All Chapters of Claimed By My Childhood Alpha : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Three days later, Emma sat in Sophia's immaculate office on the forty-seventh floor of Cross Industries, surrounded by leather-bound books that looked older than the building itself."Pack law," Sophia said, settling gracefully into the chair across from Emma, "is fundamentally different from human law. It's based on tradition, hierarchy, and survival rather than abstract concepts of justice."Abstract concepts of justice, Emma thought, already sensing condescension in Sophia's tone. This is going to be a long lesson."For example," Sophia continued, opening one of the ancient books, "Luna authority is not automatic. It must be earned through demonstration of worthiness, knowledge of precedent, and pack acceptance."Must be earned. Emma kept her expression neutral, but she caught the subtle emphasis."I thought mate bonds established Luna status," Emma said carefully."They establish the potential for Luna status," Sophia correct

Emma stood outside Patricia's downtown apartment building at exactly nine AM, clutching a thermos of coffee and trying not to feel like she was about to take the most important exam of her life.Different teachers, different perspectives, she reminded herself. Patricia won't try to manipulate me into giving up my position.At least, Emma hoped not.The building was older than Adrian's gleaming towers, but elegant in a way that spoke of established wealth rather than flashy success. When Patricia opened her apartment door, Emma was struck again by the pack second's commanding presence."Emma," Patricia said with a slight smile. "Right on time. Come in."Patricia's apartment was a study in understated sophistication, antique furniture mixed with modern art, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and windows that overlooked a private garden. It felt like the home of someone who'd been accumulating knowledge and taste for deca

Emma was reviewing pack member profiles in Adrian's office Thursday morning when Jessica's voice came through the intercom with unusual urgency."Mr. Cross, there's a situation. The Cascade Pack representatives are here for an unscheduled meeting. They seem... agitated."Emma looked up from her notes to see Adrian's expression go immediately alert. "The Cascade Pack? We don't have anything scheduled with them.""No sir," Jessica confirmed. "But they're insisting it's urgent. Something about territorial boundary violations."Territorial boundary violations. Emma felt her stomach clench as she remembered Patricia's warnings about Sophia creating situations where Emma would be forced to fail publicly."Send them to Conference Room A," Adrian said. "We'll be right there."As Adrian stood and straightened his tie, Emma felt panic rising in her chest. "Should I be in this meeting? I don't know anything abo

Emma sat in Patricia's apartment Saturday morning, spreading Sophia's hunting rights materials across the coffee table alongside Patricia's own reference books. The contrast was striking, Sophia's documents were pristine, professionally bound, and intimidatingly comprehensive. Patricia's books were well-worn, with handwritten notes in the margins and sticky tabs marking important sections."Interesting approach," Patricia said, examining one of Sophia's documents. "Very thorough, very formal."Very thorough, very formal. Emma caught the diplomatic tone that suggested Patricia had reservations."Is there something wrong with Sophia's information?" Emma asked."Not wrong, exactly," Patricia said carefully. "But hunting rights aren't just about legal precedents and formal protocols. They're about relationships, trust, and understanding individual pack cultures."Relationships, trust, understanding pack cultures. Emma

Emma stood outside Adrian's downtown apartment Wednesday evening, listening to the voices of forty-three pack members gathering inside and trying to calm her racing heart. This was it, her first formal pack meeting as Luna, called specifically to address concerns about her leadership.What if this was a mistake? Emma wondered. What if giving everyone a platform to voice doubts just makes things worse?Adrian appeared beside her, having finished setting up chairs in the large living room."How are you feeling?" he asked gently."Terrified," Emma admitted. "But also... ready, I think."Ready, I think. Emma wasn't entirely sure, but she was done avoiding difficult conversations."Remember," Adrian said, taking her hand, "you don't have to prove anything to anyone tonight. You just have to be yourself."Just be yourself. Emma squeezed Adrian's hand, drawing strength from their mate bond.