the more suspicious it will get. This is their first night in the packhouse and let them think that these sleepovers are normal.", Maya advised.

With all that settled, and guards accepting to stay in the hallway without intruding unless there is a cry for help, Talia moved toward the open window and looked down.

"How do we get out? Jump?" It didn't look safe.

"With this.", Maya said, and Talia's eyes widened at the sight of a long rope.

"Why do you have such a thing in your room?"

Maya smiled mischievously. "You don't need to know. I didn't think it will come in handy outside of bed."

Talia gaped at Maya. She knew that Maya and Caden were playful, but… ropes? The most she did with Damon was when he covered her eyes but then, maybe in a few years, they will be adventurous to try other things as well.

Chapter 543 Seeking audience with the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack [Bonus chapter]

Author's note:

Thank you, Leigh_56, for the Magic Castle gifted on April 25, 2022!

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Note: comments that matter, gifts, and votes are available only on the NovelFire platform (w e b n o v e l . c o m), where this novel is published.

Thank you for reading my story from the original source and not supporting people who are publishing my work without permission!

Now back to the novel... :)

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At the Lightclaw pack, Tony and Kalina were expecting Talia in their suite that included a small living area.

Cornelia and James decided to stick around because Axel will come with Yasmin to give the token to Talia, and Cornelia wanted to see Yasmin before heading back to the Dark Howlers pack.

"To what do we owe this pleasure, Lia?", Kalina asked after the introductions were done. Both Kalina and Tony were surprised to see James (aka a teen from a hostile pack) and Cornelia (aka the new face).

"How come you are here without Damon?" Kalina glanced at Talia's neck and smiled at the sight of a pinkish mark forming there. "We saw each other only a few days ago, yet you seem so different."

"A lot of things happened, but before we start catching up, we need to take care of some business.", Talia said and turned to Tony. "I need to talk to your father."

"He is in his study, discussing things with his Beta. It seems there is something going on, and he will leave in the middle of the night. When do you want to see him?"

"Now.", Talia responded.

Tony's expression told her that it won't be easy. "I can tell him you are here, but there is no guarantee he will see you now."

"I need to talk to him, Tony.", Talia pleaded. "It's important."

"What's going on?", Kalina asked.

Talia didn't want to waste time, but she knew that Tony won't be supportive without knowing at least a part of the story.

"You all probably heard about Marcy leaving this morning.", Talia said and when Kalina and Tony nodded, Talia gave them a short version of how Alpha Edward was not pleased that he lost a pawn that could give him access to resources of the Dark Howlers pack, so he summoned the Council of Alphas. "They will meet at dawn. Alpha Magnus is preparing for that meeting. I don't know what Alpha Edward is up to, but he is definitely plotting against Damon." Talia turned to Tony. "I need your father to understand the situation and I hope that he won't side with the bad guys. If they get the majority of votes to suppress Damon and the Dark Howlers pack, Damon won't allow it to happen without retaliation."

Tony's face was arranged in a deep frown. He heard all kinds of stories about Alpha Edward, but was it OK to talk like that in front of James, aka Alpha Edward's son? And why was James more focused on the dark-skinned beauty by his side than on the verbal smackdown of the Red Moon? One should look at a woman like that only if they were mates, and James was definitely too young for such things.

Tony dispelled his thoughts about James and Cornelia because there were more important things to think about.

Tony realized that they might be on the verge of a massive war among werewolves, yet his father was keeping him in the dark. Tony felt useless.

He was the future Alpha with his mate by his side, and a pack, and Talia was just a not-acknowledged mate of an Alpha, yet she spoke with conviction that stirred other people to support her.

But no matter how strong Talia's heart was, Tony knew his father was, and he was aware that she was about to attempt the impossible. However, he didn't want to discourage Talia before she even tried.

"I will talk to him and do my best to secure you a meeting."

"Thank you, Tony.", Talia said with sincerity. "It needs to happen before he leaves. That's all I'm asking from you."

Tony glanced toward James and Cornelia. "Who else will be attending?"

"Just me.", Talia said. "If you can skip telling your father that James is here, that would be for the best."

Tony looked at James in confusion. Why would they conceal James' presence?

"My father doesn't know I'm here and I would like to keep it that way.", James said without further explanations.

Tony didn't comment on this. He went to talk to his father, and Talia checked her phone before turning to Kalina. "Axel will be here with his mate soon. No matter what you hear, I hope it can stay between us and please, don't panic."

Kalina's eyebrows shoot up. "I am already panicking. Tell me, how bad is it?"

"Alpha Edward feels that Damon is a threat, and he was using Marcy to get his hands on Damon's resources. Now that it failed, we believe he will turn hostile."

"Hostile? Like a war?", Kalina asked grimly. A war between the two largest packs will drag in everyone else.

Talia didn't deny it. "That's why I need to talk to Alpha Magnus. If Alpha Edward doesn't have the support of the majority of Alphas, they won't be able to start anything openly. In order to be more effective, tell me something about Alpha Magnus."

Kalina grimaced. "He is prideful and thinks that he knows everything. To be honest, I don't think you should talk to him on your own. At least go with Tony."

Talia didn't want to implicate Tony, especially if she fails. Tony might be punished. But then, Kalina wouldn't suggest for Tony to accompany her just because of moral support. "What will Tony do?"

"Alpha Magnus won't bully you with Tony around."

Talia needed a minute to understand Kalina's words. "Did he bully you?"

"I don't know if I would call it bullying but…" Kalina paused while contemplating how much she should say. "You see, Tony believes that women should get roles other than Omegas in this pack, and the pack members support him, yet Alpha Magnus thinks that's one of the radical ideas I planted in Tony's mind. Alpha Magnus didn't hit me or anything like that, but he made a point that I'm disturbing the pack and the order he is painstakingly maintaining, and that as the future Luna, I should know better. When we returned from your pack, Tony said how he is considering between Nate and Greg who will be his Beta, and Alpha Magnus lost it. The old guy is pushing for Paul to be Tony's Beta because Paul's father is the current Beta, and somehow, I was blamed for this as well because it seems that before meeting me, Tony was much more obedient, so… you get the picture."

Talia nodded stiffly. She got the picture alright. It was a picture of a grumpy old man in power who was suppressing anyone who might jeopardize him or his so-called order. But was it really hopeless?

Talia remembered one person. "What about Luna Alicia? How does she fit into this picture?"

Kalina shrugged. "Luna Alicia is a good person, and she is encouraging Tony to do what he believes it's right, but that's only in private. Whenever Alpha Magnus is in the room, she turns quiet."

Talia interpreted this as: Tony's mother is supportive but useless.

The more Talia thought about her upcoming chat with Alpha Magnus, the less confidence she had.

She imagined grumpy Elders, and how she would deal with them without Damon around. Even in her head, it seemed to be impossible.

How was she supposed to reason with him?

Talia's mind worked a million thoughts a second. 'Liseli, what do you think?'

'We can always suppress the bastard and force him to do what we want.'

Talia rejected that idea. 'What happens when suppression is over, and he retaliates? I can't go into that meeting while mind-controlling Alpha Magnus.' Assuming that's even possible.

'I can try to put pressure on his mind and brainwash him.', Liseli suggested. 'But that's risky. If I use too less, it won't work, and if it's too much, he might become a vegetable.'

'Can your ideas be less violent?', Talia asked.

Liseli snorted. 'Your less violent won't produce any results. You either want results or not. We are running out of time.'

Talia couldn't believe this. Talking with Alpha Magnus had close to zero chances of success, and violence was not an option. Now what?

 

Chapter 544 Audience with the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack (1)

Axel, Yasmin, and Meg arrived, and Talia asked the newcomers to drop the formalities before introducing Yasmin to James and Kalina.

"Did you say, she is a witch?", Kalina asked with sparkles in her eyes, reminding Talia that Kalina and Maya are magic-obsessed buddies.

So far, no one said the w-word, so Kalina didn't suspect anything, thinking that Cornelia is just a human female who caught James' attention. However, when introducing Yasmin, Talia said how Yasmin is Axel's mate and a witch. A witch!

"I told you that you will hear things and not to panic." Talia reminded Kalina. "I am actually from the Midnight Guardians pack. From there, you can reach a place where witches live, and that's from where Yasmin and Cornelia came."

Kalina gaped at Talia, unsure which one of these to process first, and then she looked at Yasmin and Cornelia who were talking in whispers. "When you say, witches, you mean spells and potions and stuff, right?"

Talia shook her head helplessly. "You can ask them."

"You found your mate!", Yasmin exclaimed, making Talia and Kalina look that way.

Kalina's brows came together when she realized that Yasmin was talking about James whose chest was puffed, resembling a peacock.

"Isn't James underage?", Kalina asked in a whisper.

"Yes. He doesn't feel the bond fully, but Cornelia can feel it."

Kalina needed a moment. This was just one bomb after another. But she knew by now that James had Talia's trust which meant that he was not really a bad kid, but… he was a kid, the future Alpha of the greediest pack in existence, and Kalina could imagine that James will have many challenges if he wants to take Cornelia home with him, yet the possibility of them separating them was equally difficult. Once werewolves become aware of their mates, their whole world shifts with the center of gravity set on the mate and Kalina felt sorry for the couple.

Sure, life in the Lightclaw pack restricted many freedoms Kalina had so far, but at least she got to be with her mate, and Tony was working hard with a promise that things will be better once he takes over as the Alpha. Kalina could see a better tomorrow coming in a foreseeable future, but with James being only sixteen years-old, he won't be an adult for another two years, and who knows how long Alpha Edward will delay giving James the Alpha position?

Before Kalina could ask more questions, the door opened, and Tony appeared.

Tony greeted the newcomers and looked at Meg with a complex expression. He didn't know she will be there. Meg was supposed to be his Beta, his second in command, but she found her mate in another pack, and the only thing Tony could say was, "It's good to see you, Meg. Is the Midnight Guardians pack treating you well?"

Meg knew not to talk about changes in the leadership in the Midnight Guardians pack until Axel and Talia make it official. "Things are great. How are things here?"

"You probably know that a storm is brewing.", Tony responded and turned to Talia who was looking at him anxiously. "My father will see you now. He told me that you get five minutes."

Talia nodded in understanding. She was grateful that she got that much. "Let's go."

Axel grabbed Talia's arm. "Where are you going?"

"To speak with Alpha Magnus. I didn't tell you everything over the phone, but the situation is not good, and we need Alpha Magnus on our side."

"I will join you.", Axel said with finality and Talia knew that he won't let her go without him.

"OK.", Talia agreed. "But please, let me handle it."

Axel agreed. "Unless he tries to bully you, I will stand on the side."

"Kalina, Meg", Talia called. "I trust that you will keep Yasmin, Cornelia, and James safe until we return."

"Just go.", Kalina said with a big smile on her face. Why was Talia so official? This was Kalina's and Tony's oasis, and no one will disturb them. But, why was Meg bowing to Talia? More questions.

Seeing that Yasmin was chattering with Cornelia and that James was listening to two witches talking, Kalina pulled Meg to the side with, "Tell me about the Midnight Guardians pack. How is life with Kai? Why didn't he come? Did you come here to visit your parents? How long are you staying? ..."

Meg looked at Kalina helplessly, unsure from where to start. But Meg was equally interested to hear what was going on in the Lightclaw pack, so she was asking questions of her own.

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Alpha Magnus was alone in the study, sitting behind his executive desk when Tony arrived with Talia and Axel.

"Future Alpha Axel", Alpha Magnus greeted first without getting up. "I was not aware that you are here."

Actually, until Tony came to tell him that Talia wants an audience, Alpha Magnus didn't know Talia was there either, and he thought of giving a good scolding to his security. How can they have outsiders in the packhouse without him knowing about it?

"This is not an official visit.", Axel said.

There were two chairs in front of the desk, and Axel gestured for Talia to take a seat before he stood behind her, making him look like a guard. Tony was also standing on the side, so only Talia was sitting out of the three, leaving an empty chair next to her.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me, Alpha Magnus", Talia started with pleasantries even though the old guy technically ignored her so far. "I know you are a busy man."

"Since you know I'm busy, why don't you get to the point? I hope it's worth my time."

Talia noticed the unpleasant attitude Alpha Magnus didn't show last time. Was it because Damon was not present now? Maya and Kalina warned her that Alpha Magnus was not easy to talk to, but Talia didn't think he will be outright rude. How bad would it be if Axel was not with her? Talia pushed those questions to the side.

"This is about the upcoming Council of the Alphas. Alpha Edward requested this meeting because he is displeased that his daughter failed in becoming the Luna of the Dark Howlers pack. Alpha Edward is set on increasing his power and he wants to use the Council of Alphas to suppress Damon."

Seeing Alpha Magnus' amused expression, Talia realized that he knew all this already and he was looking at her like a child who was complaining about some petty squabble on the playground.

Talia decided to change her tactic.

"Will you stand up against Alpha Edward? Or will you allow him to use you so that he gets stronger?"

Alpha Magnus' face darkened. "No one uses me."

"I was not talking only about you, Alpha Magnus. I was talking about all Alphas that are going there without an intention to do the right thing."

"Oh? And what's the right thing to do?"

"This is an obvious case of Alpha Edward trying to use numbers in order to bully Damon. Unless you oppose it openly, your silence will support it."

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Chapter 545 Audience with the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack (2)

"Miss Talia", Alpha Magnus called. "Are you expecting me to interfere with the issue of an Alpha refusing to make a she-wolf his chosen mate?"

"That's not what I'm expecting from you. That's what Alpha Edward is expecting.", Talia responded matter-of-factly. "He will twist this into an issue of Damon abusing his power and being incompetent, but the reality is that this meeting is called because Marcy didn't achieve her goal. Everyone knows that. However, what you don't know is that Damon found his fated mate. I hear that Luna Alicia is your fated mate. What would you do if someone tries to match you with another woman? Damon wouldn't accept Marcy or any other no matter how much pressure is put on him."

Alpha Magnus listened to Talia with a stiff expression.

Did he get her point? Sure. Based on the information he got, Damon's fated mate was right there in his office, trying to convince him to support Damon, however… "That's a touching story, miss Talia, but I don't understand why you are telling it now, here, to me. I thought I was clear that I don't have much time, yet you came here to waste it."

Talia suppressed her rage that flared at his condescending tone. "Waste it?"

"Are you really expecting me to meddle in Alpha Damon's choice of his Luna? Or in the efforts of Alpha Edward to create a bond through marriage with the Dark Howlers pack? You mentioned how Alicia is my fated mate. Three decades ago, I chose Alicia to be my Luna. And if at that time I decided to reject her and pick another woman to be my Luna, I wouldn't be kind to people standing in my way. Do you understand that?"

Talia's brows came together as she processed his words. Of course, she understood that, but… "This is about Alpha Edward trying…"

"Yeah, yeah…", Alpha Magnus interrupted Talia. "Alpha Edward wants to get more powerful. What's new about that? A better question would be, what's wrong with that? Alphas want to grow so they can protect their people, it's normal. Let's stop pretending how this is about mates, doing the right thing, and other sentimental crap because that's not how things work. If Alpha Damon was here, asking for my assistance, he would offer me something in return. He would offer me something that would make me happy so that I can make him happy. That's how things work, Miss Talia. There is no such thing as a free lunch. So let me rephrase my question. Are you here to offer me something, or just to waste my time?"

Talia couldn't believe this. Weren't Alpha Magnus and Damon on friendly terms? James told her that Alpha Magnus was selfish and thinking only about benefits, but she hoped that when facing her, he won't be so shameless.

Talia didn't need to look to her left to know that Tony's head was down and his hands were balled into fists. Tony didn't like this, but he didn't dare say anything against his father. This was wrong, so wrong.

"Damon is your ally. Will you turn your back to him now when he needs you because there are no direct benefits? What about the friendly relationship between your packs? What about Damon training and mentoring Tony? They are friends, good friends. Doesn't that count for something?"

Alpha Magnus looked at Talia mockingly. "You talk about friendship and Tony, but how does that relate to me?"

Talia couldn't believe this. "Isn't Tony your son? Isn't he the future Alpha of this pack? By helping Damon now, you will set a good stage for a good collaboration between Tony and Damon for years to come. Don't tell me you don't see it." Talia shook her head. "Of course, you see it, but you don't care because the only thing that concerns you are your benefits."

Alpha Magnus didn't like the way Talia spoke, but Axel was right there, glaring at him, so he controlled his temper and responded, "This is not about MY benefits. I am thinking about my pack. That's what Alphas do."

"Bullshit!", Talia squeezed through her teeth. "How about you drop the act and admit that this is only about you? If you are thinking about the Lightclaw pack, you would invest more in your son. He is the future of this pack, not you. But instead of training him, you encouraged Tony to travel and have fun. Tony trusted that you have his interests at heart, yet you denied him years of proper education and now people are talking about him as a failure. Damon is the one trying to fix your wrongs. Tony has good ideas, yet you are ignoring…"

"How dare you!", Alpha Magnus snapped. "Who do you think you are?"

"She is…", Axel stopped talking when Talia raised her hand.

"He doesn't need to know who I am, Axel.", Talia said while standing up slowly, unable to sit still as anger swelled within her.

'Shameless goat!', Liseli shouted in Talia's mind. 'Let me give him some pain.'

Talia ignored her bloodthirsty wolf and spoke to Axel while looking at Alpha Magnus.

"He doesn't deserve to know who I am. He is just a greedy Alpha who will ruin the lives of thousands so that he can enjoy a few years pretending to be important."

"Did you just…?"

"Insult you?", Talia interrupted Alpha Magnus as Liseli's rage amplified Talia's. "That's the least you should…"

'Kitten?', Damon's voice sounded in Talia's mind. 'What's going on?'

Talia paused. Why was Damon in her head? And he sounded concerned.

Damon was in a plane and Caden was telling him about the things that happened recently, in case the black runes flare again and Damon forgets about Talia. Caden's update was focused on the Dark Howlers pack and the dangers they were facing, without mentioning Talia. In that way, Damon's memory related to the pack business and dealing with Alpha Edward will be intact even with Talia gone.

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Talia didn't think that their mind-link will work across such a distance, and she definitely forgot that he can feel her emotions.

Damon wanted to know what was going on, and Talia had no intention of telling him where she was.

'Nothing, Damon', Talia responded. 'It's just me thinking about what awaits for you at that meeting and backstabbing Alphas and… I got upset.'

'It will be fine, kitten.', Damon coaxed her, his deep voice healed the cracks her anger created. 'I will do everything I can to keep you safe. No one will jeopardize what we have as long as there is a fight in me.'

'I know.'

Talia knew that Damon would do everything he could, but what about her? Was she really giving it her all, or was she tiptoeing while trying not to offend anyone? Was there a scenario where everyone will be happy? Or was she supposed to look only after her interests, like Alpha Magnus and other greedy people?

Regardless of what the answers were, she didn't want to worry Damon.

'Focus on your thing, Damon, and I will do my part.', Talia said.

'Alright. I miss you.'

Talia smiled at this cheesy line, but the truth was that she missed him as well. 'I miss you too, Damon. Stay safe and… see you soon.'

 

Chapter 546 Audience with the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack (2)

"Miss Talia", Alpha Magnus called. "Are you expecting me to interfere with the issue of an Alpha refusing to make a she-wolf his chosen mate?"

"That's not what I'm expecting from you. That's what Alpha Edward is expecting.", Talia responded matter-of-factly. "He will twist this into an issue of Damon abusing his power and being incompetent, but the reality is that this meeting is called because Marcy didn't achieve her goal. Everyone knows that. However, what you don't know is that Damon found his fated mate. I hear that Luna Alicia is your fated mate. What would you do if someone tries to match you with another woman? Damon wouldn't accept Marcy or any other no matter how much pressure is put on him."

Alpha Magnus listened to Talia with a stiff expression.

Did he get her point? Sure. Based on the information he got, Damon's fated mate was right there in his office, trying to convince him to support Damon, however… "That's a touching story, miss Talia, but I don't understand why you are telling it now, here, to me. I thought I was clear that I don't have much time, yet you came here to waste it."

Talia suppressed her rage that flared at his condescending tone. "Waste it?"

"Are you really expecting me to meddle in Alpha Damon's choice of his Luna? Or in the efforts of Alpha Edward to create a bond through marriage with the Dark Howlers pack? You mentioned how Alicia is my fated mate. Three decades ago, I chose Alicia to be my Luna. And if at that time I decided to reject her and pick another woman to be my Luna, I wouldn't be kind to people standing in my way. Do you understand that?"

Talia's brows came together as she processed his words. Of course, she understood that, but… "This is about Alpha Edward trying…"

"Yeah, yeah…", Alpha Magnus interrupted Talia. "Alpha Edward wants to get more powerful. What's new about that? A better question would be, what's wrong with that? Alphas want to grow so they can protect their people, it's normal. Let's stop pretending how this is about mates, doing the right thing, and other sentimental crap because that's not how things work. If Alpha Damon was here, asking for my assistance, he would offer me something in return. He would offer me something that would make me happy so that I can make him happy. That's how things work, Miss Talia. There is no such thing as a free lunch. So let me rephrase my question. Are you here to offer me something, or just to waste my time?"

Talia couldn't believe this. Weren't Alpha Magnus and Damon on friendly terms? James told her that Alpha Magnus was selfish and thinking only about benefits, but she hoped that when facing her, he won't be so shameless.

Talia didn't need to look to her left to know that Tony's head was down and his hands were balled into fists. Tony didn't like this, but he didn't dare say anything against his father. This was wrong, so wrong.

"Damon is your ally. Will you turn your back to him now when he needs you because there are no direct benefits? What about the friendly relationship between your packs? What about Damon training and mentoring Tony? They are friends, good friends. Doesn't that count for something?"

Alpha Magnus looked at Talia mockingly. "You talk about friendship and Tony, but how does that relate to me?"

Talia couldn't believe this. "Isn't Tony your son? Isn't he the future Alpha of this pack? By helping Damon now, you will set a good stage for a good collaboration between Tony and Damon for years to come. Don't tell me you don't see it." Talia shook her head. "Of course, you see it, but you don't care because the only thing that concerns you are your benefits."

Alpha Magnus didn't like the way Talia spoke, but Axel was right there, glaring at him, so he controlled his temper and responded, "This is not about MY benefits. I am thinking about my pack. That's what Alphas do."

"Bullshit!", Talia squeezed through her teeth. "How about you drop the act and admit that this is only about you? If you are thinking about the Lightclaw pack, you would invest more in your son. He is the future of this pack, not you. But instead of training him, you encouraged Tony to travel and have fun. Tony trusted that you have his interests at heart, yet you denied him years of proper education and now people are talking about him as a failure. Damon is the one trying to fix your wrongs. Tony has good ideas, yet you are ignoring…"

"How dare you!", Alpha Magnus snapped. "Who do you think you are?"

"She is…", Axel stopped talking when Talia raised her hand.

"He doesn't need to know who I am, Axel.", Talia said while standing up slowly, unable to sit still as anger swelled within her.

'Shameless goat!', Liseli shouted in Talia's mind. 'Let me give him some pain.'

Talia ignored her bloodthirsty wolf and spoke to Axel while looking at Alpha Magnus.

"He doesn't deserve to know who I am. He is just a greedy Alpha who will ruin the lives of thousands so that he can enjoy a few years pretending to be important."

"Did you just…?"

"Insult you?", Talia interrupted Alpha Magnus as Liseli's rage amplified Talia's. "That's the least you should…"

'Kitten?', Damon's voice sounded in Talia's mind. 'What's going on?'

Talia paused. Why was Damon in her head? And he sounded concerned.

Damon was in a plane and Caden was telling him about the things that happened recently, in case the black runes flare again and Damon forgets about Talia. Caden's update was focused on the Dark Howlers pack and the dangers they were facing, without mentioning Talia. In that way, Damon's memory related to the pack business and dealing with Alpha Edward will be intact even with Talia gone.

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Talia didn't think that their mind-link will work across such a distance, and she definitely forgot that he can feel her emotions.

Damon wanted to know what was going on, and Talia had no intention of telling him where she was.

'Nothing, Damon', Talia responded. 'It's just me thinking about what awaits for you at that meeting and backstabbing Alphas and… I got upset.'

'It will be fine, kitten.', Damon coaxed her, his deep voice healed the cracks her anger created. 'I will do everything I can to keep you safe. No one will jeopardize what we have as long as there is a fight in me.'

'I know.'

Talia knew that Damon would do everything he could, but what about her? Was she really giving it her all, or was she tiptoeing while trying not to offend anyone? Was there a scenario where everyone will be happy? Or was she supposed to look only after her interests, like Alpha Magnus and other greedy people?

Regardless of what the answers were, she didn't want to worry Damon.

'Focus on your thing, Damon, and I will do my part.', Talia said.

'Alright. I miss you.'

Talia smiled at this cheesy line, but the truth was that she missed him as well. 'I miss you too, Damon. Stay safe and… see you soon.'

 

Chapter 547 Audience with the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack (3) [Bonus chapter]

Talia's smile froze as she realized that Alpha Magnus was looking at her with a smug expression.

He assumed that she stopped talking because she was out of arguments, unaware of her exchange with Damon that just transpired.

Another wave of anger simmered in Talia, this time with a dose of determination, and she asked Liseli to block those turbulent emotions from reaching Damon. He had a lot on his plate already, and Talia wanted to deal with this herself. If she can't handle one Alpha, how can she stand by Damon's side and challenge many?

Talia couldn't believe that Alpha Magnus would be so aloof to the consequences of his selfish actions. It's not that he didn't care about his pack, but he didn't care about anyone other than himself.

Talia knew that she could suppress Alpha Magnus with a thought and force him to obey her, but was violence the only solution? Was this the time to be picky about methods to achieve goals and prevent an incoming calamity?

She needed to calm down and think this through because if she acted recklessly she will be the cause of a war, yet she came here to prevent one.

Talia could feel the will of the Midnight Guardians pack. They supported her with the hope that she will lead them into a better future, and Alpha Magnus was the prime example of a man who would sell them out to the highest bidder without blinking. Heck! He would probably enslave her people so that he can use their powers for his benefit!

Alpha Magnus was looking down at Talia and she hated it. Behind that desk was not an Alpha of a pack. That was another bully, a person who wouldn't hold back from harming others in order to get what he wants, but… was she any better?

Talia was never so conflicted.

Wasn't she considering doing whatever it takes in order to get her way? Didn't that make her a bully in someone's eyes? Just as she believed that her cause was right, Alpha Magnus believed that there was nothing wrong with his actions. On the other hand, they were werewolves, where power rules. What's the use of her powers if she won't use them for herself? She consoled herself that it was not only for herself.

Everyone in the Lightclaw pack suffered because Alpha Magnus was selfish and narrow-minded, and that pack was not the only one. Talia knew about the situation in the Red Moon pack, and after her experience in the Dark Howlers pack, she understood why people were seeking refuge under Damon's protection.

Normal people didn't want to live in a place where they will be oppressed and forced to bow their heads while a handful of people enjoys a lavish lifestyle.

Damon showed Talia how an Alpha works hard for his pack, and that he will fight when needed. Damon didn't kiss anyone's ass, he didn't host parties, and their packhouse was not encased in gold and silk. Because of his efforts and sacrifices, everyone in the Dark Howlers pack could live with dignity, regardless of their status or job. It was not perfect, far from it, but Damon did the best he could, and people supported him. Talia admired him immensely.

As a stark contrast, Alpha Magnus was sitting behind that desk and mocking Talia because she came to him with a request to do the right thing without bringing gifts. Unacceptable!

With this, Talia's resolve firmed. She will do the right thing for herself, for Damon, and for everyone who wants to live freely.

'Liseli', Talia called. 'Open the mind-link with the Midnight Guardians pack. I want to talk to Axel and… hold down Alpha Magnus. I don't want him to move or to say a word.'

Liseli didn't respond, but Talia felt her approval and the surge of energy that froze Alpha Magnus in the spot.

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'Axel!'

Axel jolted when Talia's voice sounded in his head, and if they were not facing a serious situation of an uncooperative Alpha Magnus, Axel would jump with joy, and probably give her a hug. Her voice in his mind meant that she accepted the mind-link and their pack. THEIR pack. He finally got his sister back, and he was happy.

'Did you bring what I asked you to?', Talia asked.

Axel knew what she was talking about. 'Yes.'

Other than the token representing the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack, Axel also brought several doses of concoction that erases short-term memory.

Axel explained to Talia that the concoction was something that Cassandra came up with, as a way to deal with the accidental witnesses of powers that members of their pack possess. Whoever leaves the Midnight Guardians pack would carry at least one syringe with him in order to conceal the existence of their abilities. Also, there were cases when spies would follow them with the goal to find the entrance into the territory of the Midnight Guardians pack, and the memory-erasing potion came in handy more than once.

As for why Talia needed so many, those were part of Talia's backup plan, in case things go really wrong in the meeting of Alphas. She would make them forget what happened and use suggestions to convince them that Alpha Edward is the bad guy who shouldn't have their support.

Other than Cassandra and a few of her helpers, no one knew how to make those, so Talia thought that even if she uses it on Alphas in the Council, no one will suspect her because no one was aware of such a thing as a memory-erasing potion.

Talia had no intention of defeating Alpha Edward by cheating. However, she was determined to cut off the assistance he would get to pressure Damon. When she put it in the context of protecting what's dear to her, an act of erasing the short-term memory of a dozen Alphas was acceptable.

Unfortunately, the Council of the Alphas was only a few hours away, yet she had a mountain of tasks to complete, and if she was not careful it could all blow up in her face. Big time!

Talia already held Alpha Magnus in place, and she wanted to know who will support her.

'Axel', Talia called through the mind-link. 'How far will you go to get this settled?'

'Do you plan on killing Alpha Magnus?', Axel asked stiffly.

Talia was surprised that Axel went to that extreme. 'I hope it won't come to it.'

'I don't know what you are planning, but I've got your back, Talia.', Axel said with amusement in his voice as he added, 'Keep in mind that we can't erase the memory of the whole pack. I have only fifteen doses.'

Talia was touched by Axel's support. He really was a doting older brother. 'I don't want to erase the memory of everyone. Just one will do.'

---

Chapter 548 The new Alpha of the Lightclaw pack (1)

Tony was anxious about this development. He knew that his father will be difficult, but he didn't think he will be outright disrespectful. Tony was shocked to hear Talia talk back, but the biggest surprise was that Alpha Magnus didn't throw a fit, and Talia was not in the dungeon or missing a limb, or in the dungeon without limbs.

Since they came to the study, it was one surprise after another, and now his father was just sitting there without moving, and Tony had no idea what to expect.

"Anthony", Talia called his full name, making him jolt in place. "Are you alright with this?"

Tony had no idea what Talia was talking about. The last few minutes were a complete shit-show and Tony wondered if they will start a war now. Ah, if that happens, Kalina will blame him because Kalina really likes Talia and Maya and he will be sandwiched between his father's wishes and everything else, like many times before.

"Am I alright, with what?", Tony asked cautiously.

"Are you alright with letting your father hurt his people and his family?"

Tony glanced nervously at Alpha Magnus, confirming that his father didn't move a muscle at this provocation, even though his eyes were flaring with anger and… was that fear?

"What can I do?", Tony asked dejectedly. "He is the Alpha. His word is the law in this pack and unless we plan a mutiny, a murder, or a war, it will stay that way."

"What if that's not the case?", Talia continued probing. "What if you could fix it? What if you could take over without spilling blood or angering anyone? Would you do it?"

Tony's eyes widened in shock. What did she say? Did he hear her right? "How is that possible?"

"Anything is possible if you want it badly enough. So, let me ask you, do you want to take over as the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack and lead your people toward a future where females are not oppressed?"

Seeing that Tony was hesitating, Talia kept on talking.

"I know you can do it. You and Kalina are strong, and people will follow you. Damon and I will support you until you are confident enough to tackle things on your own."

"We will support you as well.", Axel chimed in, and Talia smiled in approval.

"You heard Axel.", Talia said. "The Midnight Guardians pack will be your ally as well, and I'm confident that Alpha Maddox also will join. You can rely on three Alphas for guidance and support. You spoke about a future where you and Kalina will make changes for the better. This is your opportunity to make the future into right now. Tell me, Tony, are you willing?"

Tony blinked once, twice, and after a few endless seconds, his gaze firmed as he decided, "Yes."

Talia was pleased that Tony agreed, otherwise she would need to issue an Alpha challenge and perform a hostile takeover. That was her backup plan.

With Tony's agreement, Talia spoke to Axel through the mind-link, 'You know what to do. The old guy can't move a muscle.'

Axel got from his inner pocket a syringe and went to Alpha Magnus.

"What…?"

Tony's question was cut short when Talia raised her arm. "This won't harm him."

Tony frowned when he saw Axel injecting Alpha Magnus with an unknown concoction, but he didn't stop it from happening.

When Axel nodded at Talia that it was done, Talia stood in front of Alpha Magnus, and said, "Alpha Magnus, you gave so much for the Lightclaw pack, and you decided to retire. You will go with Luna Alicia on a long journey and travel the world. But before that, you will hand over your Alpha position to Anthony. Tony was working hard, and he has good ideas that will bring prosperity to your pack. Call your Beta and the Shaman. The ceremony for the new Alpha will be conducted in one hour. Until then, you will tell Tony what he needs to know about the Council of the Alphas."

Talia stepped away from Alpha Magnus, and Tony's eyes darted from Talia to his father.

Tony expected that Talia will use a suppressive aura or a weapon or magic or something, anything. But she just spoke and… "Do you think it will be that easy?"

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The door of the study opened, and Beta Cage came in.

Beta Cage was a tall man with a head full of gray hair, and the sun-kissed skin of a man in his late forties. His impressive physique was not hidden under the well-fitted suit he wore. Just by looking at his prideful posture that demanded respect, one would know that Beta Cage was a high-ranking member of a pack.

"You called for me, Alpha?"

"Yes.", Alpha Magnus confirmed. "I decided to hand over my Alpha position to Tony. Shaman is on his way. Get things set up and summon our people, the ceremony will be done in one hour."

Tony gaped at his father, unable to believe that this was really happening.

Another person who stared blankly at Alpha Magnus was Beta Cage. Until just a few minutes ago they were discussing strategies to get as much as possible from Alpha Edward and now he was stepping down? Something didn't sound right. And what was with the rush?

"Did they blackmail you?"

Alpha Magnus shook his head. "The younger generation has good ideas and it's time for us to enjoy our retirement. There is no point in waiting until we are too old to appreciate life. I want to travel the world with my mate."

Beta Cage was still suspicious. Sure, it all sounded fine, but that was not how Alpha Magnus would talk. They would plan big parties for every occasion worth celebrating, using that as an opportunity to strengthen their connections, and something major as the new Alpha ceremony was done on such a short notice? Didn't he say that he will remain the Alpha until he can, with Tony being a powerless pawn to bridge the gap between him and the younger generation that was emerging? And another problem was that Beta's position was tied to the Alpha he served.

Alphas are made by bloodline, while Betas and Gammas are regular pack members who get a power boost after the ceremony where their Alpha and the pack accept them. Sure, some are born with more potential, but without getting the position that potential would remain unused.

What will happen to him after this unexpected retirement? With Beta Cage not being a Beta anymore, they will need to move into one of the regular dwellings, and that will be a downgrade.

Beta Cage remembered his son, Paul. They knew that Tony was not willing to make Paul his Beta. But if Paul becomes a Beta, they can keep their current villa. That would be good. How can he ensure that his son gets that position?

Seeing that Beta Cage was not responsive, Alpha Magnus asked sternly, "Are you disobeying your Alpha?"

Beta Cage was startled. This was Alpha Magnus he knew. He quickly bowed. "I wouldn't dare. I will get everything ready." Beta Cage gritted his teeth and then his eyes lost focus.

Tony couldn't wrap his head around the current situation.

Did Talia make him an Alpha? Just like that? What sorcery was that?

 

Chapter 549 The new Alpha of the Lightclaw pack (2)

After discussing a few key points with Alpha Magnus, Beta Cage, and the Shaman, Axel, Talia, and Tony returned to the suite where Kalina waited for them with James, Cornelia, Yasmin, and Meg.

Still in disbelief at what was happening, Tony told Kalina that she needs to prepare because she will be the Luna of the Lightclaw pack in less than an hour.

"Are you serious?", Kalina asked Tony who was shaking his head and gesturing toward Talia.

"Ask her.", Tony said. "One moment my father was his usual self, and in the next one he was summoning people to arrange for the Alpha ceremony." He looked at Kalina. "This is it. You will be my Luna. We are doing this. How are we going to do this?"

Both Kalina and Tony turned toward Talia, their eyes full of questions.

Talia realized that they were looking at her for guidance. Why her? She was not equipped for this! Everyone else in this room had more leadership experience compared to Talia! But she couldn't leave them hanging.

"Tony, talk to Axel about matters related to Alpha business. He took over Alpha duties recently, so he will be the best to give you advice."

With this, Talia was down to one person looking at her.

"Kalina, you will need to reach out to Luna Alicia and find out what she was doing so far. If she would share how she did it, that would be great. Maybe Tanya has some useful advice."

Kalina agreed. Her sister just became a Luna, but Tanya has years of managing the company, and what's most important, Kalina trusts Tanya. As for Luna Alicia... "Luna Alicia is managing the packhouse."

Talia felt she can share some tips related to that. "Find a few trustworthy Omegas and assign them duties." Kalina's concerned expression reminded Talia that things at the Lightclaw pack were vastly different compared to the Dark Howlers pack. Here, everyone was competing for a spot. "Do you have anyone you can trust?"

Kalina shook her head. "Omegas I interacted with are either keeping to themselves or are loyal to Luna Alicia."

"That's fine", Talia assured Kalina. "Things don't need to be perfect from the start. In time, you can tweak your approach and things will fall into place. I can recommend Ivy and Lily. They are hardworking and discrete, as for anything else, they will learn. Ask Ivy and Lily to start by shadowing people who are currently working under Luna Alicia and increase their responsibilities as they gain confidence."

Kalina understood something. "Are you telling me to replace the staff in the packhouse?"

Talia shrugged. "It's up to you. Do you trust them to accomplish their tasks without backstabbing you? Luna Alicia and Alpha Magnus formed a network of people that helped them guide this pack. Some of them might be fine with you taking over, but there will be many looking down on you because you are inexperienced. Don't give them a chance to sabotage you and make you look bad. Ivy and Lily are working here for some time, and you should hear their opinions about the rest of the staff."

Kalina nodded robotically. She thought that she was ready for this, but now that it happened, she was utterly lost. But she couldn't admit to it. Tony needed her and she could only say, "I will talk to Ivy and Lily and take it from there."

"Do you have any advice for me?", Tony asked Talia because Axel was not very helpful. Sure, Axel told him that he should assemble generals to discuss the current situation, assess loyalty, and probably change patrolling shifts. But that was too much. Tony barely interacted with generals, and he feared that they will treat him like a child. An incompetent one.

Talia looked at Tony helplessly. "Didn't you talk to Axel?"

"There is a lot. Can you help me prioritize? What should I do first?"

"Yes, there is a lot.", Talia confirmed. "And that is why you need to pick your Beta. He will ease your load."

Axel frowned at this. He didn't mention picking a Beta because he didn't need to pick one. Now it turned out that he was not helpful and Talia will think less of him.

Tony made a troubled expression. "I was thinking between Nate and Greg which one to be my Beta, but my father is pushing Paul. He is a good guy, and his father is a Beta, but Paul is not a Beta material."

Talia didn't think that was a problem. "You shouldn't listen to your father. This is about your Beta, a man who will watch your back. You need to trust him that work will be done in your absence and that he won't abuse his position."

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Tony agreed with this. If it was about the trust, that meant, Paul was out. Actually, Tony didn't dislike Paul. They were friends and Paul was a good guy, but the fact that Alpha Magnus and Beta Cage were pushing Paul like he was the only valid choice was rubbing Tony the wrong way.

"I might give Paul some other role, but I will think about it later. How do I decide on my Beta between Nate and Greg?"

"Do you need to decide?", Talia asked. "Make both Nate and Greg your Betas."

"Two Betas?", Tony asked. "Is that possible?" It was not unusual for a pack to have two Betas, but that was because one was the Beta and the other one was the Beta's mate.

"Why not? This is your pack. As the Alpha, your word is the law. If you say that there will be two Betas, there will be two Betas. Your biggest problem will be to decide on work division between Nate and Greg, but in terms of status, the two of them can be equals."

Tony looked at Talia like she said something fantastic. How was it possible that she easily solved a problem that was bothering him for months? "Will you be my Beta?"

Talia burst into a laugh that stopped when Axel stood in front of Tony and looked at him with hostility.

"You can be friends, but you can't disrespect her."

Tony was flabbergasted. "How did I disrespect her?"

"You are talking with the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack.", Axel said and both Tony and Kalina turned to stare at Talia.

Kalina looked around to confirm if Axel was talking nonsense, only to see that James, Cornelia, Yasmin, and Meg were not surprised by this revelation.

"How? When?", Tony asked Talia.

"It's a long story.", Talia responded. She wanted to scold Axel for dropping this bomb, but then she decided against it because Tony was bound to find out in a few hours when Talia asks him to hitch a ride with Tony to the Council of Alphas.

"Explanations will come later because you need to prepare for your ceremony, Alpha Anthony, and then pick one of your Betas to accompany you because I will be joining you to the Council of Alphas with my Beta."

Kalina finally connected the dots and she looked at Meg. "You are Beta?"

"I am Talia's Beta.", Meg confirmed. "Kai is Axel's."

"Axel's Beta?", Tony asked.

Axel confirmed. "I am Talia's proxy."

"I like to think of us as equals.", Talia corrected Axel and turned to Tony. "Remember, your pack and your rules. We decided to lead the Midnight Guardians pack as two Alphas."

Actually, Talia wanted to leave that pack to Axel with Yasmin to manage, but the more Talia felt the connection with the Midnight Guardians pack, the idea of her giving up on her position as the Alpha was becoming more difficult. Why did it feel like she would abandon her children?

"Wow!", Tony exclaimed. "No wonder you said how we will have support from both packs. Thank you."

Talia waved her hand, indicating that it was not a big deal. "Prepare for the ceremony. We will watch it from the side." And to make sure Alpha Magnus or his minions don't try to ruin things. Talia took a mental note to keep an eye on Beta Cage because he was one of the volatile suspects that might throw a fit when he realizes that his son didn't make the cut to be a Beta, while two other guys did.

Chapter 550 Babies! [Bonus chapter]

Author's note:

Thank you, SilaMelei, for the Magic Castle gifted on April 27, 2022!

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Tony and Kalina went to meet with Greg, Nate, Ivy, and Lily in order to share the news about their new roles and to figure out what that actually means. They didn't have much time and everything was done in rush, but both Tony and Kalina were running high on adrenalin.

With Alpha and Luna to-be out of their suite, the atmosphere calmed down.

Axel and Yasmin were eager to head back to the Midnight Guardians pack.

"We would love to stay for the ceremony. Unfortunately, a few days passed at home, and with only Kai and Tyler there, we feel we shouldn't delay our return unless it's necessary.", Axel said. He didn't think that Tony and Kalina will miss them with everything else going on.

"I understand. Thank you for coming.", Talia responded. "Meg will return after the meeting." Talia turned to look at the person in question. "Unless she wants to meet with her family."

Meg was aching to see her family, they were so close now. She feared that if she sees them, they will ask her to stay longer which might be too much for Kai.

"I will visit them another time with Kai.", Meg said, determined to stay in this suite so she doesn't risk bumping into them.

Axel wanted to remind Talia that their people were eager to leave the realm in search of their mates, but he knew that she had a lot on her mind, so he didn't want to bring it up.

'Come home after this is over.', Axel's voice sounded in Talia's head through the mind-link.

Talia was still not sure how to deal with the two-home situation she found herself in. 'Once Damon's condition is stable, we will visit.'

'Until then, I will see to finalize our conditions for using the portal with the realm of witches.'

This reminded Talia. 'Be careful. I believe there is a reason why the portal was closed. If you go there, be careful of Evanora and everyone else. Don't trust them easily.'

Axel was alerted. 'There must be a reason you are saying that.'

'We found a clue that points to the possibility of witches being used for breeding with werewolves in an attempt to create offspring with a wolf and with magic. I just found out about that this morning, and I will investigate it, but I have a feeling that's related to the portal being closed, and why Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia were so adamant about keeping the existence of our powers a secret. They knew something and…' Talia paused.

'And?', Axel urged her to continue.

'I think that's why I ended up in the Red Moon pack as a child. The evidence points at Alpha Edward's father. He knew about witches being used for breeding and I believe that he was the one who brought me to the Red Moon pack.'

Axel's jaw twitched as he listened to Talia. 'I will talk with…'

'No.', Talia interrupted him. 'Don't give anyone a clue that you know something. You can investigate discretely but leave talking for when we have more information. I really hope that previous Alphas were not involved, but if they were, we shouldn't risk alerting them and giving them a chance to destroy the evidence.'

'Thank you for trusting me with this information.' Axel was really touched. This was something that possibly incriminated their parents who were obviously closer to Axel as he grew up with them, yet she believed that he would do the right thing.

As they were ready to leave, Yasmin gave hugs to Cornelia, Meg, and then Talia.

'She is with a child', Liseli spoke in Talia's mind.

Talia didn't get it. 'What?'

'I didn't sense it when she arrived because the contact was brief, but now I'm certain. You will be an aunt.'

Talia gawked at Yasmin's perfectly flat abdomen. A baby!

'Are you sure?', Talia asked.

'Why don't you use your ability to scan the surroundings? You will be able to pick up the heartbeat. If you touch her, you can sense it better.'

Talia took Yasmin's hand into hers and closed her eyes. Talia's perception shifted to see the outlines, and then she focused on Yasmin's abdomen. She needed a moment to hear two distinct rhythmical beats.

Talia looked at Axel who observed them with curiosity.

"Congratulations, Axel. You will be a father. Twice."

Axel stared at Talia for a second, and then his mouth hung open so widely that a whole fist could fit in there.

"What did you say?", Yasmin asked breathily while touching her stomach.

"You are pregnant.", Talia said. "Twins. Congratulations."

Cornelia was also shocked. "How is that possible? We saw each other only two days ago!"

Yasmin shook her head. "You forgot about changes in time. For you, it was two days, for us, it was two months."

"Oh…", Cornelia felt silly. How did she forget that?

Meg was bouncing from excitement. She-wolves have heat that starts shortly after marking and happens every six months. "I had my first heat after arriving at the Midnight Guardians pack. I was under the effect of medications and supervision of healers, so Kai and I couldn't…" She didn't finish, but everyone knew what they couldn't do. "We hope for better luck next time. However, Yasmin is a witch, and her cycles are more like human's. We will have Alpha pups!"

"Are you sure?", Axel asked Talia while staring at Yasmin's stomach like he wished to see through it.

"Axel?", Yasmin called in a small voice. "Aren't you happy?"

"Shocked is a better term.", Axel responded.

Yasmin hugged her stomach. "Don't you want us to have babies?"

Axel realized that Yasmin was upset, and he was quick to pull her into his embrace.

"Of course, I do. Even if we have hundreds of children, I would want more if that's what you want. My shock is not because I'm not happy, but because it's not possible. At least I didn't think it was possible. We didn't have a child born in our pack for two decades. The Oracle said that we were punished by the Moon Goddess…" Axel's voice trailed as he turned to look at Talia. "The Moon Goddess punished us because we lost you." He didn't want to say that their parents gave up on Talia. "Now that you are back, as an Alpha, the curse was lifted. You really are a blessing for our pack."

Talia was not superstitious. Curses? Blessings? Wasn't that just mumbo-jumbo to control the masses? But the truth was that she could feel every member of the Midnight Guardians pack, and there were no children present. Axel was right that they didn't have any births in the last two decades.

"Then, your babies are much more than just a new life.", Talia said. "They carry the hope for our pack that things are changing for the better. Take care of each other."

After another round of hugs and congratulations, Axel and Yasmin headed back.

Cornelia was happy about Yasmin having a baby. And it's two of them!

Witches also didn't have children in ages, but that was because they didn't have males to produce offspring. She wished to be there when Evanora finds out about Yasmin's pregnancy. How will the high priestess take it?