Claire’s PovThe long-awaited day of the packing gathering arrived, and I could feel the weight of the decision I made with Raven strongly pressing down on me. I had spent the previous night, tossing on my bed, and going over every possible outcome that might likely happen in the meeting, I was thinking about every word I might say.This was my chance to expose Audrey’s manipulations, to show the pack that she was the real threat to the unity of the pack and not me. But the pressure of this mission of mine gnawed hard at my soul, twisting my stomach into tight knots.As I dressed that morning, my hands trembled slightly from the anxiety that I was faced with. A misfire of anticipation coursed through me. I could hear the sounds of the staff in the pack house moving around outside, their voices hushed as they went around putting things for the gathering.It was one of the few times every wolf in the pack would be present according to what Raven said, and I knew I had only one shot to g
Claire’s PovThe long-awaited day of the packing gathering arrived, and I could feel the weight of the decision I made with Raven strongly pressing down on me. I had spent the previous night, tossing on my bed, and going over every possible outcome that might likely happen in the meeting, I was thinking about every word I might say.This was my chance to expose Audrey’s manipulations, to show the pack that she was the real threat to the unity of the pack and not me. But the pressure of this mission of mine gnawed hard at my soul, twisting my stomach into tight knots.As I dressed that morning, my hands trembled slightly from the anxiety that I was faced with. A misfire of anticipation coursed through me. I could hear the sounds of the staff in the pack house moving around outside, their voices hushed as they went around putting things for the gathering.It was one of the few times every wolf in the pack would be present according to what Raven said, and I knew I had only one shot to g
Claire’s PovThe following day, still very much feeling like a piece of trash, I made my way to Raven’s quarters to spill my new findings to her, and to my relief, I met her outside, she was busy sorting out herbs.She looked up, her face brightening at once when she saw me like she had been expecting me. Though a shadow of concern was quick to cross her face as she studied me.“Claire,” Raven called out, putting her basket of herbs aside, “You look disturbed and distraught, is everything fine?”I allowed a faint smile to play on my face, even with the weight of the burden I was carrying. “That’s because I am. Raven, I can't keep doing this, I am tired of everything and I can't just help but think about running away back to my family.”“No Claire, you shouldn’t be having such a thought,” Raven retorted, “Wanting to run away means you want to throw away everything you have been walking for these past few months and give Audrey the satisfaction she wants, is that what you truly want to
Claire’s PovThe weight of her words pressed down on me, crushing the last confidence. It left me to doubt everything for a moment. I doubted everything place here, Darien’s trust, my self-worth.But then, Darien finally spoke up. “Enough Audrey,” he said, his gaze shifting to her, his voice a firm one. “Claire belongs here, she’s my Luna, and I won't give you any more space to tear her down anymore.”Audrey’s face instantly twisted into an angry expression, her eyes flashing with fury. “You are making a mistake, Darien. You’re choosing a path that will lead to ruin, not just for you but for everyone in this pack.”“Maybe that is a risk I am willing to take,” he replied, his voice unwavering.Audrey’s expression did not soften for a bit as her gaze burned into Darien, her lips pressed into a thin line in the process. “Very well,” she said, her voice dripping with bitterness. “But don't expect me to ever support this decision without keeping up with a fight. And don't come crying to me
Claire’s PovI could feel Audrey’s gaze burning into me as I sat with Darien outside in the courtyard, long before I looked up. Her expression was as cold as ever, and her eyes glared with a familiar anger that I had grown all too familiar with.She didn't bother with giving pleasantries or pretense this time, she walked directly to us, her posture stiff and her face ready to let out a scowl expression.As she approached, I braced myself, glancing at Darien who was already watching her with a wary expression. We both already knew that whatever talk Audrey was approaching us with wasn't going to be any good.“Darien,” she said on a crisp, clean note, “I need a word with you, and Claire,” she added, her tone shifting to one of contempt, “You might as well listen too, this concerns the both of you.”Audrey's eyes darted from Darien to me, “I’ve been patient Darien. I’ve tolerated this situation. But I don't think I can ignore the risk any longer.”She took another step closer, her eyes p
Claire’s Pov“I’ve told you before Claire, countless times without numbers, that what I have with Audrey is a complicated one,” he began when I cut him off.“Don't give me that excuse,” I snapped, “I need the truth. If you want me to stay back and keep fighting for a place here as if I am a lone wolf with no family to return to, then I deserve to know what is truly going on. What is Audrey holding against you?”Darien’s jaw clenched, his gaze fixed on the floor. For a long moment, he didn't say any more words, and I thought he was going to remain silent over it just like he always has, but he proved me wrong.“Fine,” he said quietly, “You want the truth? I’ll give it to you. But it’s not something I’m proud of.”I leaned closer to him, my heart now racing as I saw the raw vulnerability in his eyes.“This happened years ago,” he began, his voice low and unsteady, “Just when I had just gotten into the position of being an Alpha when my father passed away. I was in so much pain, grieving